Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Bellevue College

A debt load of nearly $15,000 for a certificate program that leads to estimated first-year earnings of $36,915 puts graduates in a bind: they'd be dedicating roughly 40% of their first year's salary to debt repayment. For context, the national median debt for similar networking certificates is just $11,588, suggesting Bellevue College students may be borrowing considerably more than peers elsewhere for comparable credentials.

These figures come from similar programs nationally since Bellevue's graduate cohort was too small for the Department of Education to report actual outcomes. What we can say is that if this program tracks with national patterns, graduates would earn about $3,075 monthly before taxes while managing a debt burden that's roughly a third higher than typical. In Washington's tech-heavy job market, that $36,915 salary sits well below what entry-level IT roles often command—many helpdesk positions in the Seattle area start closer to $45,000-$50,000.

The core question is whether this certificate provides enough skill differentiation to justify both the cost and the credential level. Given the estimated debt exceeds the national norm while earnings align with it, parents should verify what specific certifications or skills the program includes and whether local employers recognize Bellevue's certificate as meeting their hiring requirements. Without actual graduate outcomes to confirm value, this investment carries meaningful uncertainty.