Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Berkeley College-Woodland Park

What raises concern here is that the estimated debt load—$32,882 based on comparable programs at Berkeley College—runs considerably higher than both the national median for networking programs ($21,874) and New Jersey's typical debt for this credential ($25,305). That means you're potentially looking at nearly $11,000 more in loans than peer programs nationally, while estimated first-year earnings of $43,276 track right at the national median but above what most New Jersey graduates in this field actually earn ($37,760).

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76 translates to roughly nine months of gross income to cover the debt, which is manageable on paper. But here's the rub: with 60% of Berkeley College students receiving Pell grants, many families are counting on this credential to deliver clear economic mobility. The higher debt burden compared to similar programs means those families will be carrying extra financial weight into their child's early career years, even if job prospects in networking are solid. DeVry's New Jersey campus shows similar earnings can come with comparable debt levels, suggesting Berkeley's cost structure may be steeper than necessary.

Before committing, get actual placement rates and starting salary ranges from Berkeley's career services for this specific program. The estimates suggest a workable outcome, but the debt premium demands concrete evidence that graduates are landing jobs that justify the cost.