Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Bismarck State College

A $19,101 debt load for this networking associate's degree sits below the national median for similar programs, and with estimated first-year earnings around $43,000 based on comparable programs nationwide, the math works reasonably well—you'd be looking at less than half a year's salary in debt. That's a manageable foundation for a field where hands-on certification often matters as much as the degree itself.

The challenge is that all three North Dakota schools offering this program lack reported earnings data, meaning we're relying entirely on national patterns rather than local outcomes. This matters because IT networking salaries can vary significantly by region, and North Dakota's tech job market may not mirror national trends. The estimated earnings put graduates squarely in the middle of what these programs typically produce nationwide, but whether Bismarck State's specific curriculum and employer connections deliver on that benchmark is unknown.

For a two-year technical degree, the debt burden is reasonable enough that even if actual outcomes fall somewhat short of estimates, you're not facing catastrophic repayment. But given the uncertainty, your child should treat vendor certifications (Cisco, CompTIA) as essential complements to the degree—these credentials often drive hiring decisions in networking more than the diploma itself.