Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at CBT Technology Institute-Main Campus

CBT Technology Institute's networking program sits in an unusual position: it underperforms the national median by about $5,600 at the one-year mark, yet lands right at Florida's median. That gap reveals how competitive Florida's tech education market has become—what ranks in the 60th percentile statewide only reaches the 28th percentile nationally.

The $26,096 debt load sits below the national median but actually comes in lower than Florida's typical debt for this credential. Combined with first-year earnings of $37,680, the 0.69 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates are borrowing about eight months of income—manageable territory. The 16% earnings growth to $43,610 by year four helps close that initial gap with national averages, though graduates still trail programs like DeVry Florida and Herzing Orlando by several thousand dollars annually.

One important caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual circumstances heavily influence these numbers. The 100% Pell Grant rate indicates this program serves predominantly low-income students who might otherwise lack access to tech training. For families prioritizing immediate employment and debt management over maximizing long-term earnings, CBT delivers a functional pathway into networking careers. However, students with geographic flexibility should compare carefully against Florida's higher-performing options, where the earnings difference could amount to $50,000+ over a decade.