Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Clark State College

Computer networking graduates from similar Ohio programs typically earn around $44,735 in their first year, placing this field solidly in the middle of the pack nationally. What matters more here is the debt picture: Clark State's estimated $15,832 is substantially lower than both the state median ($30,649) and national median ($21,874) for this credential. That's a meaningful advantage when you're starting a career that doesn't command premium wages right out of the gate.

The 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests manageable loan payments—roughly $180 monthly on a standard 10-year plan, which should consume less than 5% of gross income. Based on peer programs in Ohio, graduates are entering a stable IT support field where first-year earnings cluster tightly between $43,900 and $45,800 across different schools, indicating consistent entry-level compensation regardless of which community college you attend.

The practical takeaway: if your child is set on networking as a career path, Clark State appears positioned to deliver comparable training at a lower borrowing cost than many alternatives. The field itself offers steady employment but modest starting pay, so keeping debt low—as this program seems to do—becomes the key variable in making the investment work. Just remember these figures are drawn from similar programs, not this specific cohort, so verify current costs and placement support directly with the school.