Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at College of DuPage

College of DuPage keeps debt remarkably low—at just under $11,000, it's half the state median and well below what most networking programs charge—but the earnings picture requires some context. Based on comparable associate programs nationwide, first-year earnings around $43,000 would put graduates slightly ahead of Illinois peers, though these figures are estimates since the school's actual graduate sample was too small for the DOE to publish.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.25 looks solid on paper, suggesting manageable repayment even at the estimated salary level. However, you're essentially betting on this program performing like its national counterparts rather than having concrete evidence of where College of DuPage graduates actually land. The nearby DeVry outcome ($44,735) offers some reassurance that networking credentials in the Chicago area can hit these targets, though it's worth noting that program also carries significantly more debt.

For families prioritizing cost containment, this is a low-risk financial entry point into IT. The minimal debt means even if starting salaries fall short of the $43,000 estimate, your child won't be drowning in payments. Just recognize you're making this decision with less certainty than you'd have at schools with reported outcomes—the low price tag is essentially your insurance policy against that uncertainty.