Location: Glen Ellyn, IL•In-State Tuition: $4,320•Out-of-State Tuition: $12,510
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$36,915
Est. from national median (25 programs)
Median Debt
$6,680
42% below national median

Analysis

A debt load of just $6,680 positions this College of DuPage certificate among the most affordable networking programs in Illinois—sitting at the 95th percentile nationally for low debt. That's roughly half what students typically borrow for similar credentials across the country. For a short-term credential that can stack toward additional degrees, this manageable cost structure matters.

The earnings picture requires more caution. Based on comparable networking certificate programs nationally, first-year earnings hover around $36,900. That translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.18, meaning graduates would need roughly two months of gross income to clear their debt—a comfortable margin by most standards. However, this estimate comes from a small national sample of similar programs rather than College of DuPage's actual graduate outcomes, so local market conditions and this program's specific curriculum and employer connections remain unknown factors.

The core question is whether this certificate provides sufficient entry-level networking skills to justify even this modest investment, or whether students need additional credentials to reach competitive salaries in the Chicago tech market. With 33 Illinois schools offering similar programs but no reported outcomes data available for comparison, prospective students should investigate what specific certifications this program prepares them for (CompTIA, Cisco, etc.) and whether local employers hire certificate-holders or primarily seek associate and bachelor's degree candidates.

Where College of DuPage Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer systems networking and telecommunications certificate's programs nationally

College of DuPage (estimated ±10%)Other computer systems networking and telecommunications programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications certificate's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
College of DuPageGlen Ellyn$4,320$36,915*—$6,680—
Front Range Community CollegeWestminster$4,740$52,583*—$18,8750.36
Dallas CollegeDallas$2,370$50,493*$51,346$13,6690.27
Austin Community College DistrictAustin$2,550$49,424*—$15,7290.32
P C Age-Jersey CityJersey City—$39,380*$49,524$13,0000.33
PC AGE-MetroparkIselin—$39,380*$49,524$13,0000.33
National Median—$36,915*—$11,5880.31
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Network Architects

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Systems Analysts

Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.

$103,790/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Health Informatics Specialists

Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system.

$103,790/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At College of DuPage, approximately 20% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 25 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.