Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at College of Eastern Idaho

A debt load of roughly $15,000 for a networking certificate that leads to first-year earnings around $37,000 creates a manageable but not generous financial situation. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 suggests you'd be paying back less than half a year's salary, which is workable—but these figures come from national peers rather than College of Eastern Idaho specifically, so there's inherent uncertainty in projecting your child's actual outcome.

The broader national picture for networking certificates shows consistent earnings around $37,000 across programs, with top performers reaching only slightly higher at $38,600. This tight range suggests the credential itself has fairly predictable value in the job market, regardless of where it's earned. However, it also means limited upside: this is an entry-level technical credential that gets you in the door but doesn't command premium pay. For a student who needs to start working quickly in tech support or network administration roles, that reliability has value.

The real question is opportunity cost. With only four schools in Idaho offering this program and none reporting public outcomes, you're choosing based on limited information. If your child can complete the program quickly and start earning within a year, the math works. But if there are delays, additional costs, or if local IT employers don't recognize the credential, that $15,000 investment becomes harder to justify. Talk directly with the school about job placement rates and which local employers hire their graduates.