Location: Visalia, CA•In-State Tuition: $1,394•Out-of-State Tuition: $8,338
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$36,915
Est. from national median (25 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$14,699
Est. from national median (6 programs)

Analysis

California's networking certificate programs show unusually wide variation in outcomes, with the statewide median at just $13,653—far below what comparable programs produce nationally. College of the Sequoias falls into a different category: based on national peer programs, graduates here might expect around $36,915 in first-year earnings, which would put them more than 2.5 times above the state median. That's a significant gap that suggests vastly different program types or career pathways across California's community colleges and technical schools.

The estimated $14,699 in debt—derived from similar programs at this school type—creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40, which is manageable if the earnings estimate holds. However, the fact that both numbers are estimates rather than actual reported outcomes for this specific program introduces real uncertainty. You're essentially betting that College of the Sequoias' networking certificate performs more like strong national programs than like California's typical outcomes, which are notably weak.

For families weighing this investment, the key question is whether this certificate leads to IT jobs paying close to $37,000, or whether graduates face California's tougher reality of $13,000-range outcomes. Given the financial aid demographics here (35% Pell), many students need that first scenario to make the debt pencil out. Contact the school directly about actual job placement rates and starting salaries for recent certificate completers before committing.

Where College of the Sequoias Stands

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

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

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

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications certificate's programs at peer institutions in California (66 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
College of the SequoiasVisalia$1,394$36,915*—$14,699*—
Associated Technical College-Los AngelesLos Angeles—$13,653*$21,594$9,500*0.70
National Median—$36,915*—$11,588*0.31
* 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 the Sequoias, approximately 35% 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.