Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Cosumnes River College

A networking certificate from Cosumnes River College comes with estimated debt of $14,699—higher than the national median for these programs—while peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $36,915. That debt load translates to roughly five months of gross income, which sounds manageable until you notice California's own data: the state median for similar networking certificates is just $13,653, less than half the national figure.

This gap matters because you're paying California prices while the local job market for certificate holders appears far weaker than the national average. The single California program with reported data shows earnings matching that low state median, suggesting the national estimate may not reflect Sacramento's reality. If your child's actual outcomes align more with California's typical certificate holders than the national picture, that $14,699 debt becomes nearly thirteen months of earnings—a considerably tighter squeeze.

Before committing, investigate whether this certificate leads to higher-paying specialized IT roles in the Sacramento area or primarily entry-level help desk positions. The wide gap between state and national figures suggests outcomes vary dramatically based on local employer needs and program reputation. If this is meant as a stepping stone to a bachelor's degree, factor that additional cost into your calculation rather than treating the certificate as a terminal credential.