Analysis
Crowder College's networking program appears to offer a manageable financial proposition based on what we see from similar associate's degree programs across the country. Graduates of comparable networking programs typically earn around $43,000 in their first year—squarely in line with the national median for this field—while carrying an estimated $15,832 in debt. That 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests borrowers would owe less than 40% of their first-year salary, which is generally considered reasonable for a two-year technical credential.
The estimated debt figure is notably lower than the national median of nearly $22,000 for networking programs, and it tracks closely with Missouri's state median of $14,323. This suggests Crowder may keep costs in check compared to peer institutions. First-year earnings from similar programs in Missouri hover around $42,826, and top-performing programs like Ozarks Technical see graduates earning in the low-to-mid $40,000s—suggesting this field offers relatively consistent early-career outcomes regardless of which community college students attend.
The lack of school-specific data makes it impossible to know whether Crowder's actual outcomes match these peer-program estimates. However, if the numbers hold, this represents a practical pathway into IT support roles without accumulating significant debt. For families seeking affordable technical training with immediate workforce applications, this profile suggests solid value—just recognize you're making this decision based on comparable programs rather than Crowder's actual track record.
Where Crowder College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer systems networking and telecommunications associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications associates's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (12 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $6,180 | $43,276* | — | $15,832* | — | |
| $4,184 | $44,381* | $46,942 | $17,101* | 0.39 | |
| $7,830 | $41,270* | $43,139 | $11,545* | 0.28 | |
| National Median | — | $43,276* | — | $21,874* | 0.51 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Computer Systems Analysts
Health Informatics Specialists
Computer Programmers
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
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 Crowder College, 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 67 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.