Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at CyberTex Institute of Technology

CyberTex graduates earn significantly less than what you'd expect in the Texas tech market. At $33,477 in the first year, they're making 32% below the state median for this program—placing them in just the 10th percentile among Texas networking programs. That's particularly troubling in Austin, a city known for strong tech wages. Nearby Austin Community College's networking graduates start at $49,424, nearly $16,000 more. The relatively low debt of $7,917 softens this blow, but it doesn't change the fundamental problem: these graduates are entering an in-demand field with below-market credentials.

The positive spin is that earnings climb 29% to reach $43,100 by year four, suggesting employers eventually recognize the skills developed here. But that's still playing catch-up—even after four years, graduates remain below where typical Texas networking certificate holders start. Given that 77% of students receive Pell grants, many families here are counting on immediate earning power that this program doesn't deliver.

For Texas families, this is a hard sell. Your child could attend Austin Community College or Dallas College and start their career earning $15,000-$17,000 more annually with similar debt loads. Unless CyberTex offers something uniquely valuable that justifies the earnings gap—specialized training, flexible scheduling, or exceptional job placement support—the community college route provides better immediate returns in the same city.