Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Dallas College

Dallas College's networking program charges manageable tuition—just $13,164 in typical debt—but the earnings trajectory tells a more complicated story. Starting at $41K might seem modest, but this outpaces the state median for similar programs by about $3,500, placing it solidly in the 60th percentile among Texas schools. The real appeal shows up in year four, when earnings jump to $57K, a 41% increase that suggests graduates gain valuable experience and move into better positions relatively quickly.

The debt picture makes this accessible even for students without family financial support. At 32 cents of debt for every dollar earned in year one, graduates can realistically pay down loans while building their careers. This compares favorably to both the national and state median debt of nearly $22K for this program. However, the small sample size here matters—we're looking at fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outliers could be skewing these numbers in either direction.

For a Texas family weighing community college options, Dallas College appears competitive but not exceptional. Austin Community College produces higher earners at $47K, though likely with similar low debt loads typical of Texas community colleges. The program works best for students who can handle starting salaries in the low $40s and are willing to invest time building experience in the field. The growth curve suggests patience pays off.