Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Dallas College

Dallas College's networking certificate crushes the national competition—graduates earn $50,493 their first year, landing them in the 95th percentile nationally and about 37% above the typical graduate from similar programs. That's the good news. The Texas context tells a more nuanced story: at the 60th percentile statewide, this program performs solidly but not exceptionally compared to other Texas networking certificates, which generally offer stronger earnings than the national pool. The debt load of $13,669 translates to just 3.3 months of earnings, a remarkably manageable figure that matches the state median.

The modest 2% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates enter at competitive salaries but shouldn't expect dramatic increases without additional credentials or career pivots. Still, the fundamentals are strong: starting at over $50,000 with minimal debt creates immediate financial stability. For Texas residents, this represents a practical path into IT infrastructure roles without the time and cost investment of a bachelor's degree.

The bottom line: This certificate offers exceptional value compared to networking programs nationally, though Texas families should know it's a middle-of-the-pack performer within their state. The low debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can manage payments comfortably while building experience—a solid foundation for an IT career, even if it's not the absolute top option in Texas.