Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Dalton State College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.4 typically signals reasonable value for a certificate program, but the estimates here tell only part of the story. Based on national peer programs, first-year earnings around $37,000 and debt near $15,000 suggest this credential could work financially—graduates would owe roughly five months' salary, manageable if those earnings hold. The catch is that with half of Dalton State students receiving Pell grants, many families here are already stretching financially, and even moderate debt matters more when there's little cushion.

The bigger question is whether a certificate alone opens enough doors in Georgia's IT market. Networking roles increasingly demand either multiple certifications or bachelor's degrees, and peer programs nationally show wide variation in outcomes—the fact that data from similar programs ranges significantly suggests that employer recognition and local job markets matter enormously. Dalton isn't metro Atlanta, where tech hiring is robust, so graduates may need to relocate or use this as a stepping stone toward further credentials.

If your student can complete this with minimal borrowing—ideally well under the estimated $15,000—it's defensible as an entry point into IT work. Beyond that debt level, or without a clear job prospect in the region, the risk starts outweighing the potential return for a certificate that may not carry much weight on its own.