Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Davidson-Davie Community College

The limited data here makes it difficult to assess this specific program with confidence. Based on comparable networking certificate programs nationally, graduates typically earn around $37,000 in their first year—roughly $1,000 below what similar programs in North Carolina report. That state difference isn't huge, but in a field where technical certifications matter more than where you earned them, it raises questions about whether this program keeps pace with employer demands in the region.

The estimated debt of nearly $15,000 is notably higher than both the state median ($9,500) and national median ($11,588) for these programs. That's a meaningful gap when you're earning entry-level IT support wages. At a 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio, you're looking at manageable but not trivial repayment for a credential that many employers view as a stepping stone rather than a destination. The real value depends on whether this certificate leads to industry certifications (CompTIA, Cisco) that actually move the needle on salaries.

Without actual outcomes data for Davidson-Davie's program, you're essentially betting on averages. If your child can complete this quickly, minimize borrowing, and stack it with recognized vendor certifications, it could work as a low-cost entry point. But paying above-average debt for below-average estimated earnings in a state with cheaper options warrants scrutiny of exactly what this program delivers beyond the credential itself.