Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at DePaul University

DePaul's networking program sits squarely in the middle of Illinois options—exactly matching the state's median starting salary at $61,482—but distinguishes itself through manageable debt. While graduates trail Illinois State by about $5,000 initially, they're borrowing $11,600 less than the typical Illinois networking student ($24,750 versus $36,382 statewide). That debt advantage matters: your child would enter the workforce with a debt load representing just 40% of their first year's salary, a comfortable position that leaves room for other financial goals.

The trajectory here is encouraging. Earnings jump 34% to $82,387 by year four, pulling ahead of most peers nationally (69th percentile). This isn't just about DePaul's downtown Chicago location providing tech opportunities—though that certainly helps—it's also about networking professionals gaining value as they build expertise. The moderate sample size suggests this isn't a flagship program, but the outcomes are consistent and solid.

For families weighing cost against opportunity, DePaul delivers a workable compromise. You're not getting Illinois State's slightly higher starting salary, but you're also not taking on the crushing debt loads common at other Illinois schools. In Chicago's strong tech market, a networking degree with reasonable debt positions graduates to actually benefit from their salary growth rather than watching it disappear into loan payments.