Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Fox Valley Technical College

Fox Valley Technical College's networking program shows promising earnings growth but starts graduates well behind their Wisconsin peers. While first-year earnings of $38,000 lag the state median by nearly $6,000, the trajectory improves significantly—earnings jump 33% to over $50,000 by year four. That's a meaningful climb, though even at that level graduates still trail programs like Madison Area Technical College, where alumni earn $65,000 right out of the gate.

The modest $11,500 debt load is this program's strongest selling point, coming in at roughly half what most Wisconsin networking students carry. This creates breathing room that higher-earning programs don't always provide. Combined with steady earnings growth, the financial picture becomes increasingly manageable over time rather than immediately impressive.

The catch is sample size—fewer than 30 recent graduates means these numbers could shift dramatically year to year. For a family prioritizing low debt and proven earnings growth over top-tier starting salaries, this works. But if your student needs strong immediate income or you're comparing multiple Wisconsin options, programs at Madison Area or Chippewa Valley Technical Colleges deliver considerably higher returns from day one.