Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Front Range Community College

Front Range Community College's networking certificate stands out dramatically in a crowded field. While the typical graduate from this type of program nationally earns $36,915, Front Range students command $52,583—beating 95% of comparable programs nationwide. That's even more impressive in Colorado context: this program outearns every other networking certificate in the state, including those charging similar tuition.

The $18,875 debt load is higher than you'd expect for a community college certificate (most programs carry around $11,000), but the math still works heavily in students' favor. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.36, graduates could theoretically pay off this credential in less than five months if they devoted their entire first-year salary to it. More realistically, they're earning $42% more than the national median while carrying just 63% more debt—a trade most families would accept.

What explains these exceptional outcomes? This certificate likely feeds directly into Colorado's robust tech sector, where even entry-level networking roles command premium wages. The real risk here is the moderate sample size, which means outcomes could vary more than at larger programs. But for students certain about a networking career, this program delivers immediate earning power that most bachelor's degrees can't match in year one.