Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Glendale Community College

Comparable networking programs nationally suggest starting earnings around $43,300 for this associate's degree, with estimated debt of $15,800—a manageable 0.37 ratio that would require roughly five months of gross pay to clear. That's substantially less debt than the $22,400 median for networking programs in Arizona, which immediately improves the financial equation. However, these figures are estimates drawn from peer programs nationally and at similar community colleges, not actual outcomes for Glendale's specific graduates.

The earnings projection aligns closely with Arizona's median for this field ($40,300), but other state programs show significant variation—DeVry graduates in Arizona earn considerably more while Pima Community College graduates earn less. This spread suggests that program quality, curriculum focus, and local employer relationships matter significantly in networking education. Without actual data on where Glendale's program falls within this range, you're making an investment based on assumption rather than evidence.

The relatively low estimated debt is the program's strongest selling point—if accurate, it means your child could enter the IT workforce without the burden that makes associate's degrees risky. But given the limited graduate data that triggered these estimates, consider talking directly with Glendale's career services about actual placement rates and employer partnerships. The theoretical numbers suggest reasonable value, but real outcomes for this specific program remain unproven.