Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Herzing University-Minneapolis

Herzing's networking program carries higher debt than Minnesota students typically face—$30,649 versus the state median of just $19,000—while delivering earnings that land in the bottom half statewide. First-year graduates earn $43,901, which trails the state median by about $1,700 and falls well short of what students achieve at Alexandria Technical ($49,706) or Dunwoody ($47,217). The national comparison looks better—61st percentile—but that's misleading context for a Minnesota family paying Minnesota prices.

The debt load becomes more manageable as earnings grow to nearly $50,000 by year four, bringing the debt-to-earnings ratio down to reasonable territory. Still, parents should recognize that several Minnesota alternatives deliver stronger starting salaries with substantially less borrowing. Alexandria Technical, for instance, launches graduates into careers earning $6,000 more annually while students take on far less debt.

For families weighing this program, the core question is whether Herzing's accessibility (94% admission rate) and support for lower-income students (52% receive Pell grants) justifies the higher cost. The program works—graduates find jobs and see steady earnings growth—but more affordable Minnesota public colleges offer better financial outcomes from day one.