Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Highline College

When comparable programs nationally produce first-year earnings around $43,000, an estimated debt load of $15,832 positions this program below the national median but above the Washington state median for networking programs. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 suggests graduates could realistically pay off loans within a few years if they secure typical entry-level networking positions—a manageable burden for an associate's degree in a technical field.

The challenge is uncertainty. With no reported outcomes for Highline specifically, you're betting that their graduates will match the national pattern rather than fall short. Washington's networking programs show considerable variation, with state median debt at just $10,759—suggesting some schools prepare students for similar jobs at lower cost. South Puget Sound Community College reports earnings nearly identical to the national benchmark, indicating the $43,000 figure is achievable in the region, but without Highline's actual data, there's no way to confirm their graduates hit that mark.

The program could work if your child is committed to networking as a career and Highline offers specific advantages—location, scheduling, or industry connections that matter for your family. But recognize you're making this decision with estimated figures drawn from peer institutions, not evidence of how Highline's own students fare in the job market.