Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Holmes Community College

In Mississippi's IT job market, comparable networking programs suggest first-year earnings around $43,000—a solid starting point for an associate's degree, though the state's tech sector offers less upside than coastal markets. What helps here is the estimated debt load of $16,000, yielding a manageable 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio that typically signals graduates can handle their loan payments without financial strain.

The challenge is uncertainty. With no reported outcomes from Mississippi's 13 networking programs, we're relying entirely on national patterns to estimate what Holmes graduates actually earn. The $43,000 figure represents a national median, but IT salaries vary dramatically by geography and specialization. Mississippi's lower cost of living could mean this income stretches further locally, or limited tech infrastructure could mean fewer advancement opportunities than the national data suggests.

For families considering this program, the estimated numbers point to reasonable value—modest debt for career-track credentials in a growing field. But recognize you're betting on national trends applying locally. Before committing, your child should connect with Holmes' career services to understand where recent graduates actually land jobs and at what salaries. The 42% Pell grant rate suggests Holmes serves many students seeking affordable pathways, which aligns with the modest debt estimate, but without school-specific outcomes, you're investing based on possibility rather than proven track record.