Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Indiana Institute of Technology

At $27,000 in estimated debt against first-year earnings around $60,540 based on national benchmarks for networking programs, this represents a manageable 0.45 debt-to-earnings ratio. Similar bachelor's programs in computer networking typically produce starting salaries in this $60,000 range—solid for a tech-adjacent field, though not quite matching the $80,000+ figures common in software development roles. With only two schools offering this degree in Indiana and limited reported outcomes data across the country, it's a relatively specialized credential that serves students aiming for network administration, cybersecurity, or infrastructure management rather than programming careers.

The debt load sits at what peer networking programs typically carry nationally, which should be serviceable on a $60,000 salary—monthly loan payments would consume roughly 6-7% of gross income under standard repayment. However, the 34% Pell grant rate suggests many students here are taking on this debt without family safety nets, making that payoff timeline more critical. The moderate 57% admission rate indicates Indiana Tech isn't hyper-selective, so students should ensure they're genuinely interested in hands-on network infrastructure work rather than pursuing this as a general "tech degree."

The practical question: can your student see themselves configuring routers, managing servers, and troubleshooting network issues as a career? If yes, these estimated economics work. If they're unsure about the technical specifics or really want to code, programs with stronger software development focus might offer clearer pathways to higher starting salaries.