Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Iowa Central Community College

Iowa Central Community College's networking program stands out for what happens after that initial $43,253 salary. While graduates start right at the national median, their earnings jump 69% to $73,130 by year four—an unusually strong trajectory for an associate degree program. Among Iowa's ten networking programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, outperforming better-known options like Indian Hills and Hawkeye.

The $25,375 in median debt sits above both state and national averages, but the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.59 means graduates owe roughly seven months of their starting salary. More importantly, by year four, that debt becomes a much smaller fraction of their income. This pattern suggests graduates are finding paths into higher-paying IT roles—whether through additional certifications, experience, or employer-specific training.

For parents weighing community college options in Iowa, this program offers a clear value proposition: slightly higher upfront debt in exchange for notably stronger mid-term earning potential. The sharp earnings growth indicates graduates aren't stuck in entry-level help desk roles. Just understand you're betting on your child's ability to leverage that initial experience into better opportunities within a few years.