Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Johnson County Community College

A $15,000 investment for a certificate that points toward $37,000 in first-year earnings—based on what similar networking programs produce nationally—suggests a reasonable technical pathway, though the debt load is heavier than you'd ideally want for a sub-baccalaureate credential. The 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming, but it means graduates would be devoting substantial income to loan repayment in those early years when establishing financial footing matters most.

Kansas networking programs cluster around $35,000 in starting earnings, so this certificate would likely position graduates near the state median rather than ahead of it. The estimated debt of nearly $15,000 also sits below the state's typical $18,000, which offers some relative advantage. Still, for a credential designed to get students into the workforce quickly, that debt level means loan payments will take a noticeable bite from early paychecks—roughly equivalent to 40% of first-year earnings before any repayment even begins.

The calculation here is straightforward: if your child needs a faster route into IT work than a four-year degree provides, this certificate could work, but only if they're committed to the networking specialty and understand they'll be managing meaningful debt on entry-level technical wages. If financial flexibility matters or they're uncertain about the field, starting with individual courses or certifications might test the waters without the same debt commitment.