Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Kean University

Kean University's Computer Systems Networking program starts graduates at $51,540—about $9,000 below the national median and $4,500 below New Jersey's typical outcome for this degree. That's a significant gap in a field where technical skills usually command premium salaries straight out of college. The program sits at just the 17th percentile nationally, though it performs closer to the middle when compared only to the three New Jersey schools offering this degree. With earnings barely budging over four years (just 3% growth to $52,982), graduates aren't catching up to their peers who started ahead.

The debt load of $26,570 is actually manageable—lower than both the national and state medians—which creates a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.52. That means graduates should be able to handle their monthly payments without undue hardship. However, the relatively modest starting salary means less room in the budget for other financial goals during those critical early-career years when compound interest matters most.

For families considering this program, the core issue isn't unmanageable debt but rather opportunity cost. DeVry's nearby program produces graduates earning $9,000 more annually right out of the gate. Over a career, that earnings gap compounds significantly. If your student is set on Kean for other reasons—location, campus culture, or broader university offerings—the debt burden won't sink them. But purely as an investment in networking credentials, stronger options exist even within New Jersey.