Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Kilgore College

Is this networking certificate worth the investment when the data relies entirely on what similar Texas programs produce? Based on peer programs across the state, graduates typically earn around $49,400 in their first year—about $12,500 more than the national benchmark for this credential. That's a meaningful premium, suggesting Texas's tech economy rewards these skills better than most states. The estimated debt of roughly $14,700 creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30, which means graduates would owe about a third of their first-year salary—manageable territory for a credential that gets people into the workforce quickly.

The challenge here is uncertainty. With no actual outcome data from Kilgore specifically, you're betting that this program performs like Austin Community College or Dallas College (both around $49-50K) rather than outliers like CyberTex ($33K). The state average suggests most Texas networking programs cluster in that higher range, but individual program quality, industry connections, and curriculum focus can create wide variations. For a relatively modest debt load, the downside risk appears limited—even at the lower end of Texas outcomes, debt would likely remain serviceable.

If your student needs a fast entry into IT and can verify that Kilgore's program includes current certifications (Cisco, CompTIA) and employer connections, the estimated numbers suggest a solid foundation. Just recognize you're making this decision without seeing this specific program's actual graduate outcomes.