Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Lake Washington Institute of Technology

Four years out, this program shows graduates earning $64,726—a strong trajectory that suggests the field's demand in the Seattle tech corridor. However, the first-year figures rely on national benchmarks since Lake Washington Institute's graduate cohort was too small to report. Peer programs typically produce starting earnings around $43,276, which would translate to a debt burden of roughly 37% of first-year income based on estimated borrowing of $15,832.

That debt estimate actually comes in below what similar programs in Washington typically carry ($10,759 versus the national median of $21,874), which matters when entering a field where certifications and ongoing training can require additional investment. The four-year earnings jump—nearly $21,000—indicates that experience and skill development significantly boost compensation in network administration roles, particularly in a metro area where tech employers compete for talent.

The caution here is that we're working largely from comparable programs rather than this school's actual track record. If Lake Washington's program delivers outcomes similar to its state peers, the financial picture looks reasonable: modest debt against solid mid-career earnings in a field with clear growth potential. But without confirmed data from this specific cohort, you're betting on the program matching what others achieve rather than evaluating its proven results.