Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Lincoln Land Community College

Lincoln Land's networking program appears positioned near the middle of the pack for Illinois—peer programs in the state typically produce first-year earnings around $39,713, while similar programs nationally hit $43,276. At an estimated $15,832 in debt, this tracks below both state and national medians ($17,499 and $21,874 respectively), suggesting relatively affordable access to a technical credential. The 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio means students would owe roughly four and a half months of first-year salary, manageable by community college standards.

The challenge is that networking associate degrees show compressed earning potential even at the top end—DeVry's Illinois program, the state's highest earner in this field, produces first-year salaries of $44,735, just $1,500 above the national median. For a technical field, that's a narrow range between average and excellent outcomes. Based on comparable programs, graduates here would likely start in help desk roles or junior network positions where experience matters more than the credential itself for salary growth.

For families considering this path: the debt load appears reasonable, but understand you're buying entry to a field where the associate degree gets you in the door more than it determines your ceiling. The real investment will be building certifications and experience after graduation. If your student is self-motivated about continuing technical education, this provides an affordable starting point.