Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Lincoln Technical Institute-Allentown

Lincoln Technical Institute's networking program occupies an interesting middle ground in Pennsylvania's landscape. While it lands below the national median for associate-level networking programs, it actually outperforms the state median—placing in the 60th percentile among PA schools. That matters because most students at this institution are likely staying local: with 64% receiving Pell grants, in-state options carry extra weight.

The concern here isn't the debt load, which at $17,017 is actually lower than the national median. It's the earnings trajectory. Starting at $37,883 isn't far behind comparable PA programs like Lehigh Carbon Community College, but graduates see their income slip by year four rather than grow. In IT fields, you'd typically expect earnings to climb as professionals gain experience and certifications—the reversal here suggests some graduates may be pivoting away from networking roles or struggling to advance.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift significantly with more data. For families weighing this program, the modest debt is manageable, but the stagnant career progression is worth investigating. Are graduates staying in the field? What kind of employer relationships does the program maintain? For a family where keeping costs low is paramount, this beats many alternatives. For one banking on strong income growth in tech, the pattern here doesn't match expectations.