Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Marshalltown Community College

A $15,800 debt burden for an associate's that could generate $41,000 in first-year earnings suggests solid financial footing, though these figures come from peer programs rather than Marshalltown's specific outcomes. Similar networking programs across Iowa cluster tightly around this $41,000 mark, with actual reported outcomes from schools like Indian Hills and Hawkeye falling right in this range. The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.38 means your child would owe roughly five months of their first-year salary—manageable compared to many technical programs that leave graduates owing closer to half their annual income.

The challenge is that we're working with limited visibility. Iowa has only ten schools offering this program, and Marshallworth's small graduate cohort means the Department of Education can't publish their specific outcomes. The estimated $41,000 salary sits about $2,000 below the national median for networking programs, though this gap is modest enough to reflect Iowa's cost of living advantage rather than program quality concerns. What matters more is whether your child can actually secure one of these networking positions, which often require certifications beyond the degree itself.

Given the reasonable debt load and market-typical earnings estimates, this program appears financially viable—but confirm what job placement support and industry certifications Marshalltown includes, since those practical elements will matter more than the degree alone in landing that first IT role.