Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Metropolitan Community College Area
Associate's Degree
mccneb.eduAnalysis
Nebraska's IT job market offers opportunities, but the complete lack of reported outcomes data for network administration programs across the state—including this one—makes it difficult to assess whether Metropolitan Community College's approach is working. Based on typical programs nationally, graduates might expect around $43,000 in first-year earnings with roughly $16,000 in debt, a manageable 0.37 ratio that suggests the program could pay for itself within a year if those estimates hold true.
However, there's a practical concern: the estimated debt here is notably lower than the national median of nearly $22,000 for similar programs, which could mean either efficient completion or that the actual costs differ from the estimate. Meanwhile, the earnings figure comes from a broad national average that may not reflect Omaha's specific IT market, where demand for network technicians and system administrators varies considerably from coastal tech hubs.
The reality is that without actual graduate outcomes from Metropolitan Community College or any comparable Nebraska programs, you're essentially betting on whether this school's approach to network training aligns with local employer needs. If your child is certain about this career path, consider whether they can connect with recent graduates or local IT employers before committing. The financial fundamentals look reasonable based on peer programs, but you'd want stronger evidence that this specific program delivers those results in Nebraska's market.
Where Metropolitan Community College Area Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer systems networking and telecommunications associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications associates's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $3,285 | $43,276* | — | $15,832* | — | |
| $4,780 | $65,324* | — | —* | — | |
| $5,520 | $53,145* | — | —* | — | |
| $4,740 | $52,244* | $60,353 | $19,438* | 0.37 | |
| $6,213 | $49,706* | $43,736 | —* | — | |
| $18,678 | $47,463* | — | $21,442* | 0.45 | |
| National Median | — | $43,276* | — | $21,874* | 0.51 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Computer Systems Analysts
Health Informatics Specialists
Computer Programmers
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Metropolitan Community College Area, approximately 20% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 67 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.