Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Miller-Motte College-Chattanooga

Peer programs in networking and telecommunications typically produce first-year earnings around $43,000, which puts this program right at the national median—but the estimated $32,882 in debt is nearly 50% higher than what most similar programs carry. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.76 means graduates would be paying back roughly three-quarters of their first-year salary, a heavier burden than the field typically demands. With 85% of students receiving Pell grants, that extra debt weight matters considerably for families already stretching to make college work.

The four-year earnings figure of $45,111 shows modest growth but doesn't dramatically change the financial picture. Tennessee's networking programs generally show lower earnings than the national average (around $35,700 versus $43,000), so if this program follows state trends rather than national ones, the debt burden becomes even less manageable. The limited data available—just four programs statewide—makes it hard to pinpoint where Miller-Motte falls within the local landscape.

For a parent weighing this investment, the core question is whether $33,000 in debt makes sense for a field where associate degree holders typically start in the low-to-mid $40,000s. That's not an impossible debt load, but it's steeper than necessary. Before committing, get specific graduate outcomes from the school itself and compare total program costs against community colleges offering similar credentials at lower price points.