Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Milwaukee Area Technical College

Milwaukee Area Technical College's computer networking program sits in an unusual spot: while its graduates earn exactly the national median, they lag behind most Wisconsin competitors. First-year earnings of $43,276 trail the state median by about $600, but more notably, they're nearly $22,000 below what Madison Area Technical College grads make and around $4,000 less than Western Tech or Chippewa Valley grads achieve.

The debt picture at $22,944 is reasonable—roughly in line with what both state and national peers charge—but paired with below-state-average earnings, graduates face a tighter squeeze than they might at other Wisconsin technical colleges. The 14% earnings bump to $49,344 by year four suggests decent career progression, though you're still starting from a lower baseline than nearby alternatives offer.

The small sample size here matters. With fewer than 30 graduates in this cohort, these numbers could swing considerably year to year. If your child is set on staying in Milwaukee specifically, this program provides affordable entry into IT networking. But if they're willing to consider Madison or western Wisconsin schools, those programs deliver materially stronger earning potential right out of the gate—a significant advantage when you're paying down loans and trying to gain financial independence.