Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Mott Community College

Based on comparable networking programs nationwide, Mott's estimated debt of $15,832 falls well below the national median of $21,874 for this associate's—a meaningful $6,000 difference that immediately improves the math for students. With first-year earnings estimates around $43,000 and the debt-to-earnings ratio holding at 0.37, graduates should be able to manage their loan burden within about a year of full-time work, assuming typical living expenses.

The four-year earnings figure of $46,043 tells an important story: peer programs in this field don't typically produce dramatic salary growth in the early years. That's worth understanding upfront—networking and telecommunications roles often have steadier, more predictable trajectories rather than the explosive growth seen in software development. The stability has value, but families shouldn't count on rapid earnings increases to quickly outpace debt.

The 35% Pell grant rate suggests Mott serves a substantial population that may have limited financial cushion, making that lower-than-typical debt load especially important. If your student is clear about pursuing networking roles and values staying close to Flint, this program offers a practical path into the field without the debt burden that often accompanies similar credentials elsewhere. Just recognize you're working from peer program data—actual outcomes could vary once enough Mott graduates enter the workforce.