Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at National American University-Rapid City

Networking programs across the country typically generate first-year earnings around $60,540, which would put National American University-Rapid City's program on par with national outcomes—but the estimated debt of $48,014 is nearly double what networking graduates at other schools typically carry. That debt burden, roughly 80% of first-year income, could translate to monthly payments around $500, consuming a significant portion of a networking professional's early-career paycheck.

The earnings picture itself isn't alarming for an IT field with decent job prospects in South Dakota's small but growing tech sector. Similar programs nationally produce graduates who can reasonably handle their debt within a standard 10-year repayment period. The concern is whether this specific program delivers enough value to justify debt that's $21,000 higher than the national median for the same credential. With over half of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are already stretching financially.

Without actual graduate outcomes from this campus, you're essentially betting that National American's program performs like the average networking bachelor's degree while taking on debt levels that exceed most competitors. If your student has options at South Dakota's public universities or can reduce the debt load through scholarships or transfers, those paths deserve serious consideration before committing to nearly $50,000 in loans for a degree that typically costs half that much elsewhere.