Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at North Central Texas College

In Texas, networking certificate programs typically place graduates around $49,000 in first-year earnings—well above the national median of $36,915 for this credential. North Central Texas College's program appears positioned in line with stronger Texas programs like Austin Community College, though parents should understand these figures come from similar programs across the state rather than tracked outcomes from NCTC itself.

The estimated debt load of roughly $14,700 creates a manageable 0.30 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe about three months' salary. This is reasonable for a certificate program, especially one that appears to connect to Texas's robust tech job market. For context, the national median debt for networking certificates sits at $11,588, so this estimate runs slightly higher but not dramatically so. The program's relatively low Pell grant enrollment (20%) might indicate either selective admissions or limited access for lower-income students.

The practical question is whether this certificate opens doors quickly enough to justify the investment. Texas clearly offers stronger outcomes than most states for networking credentials, but without NCTC's actual graduate data, you're betting on the regional job market more than any proven track record from this specific program. If your student has other competitive options with reported outcomes in the $49,000-50,000 range—like Dallas College down the road—those might offer more certainty about where graduates actually land.