Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at North Dakota State College of Science

In North Dakota's small market for networking programs, peer data nationwide suggests this associate's degree produces graduates earning around $43,000 in their first year—right at the national median for this field. That's solid entry-level positioning for a two-year technical credential, putting graduates on track to support themselves while gaining the hands-on experience this industry values.

The estimated $15,800 in debt sits notably below both the state median ($19,100) and national median ($21,900) for similar programs, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37. Comparable programs typically show this debt load manageable on a networking technician's salary, allowing graduates to pay down loans within a few years while building their careers. The lower Pell enrollment (17%) may reflect North Dakota's strong economy and scholarship availability rather than accessibility concerns.

The challenge here is that all these figures come from peer institutions—we simply don't know how NDSCS's specific program performs compared to similar offerings at other technical colleges. Given the school's focus on applied technical education in a state with relatively low living costs, the estimated outcomes align with reasonable expectations. For families comfortable with this uncertainty, the combination of moderate debt and mid-market earnings suggests a practical path into IT infrastructure work, but you're essentially betting on NDSCS delivering results similar to its national peers.