Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Northcentral Technical College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 sounds reasonable at first glance, but the reality for this short-term credential is less encouraging. Peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $37,000—a respectable entry point for IT support roles—but that comes alongside an estimated $14,700 in debt, which sits notably above the national median of $11,600 for similar certificates. For a credential designed to get students working quickly, carrying debt equivalent to 40% of your first paycheck isn't ideal, especially when these positions often don't require formal education at all.

The challenge with networking certificates is that they're competing against self-taught candidates and certification programs (like CompTIA or Cisco) that cost a fraction of this debt load. While Northcentral's hands-on training likely provides structure and equipment access that home study can't match, families need to weigh whether that's worth the premium. The estimated earnings don't suggest graduates are commanding significantly higher salaries than what entry-level help desk or network support roles typically pay in Wisconsin's smaller markets.

If your child is mechanically inclined and enjoys troubleshooting, this path can work—but only if they can minimize borrowing through employer tuition assistance or manage costs aggressively. The debt estimate suggests many students aren't doing that successfully, which should prompt a serious conversation about whether this investment makes sense compared to starting in an entry-level IT role and pursuing vendor certifications on the job.