Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Associate's Degree
nwtc.eduAnalysis
Comparable networking programs in Wisconsin suggest first-year earnings around $43,900, with this program's debt load estimated at $14,666—creating a manageable 0.33 debt-to-earnings ratio that's considerably better than the state median of $22,500 for similar programs. By year four, graduates from this type of program typically reach $53,453, indicating steady career progression in IT infrastructure roles.
The reality check: Wisconsin's top-performing networking programs show a wide range, with Madison Area Technical College graduates earning $65,324 versus the state median of $43,901. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College's outcomes fall somewhere in this spectrum, but without actual data, it's impossible to know whether this program leans toward Madison's strong results or simply tracks the middle. The lower debt burden helps offset this uncertainty—even at median earnings, graduates would be managing payments equivalent to just a third of their first-year income.
For parents, the lower-than-typical debt makes this a less risky proposition than many networking programs, but you're betting on outcomes you can't verify. If your student is considering this field, ask the admissions office directly about job placement rates and whether their graduates are landing network administrator roles or help desk positions—that distinction matters significantly for earnings potential.
Where Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer systems networking and telecommunications associates's programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | — | $53,453 | — |
| Western Technical College | $45,381 | $60,209 | +33% |
| Chippewa Valley Technical College | $47,268 | $55,927 | +18% |
| Southwest Wisconsin Technical College | $42,729 | $52,829 | +24% |
| Fox Valley Technical College | $37,984 | $50,547 | +33% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Wisconsin
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications associates's programs at peer institutions in Wisconsin (18 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,904 | $43,901* | $53,453 | $14,666* | — | |
| $4,780 | $65,324* | — | —* | — | |
| $4,724 | $47,268* | $55,927 | $13,500* | 0.29 | |
| $4,716 | $45,381* | $60,209 | $15,832* | 0.35 | |
| $13,420 | $43,901* | $49,816 | $30,649* | 0.70 | |
| $13,420 | $43,901* | $49,816 | $30,649* | 0.70 | |
| National Median | — | $43,276* | — | $21,874* | 0.51 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Computer Systems Analysts
Health Informatics Specialists
Computer Programmers
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, approximately 17% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 11 similar programs in WI. Actual outcomes may vary.