Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Olympic College

At $15,832 in estimated debt, Olympic College appears positioned toward the higher end for Washington networking programs—the state median sits at just $10,759, and South Puget Sound Community College reports similar earnings outcomes with presumably lower debt loads. That said, peer programs across the country suggest a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37, meaning graduates typically earn enough in their first year to make the monthly payments manageable, even if the upfront investment runs steeper than some local alternatives.

The estimated $43,276 first-year salary aligns closely with both state and national benchmarks for networking associate degrees, suggesting Olympic's curriculum should prepare students for market-rate positions. Washington's tech sector offers solid entry points for network administrators and IT support specialists, and these credentials can open doors to employers ranging from defense contractors in the Kitsap area to healthcare systems and municipalities throughout Puget Sound.

The uncertainty here matters: without actual graduate outcomes, you're banking on Olympic performing like typical programs elsewhere. If Olympic's graduates match the state pattern while keeping debt closer to the Washington median—rather than the national one—this becomes a straightforward investment. But at the estimated debt level, it's worth asking the financial aid office for specifics on typical borrowing and comparing total program costs against nearby community colleges with known track records.