Location: Springfield, MO•In-State Tuition: $4,184•Out-of-State Tuition: $6,872
Median Earnings (1yr)
$44,381
69th percentile
60th percentile in Missouri
Median Debt
$17,101
22% below national median
D/E Ratio: 0.39 ManageableSample: 37 graduates

Analysis

Ozarks Technical Community College graduates enter the workforce earning above what most other networking programs deliver, both nationally and across Missouri. At $44,381 in first-year earnings, graduates here outpace the state median by about $1,500 and beat 69% of similar programs nationwide. The debt load of $17,101 sits comfortably below the national average, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.39—meaning graduates could theoretically pay off their loans in under five months of gross earnings.

The trajectory shows steady if unspectacular growth, with earnings climbing to $46,942 by year four. That 6% increase suggests these roles offer stability rather than dramatic upward mobility. Within Missouri's dozen networking programs, this ranks solidly in the 60th percentile, performing better than State Technical College despite that institution's specialized focus. The moderate sample size means these figures represent a meaningful cohort without the volatility of very small programs.

For families weighing community college options in tech, this program delivers what it promises: immediate employment at wages that quickly justify the investment, particularly for the 37% of students receiving Pell grants. The math here is straightforward—low debt, above-average starting pay, and consistent demand for networking skills make this a practical pathway into IT work.

Where Ozarks Technical Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer systems networking and telecommunications associates's programs nationally

Ozarks Technical Community CollegeOther computer systems networking and telecommunications programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Ozarks Technical Community College graduates compare to all programs nationally

Ozarks Technical Community College earns $44k — 69th percentile among computer systems networking and telecommunications associates programs.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

School1 Year4 YearsGrowth
Ozarks Technical Community College$44,381$46,942+6%
Iowa Central Community College$43,253$73,130+69%
Austin Community College District$46,969$63,312+35%
Front Range Community College$52,244$60,353+16%
State Technical College of Missouri$41,270$43,139+5%

Compare to Similar Programs in Missouri

Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications associates's programs at peer institutions in Missouri (12 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Ozarks Technical Community CollegeSpringfield$4,184$44,381$46,942$17,1010.39
State Technical College of MissouriLinn$7,830$41,270$43,139$11,5450.28
National Median—$43,276—$21,8740.51

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Network Architects

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Systems Analysts

Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.

$103,790/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Health Informatics Specialists

Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system.

$103,790/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
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 Ozarks Technical Community College, approximately 37% 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.

Sample Size: Based on 37 graduates with reported earnings and 29 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.