Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Pasco-Hernando State College

Florida's networking programs cluster around $37,680 in first-year earnings, and peer institutions with similar community college structures suggest that's where Pasco-Hernando graduates likely land—about $5,600 below the national benchmark for this credential. That gap matters when you're investing two years and roughly $16,000 in debt, particularly in a field where technical certifications might offer faster, cheaper entry points.

The estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.42 looks reasonable on paper, suggesting graduates could manage repayment within typical guidelines. But context reveals complications: the national debt median for networking associate's programs sits at $21,874, while Florida's is even higher at $28,372. If Pasco-Hernando's actual debt loads trend toward state norms rather than this more optimistic estimate, the financial picture deteriorates quickly. Meanwhile, the for-profit schools like DeVry and Herzing that push earnings into the mid-$40,000s also saddle students with significantly more debt, so their apparent advantage may be illusory.

The practical question is whether an associate's degree adds enough value in networking compared to industry certifications like CompTIA or Cisco's CCNA, which cost a fraction as much and might get your child working sooner. If Pasco-Hernando provides hands-on lab experience, vendor partnerships, or connections to local IT employers, the degree could justify itself. Without knowing those specifics, the estimated numbers suggest a program that neither excels nor fails—it simply mirrors what similar Florida schools deliver.