Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Pellissippi State Community College

For a short-term credential in networking, peer programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $37,000—solid entry-level tech pay, but not the windfall some parents expect from anything computer-related. The estimated debt of roughly $14,700 pushes higher than the national median for similar certificates, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40. That means nearly two-thirds of a year's gross pay would go toward the debt if dedicated entirely to repayment, a burden that could delay other financial milestones even with steady employment.

What makes this picture uncertain is that both figures are estimates drawn from national peer programs, not actual outcomes from Pellissippi State graduates. The networking field varies significantly by employer and certification mix, so your child's actual results could swing either way depending on whether they land help desk roles (lower pay) or network administration positions (stronger earnings). The relatively high Pell grant enrollment suggests the college serves students who need affordable pathways, but that estimated debt figure doesn't look particularly affordable compared to what these certificates typically cost elsewhere.

Given the limited visibility into actual outcomes here, verify the program's true cost before enrolling and confirm it leads to industry certifications like CompTIA Network+ or Cisco CCNA—credentials that matter more to employers than the certificate itself. Without that confirmation, you're betting on estimates twice over.