Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Pennsylvania College of Technology
Bachelor's Degree
pct.eduAnalysis
Pennsylvania College of Technology's Computer Systems Networking program earns just $49,374 in the first year—nearly $11,000 below the national median for this degree. While this ranks in the 60th percentile among Pennsylvania programs, that comparison is largely meaningless since this appears to be the only school in the state offering this specific bachelor's degree. Against the 86 programs nationwide, it lands in just the 13th percentile for earnings, suggesting graduates are significantly underperforming their peers at other institutions.
The $27,000 in debt is exactly average nationally, but paired with below-market earnings, it creates a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55—manageable but not ideal when you're already starting behind on salary. For context, graduates at the top-performing programs in this field earn roughly $61,800, meaning this program's outcomes fall about $12,400 short annually. Over a career, that gap compounds substantially.
The small sample size (under 30 graduates) adds uncertainty, but that cuts both ways—it could mean these numbers aren't representative, or it could signal limited job placement success. For a parent weighing this investment, the clear concern is paying typical debt for substantially below-average earnings in a technical field where compensation usually rewards specialized skills. Unless there are compelling regional employment connections or your child has specific reasons to attend Penn College of Technology, exploring programs with stronger earnings outcomes would be prudent.
Where Pennsylvania College of Technology Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer systems networking and telecommunications bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Pennsylvania College of Technology graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $17,940 | $49,374 | — | $27,000 | 0.55 | |
| $57,016 | $73,367 | $102,067 | $31,000 | 0.42 | |
| $6,391 | $71,941 | $71,805 | — | — | |
| $16,400 | $71,601 | $66,862 | $15,000 | 0.21 | |
| $41,010 | $68,056 | $89,737 | $27,000 | 0.40 | |
| $16,488 | $68,047 | — | $20,500 | 0.30 | |
| National Median | — | $60,540 | — | $27,000 | 0.45 |
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 Pennsylvania College of Technology, approximately 32% 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.