Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College

Networking programs across Pennsylvania show considerable variation, with earnings ranging from the mid-$30,000s to high $40,000s. Pennsylvania Highlands' program—drawing on national benchmarks—suggests first-year earnings around $43,276, which would place it above the state median of $37,112 and even ahead of programs at schools with reported outcomes like Lehigh Carbon Community College. The estimated debt of $15,832 is notably lower than both Pennsylvania's typical $17,017 and the national median of $21,874, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 that would be manageable in most IT fields.

The challenge here is uncertainty. Because the school's actual graduate sample is too small for the Department of Education to publish, we're working with national estimates rather than confirmed outcomes for Pennsylvania Highlands specifically. That $43,276 figure represents what similar associate programs nationally produce—but local tech labor markets in Johnstown may differ significantly from metropolitan areas where networking jobs tend to cluster. The lower estimated debt is encouraging, but without knowing how many graduates actually land in IT roles versus retail or other fields, it's difficult to assess real-world return.

If your child has specific job connections or internship opportunities in the region, this program's lower debt burden makes it worth exploring further. But given the data limitations, you'll want direct answers from the school about graduate placement rates and employer relationships before committing.