Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Quinsigamond Community College
Associate's Degree
qcc.eduAnalysis
In Massachusetts, networking programs typically produce first-year earnings around $53,000—about $10,000 more than what comparable programs nationally suggest for Quinsigamond graduates. That gap matters when you're weighing a two-year degree against immediate employment, especially since IT certifications can sometimes open similar doors without the classroom commitment.
The estimated debt load of roughly $16,000 translates to manageable monthly payments relative to projected income, particularly when stacked against the national median debt of nearly $22,000 for these programs. For a community college serving a substantial population of Pell-eligible students, keeping costs this controlled while training for a field with genuine workforce demand represents solid positioning. The 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio suggests graduates could reasonably handle repayment while building toward mid-career advancement.
The uncertainty here cuts both ways: Quinsigamond's actual outcomes could exceed these national estimates, given Massachusetts's robust tech economy and higher typical wages for networking specialists. But they could also trail if the program struggles with employer connections or curriculum currency. What matters most is whether this specific program maintains relationships with local employers who actually hire their graduates—something worth investigating directly before enrollment.
Where Quinsigamond Community College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer systems networking and telecommunications associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Massachusetts
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications associates's programs at peer institutions in Massachusetts (6 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $5,974 | $43,276* | — | $15,832* | — | |
| $5,520 | $53,145* | — | —* | — | |
| National Median | — | $43,276* | — | $21,874* | 0.51 |
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 Quinsigamond Community College, approximately 39% 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.
Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 67 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.