Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Randolph Community College

Similar programs nationally suggest first-year earnings around $43,000 for this networking associate's degree, with estimated debt of roughly $16,000—a manageable 0.37 ratio that places this among the more sensible IT credential investments. Network administration and telecommunications support roles often start near this range, and the relatively contained debt load means graduates could realistically pay down loans within a few years even on entry-level salaries. With 28 schools across North Carolina offering this program, the field has established training pathways, though actual outcomes vary considerably by employer connections and whether graduates land roles with larger companies versus smaller regional operations.

The challenge is that we're working entirely from peer program estimates here—Randolph's graduate pool was too small for the Department of Education to publish specific outcomes. What works in this program's favor is the debt estimate staying well below the national median of nearly $22,000 for similar credentials, suggesting Randolph keeps costs competitive. What's less certain is whether their specific curriculum and employer relationships match the networking skills that actually command those $43,000 starting salaries in the Piedmont Triad region.

Parents should verify current job placement rates and which specific companies hire from this program. The estimated numbers suggest reasonable value, but you're essentially betting that Randolph's program performs similarly to its national peers—a safer assumption for established technical fields like networking than cutting-edge specialties, but still an assumption worth testing through direct questions to the department.