Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester Campus
Associate's Degree
rcsj.eduAnalysis
Similar networking programs nationwide suggest first-year earnings around $43,000 for this associate's degree—a modest start given New Jersey's higher cost of living. While that figure sits above the state median for this credential ($37,760), it trails what DeVry's graduates report earning by about $1,500 annually. The estimated debt of roughly $16,000 is the bright spot here, coming in well below both the state and national medians for this program, which typically hover above $21,000.
That lower debt load matters significantly. With an estimated debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37, graduates would theoretically face manageable repayment relative to income—about a third of what they earn in year one. For context, ratios under 0.5 generally indicate reasonable financial positioning. However, these estimates come from peer programs nationally and at similar community colleges, not from tracking actual Rowan-Gloucester graduates, so individual outcomes could vary considerably based on local job markets and employer connections.
The practical question is whether this two-year path delivers enough earning potential to justify even moderate debt in New Jersey's expensive landscape. The cost control appears solid for a community college credential, but the earnings trajectory will determine whether networking graduates can build stable careers or need additional credentials to compete effectively.
Where Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester Campus Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer systems networking and telecommunications associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in New Jersey
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications associates's programs at peer institutions in New Jersey (6 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $4,980 | $43,276* | — | $15,832* | — | |
| $17,488 | $44,735* | $51,108 | $32,882* | 0.74 | |
| $14,846 | $30,784* | — | $17,728* | 0.58 | |
| 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 Rowan College of South Jersey-Gloucester Campus, approximately 28% 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.