Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Schoolcraft Community College District

A debt load around $14,700 for a certificate that leads to first-year earnings near $37,000—figures drawn from similar networking programs nationally—suggests a manageable starting point, though not an aggressive launch into tech. With Michigan's median for these programs hovering right around the same earnings figure, Schoolcraft appears positioned in the mainstream rather than at either extreme. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40 means roughly five months of gross income would cover the borrowing, which keeps repayment realistic even if this field doesn't offer the explosive growth of software development roles.

The challenge with networking certificates is that they often serve as stepping stones rather than destinations—many graduates pursue additional credentials or transition into specialized IT roles that pay considerably more. Based on peer programs, that $37,000 first year represents steady but unspectacular entry into corporate IT departments, help desks, or small business infrastructure work. Whether that trajectory justifies $14,700 in debt depends heavily on your child's goals: if they're using this to break into tech quickly while continuing education part-time, the math works. If they're expecting this certificate alone to unlock high earnings, the comparable program data suggests tempering those expectations and considering whether a longer degree path might deliver better returns.