Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Seattle Central College

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.40—meaning less than half a year's salary in loans—looks manageable on paper, but this program's reliance on estimated figures demands caution. With only 25 comparable networking certificate programs nationwide providing earnings data, and just 6 similar Seattle Central programs revealing debt levels, we're making decisions based on a thin slice of available information. The estimated $36,915 first-year salary sits at the national median for these credentials, suggesting neither standout outcomes nor red flags, but that middling position means there's little margin for error if your student's experience differs from the typical graduate.

The real question is whether a certificate in networking positions your student competitively in Seattle's tech-heavy job market, where many entry-level IT positions now prefer or require bachelor's degrees. Similar programs at community colleges often serve as stepping stones—either into immediate work at help desks and support roles, or as transfer credits toward a four-year degree. At $14,699 in estimated debt, this route costs significantly less than starting at a university, but you'll want to verify whether employers in your student's target field view this credential as sufficient or merely supplementary.

Before committing, contact Seattle Central's career services to learn actual placement rates and employer partnerships for this specific program. The estimates suggest reasonable value, but without knowing where their networking graduates actually land—and how quickly—you're investing based on peer data rather than proven outcomes.