Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at South Central College

A first-year salary around $45,500—drawn from the typical outcomes of comparable Minnesota programs—suggests this networking degree delivers immediate workforce value, though the trajectory matters more. By year four, earnings climb to nearly $55,000, a solid 20% increase that indicates growing technical competence translates to better pay. With estimated debt around $15,800, graduates would face monthly payments of roughly $175 on a standard 10-year plan, manageable at about 5% of gross monthly income and well below the troublesome thresholds that can derail young careers.

The numbers align closely with both state and national norms for networking programs, which typically produce $43,000-$45,000 in early earnings. South Central's outcomes appear competitive with established Minnesota tech schools, though a couple of competitors report slightly higher starting salaries. The debt estimate—based on similar two-year programs nationally—comes in notably lower than both the state median ($19,000) and national median ($21,874), which could reflect either South Central's cost structure or the borrowing patterns at comparable community colleges.

For parents evaluating this investment, the fundamentals look reasonable: a two-year timeline, moderate borrowing, and entry into IT infrastructure work that companies consistently need. The uncertainty here isn't whether networking careers pay decently—they do—but whether this specific program's actual outcomes match the peer-school patterns these estimates suggest. Ask the school directly about job placement rates and which local employers hire their graduates.