Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at South Mountain Community College

Based on comparable networking programs nationwide, South Mountain's estimated outcomes suggest a manageable financial picture—roughly $16,000 in debt against first-year earnings around $43,000. That 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio is significantly better than what many associate degree programs produce, and the debt estimate is notably lower than the $22,000 typical for similar Arizona programs.

The earnings estimate of $43,000 aligns closely with the national median but sits slightly above Arizona's state median of $40,000 for this field. That matters in a local job market: networking jobs in Phoenix may not command the premiums they do in tech-heavy states, but the comparative debt load appears lighter here. The program's real value depends on whether graduates can access the better-paying IT positions (like those at DeVry's $44,700 level) rather than entry-level help desk roles that often start lower.

The challenge is that these figures are drawn from peer programs nationally, not South Mountain's actual graduate outcomes. That means you're betting on whether this community college's specific curriculum, employer connections, and student support match what successful networking programs deliver elsewhere. For a student who can complete the degree with minimal additional borrowing and who's committed to IT as a career path, the estimated numbers suggest reasonable risk. But verify what local employers think of South Mountain's program specifically—those relationships matter as much as the credential itself.