Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Stark State College

Ohio's networking programs suggest first-year earnings around $44,735, which would put this program right at the state median for the field. The estimated debt load of $15,832 looks considerably more manageable than what most Ohio schools report—peer institutions typically saddle students with twice that burden, with the state median hitting $30,649. If these estimates hold, you'd be looking at roughly four months of gross income to clear the debt.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.35 would be solid for an associate's degree in IT, particularly in a region where networking skills remain in demand. Comparable programs across Ohio show consistent outcomes in the mid-$40,000s, whether at Sinclair, DeVry, or Herzing, which suggests the local job market supports these earnings regardless of which community college issues the degree. That's reassuring when you're working with estimated rather than school-specific figures.

The key question is whether Stark State's actual placement rates and employer connections match what the broader Ohio market suggests is possible. Since we're extrapolating from peer schools, you'll want to verify that graduates actually land networking jobs rather than ending up in lower-paying help desk roles. Ask the program director for specifics on where recent graduates work and what they're earning—the estimates suggest this should pencil out, but confirmation from the source matters when the data isn't program-specific.