Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Stevenson University

Stevenson's networking program starts slowly but transforms into something far more valuable. First-year graduates earn just $42,618—landing in the bottom 5th percentile nationally—but by year four, earnings jump 69% to nearly $72,000. That trajectory matters more than the rocky start, especially when Maryland only has two schools offering this degree and both show similar first-year numbers.

The $27,000 debt load is manageable given where graduates end up, not where they begin. While that 0.63 debt-to-earnings ratio looks questionable against year-one income, it becomes quite reasonable once you're earning $72,000. The challenge is surviving those first few years financially, which may explain why this pattern exists—perhaps graduates need time to move from help desk roles into network administration or systems engineering positions that pay substantially better.

For Maryland families, this program performs at the state's median level, which sounds unremarkable until you realize there are only two options statewide for this bachelor's degree. The real question is whether your student can weather lower starting pay while building the experience that unlocks better-paying roles. If they can live affordably for a few years post-graduation—staying at home, for instance—this program's strong earnings growth makes it a solid investment.