Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at SUNY Adirondack

Based on peer programs nationally, this associate's degree in network administration appears to offer reasonable economics, with estimated first-year earnings of $43,276 against $15,832 in debt. That debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.37 is manageable, though the uncertainty here matters—with only eight schools offering this program in New York, outcomes can vary significantly based on local IT job markets and employer connections.

What's striking is how the estimated debt here compares to New York's median of $32,882 for similar programs. If SUNY Adirondack's actual debt load stays closer to this national estimate, students could graduate with roughly half the debt burden of peers elsewhere in the state while accessing the same regional employer base. The earnings estimates align with both state and national medians, suggesting consistency across programs—IT help desk and junior network admin roles tend to pay in this range regardless of school prestige.

The challenge is that these are educated guesses, not track records. For a two-year technical degree serving a 41% Pell-eligible population, the projected numbers work on paper. But your child would be betting on outcomes similar to programs in other states and at other community colleges. If SUNY Adirondack has strong relationships with Albany-area tech employers or the state government IT workforce, those connections could matter more than the degree itself. Ask the school directly about job placement rates and where recent graduates actually landed—that real-world data will tell you whether this program delivers what comparable programs suggest.