Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Tacoma Community College

Tacoma Community College graduates this program with notably manageable debt—$10,759 versus a national median of nearly $22,000 for networking programs. That puts students in a substantially better financial position than peers at most schools, even though first-year earnings appear comparable to national figures around $43,000 based on similar programs.

The challenge is that earnings barely budge between year one and year four, suggesting limited growth potential in whatever roles graduates typically enter. Similar Washington networking programs show the same pattern, with South Puget Sound reporting $43,380 in earnings—nearly identical to the estimated first-year figure here. This raises questions about whether the credential opens doors to positions with real advancement, or whether graduates hit a ceiling quickly in help desk or junior technician roles that don't demand higher skills over time.

The low debt makes this a relatively safe bet if your child needs a quick path to steady income, but the flat earnings trajectory means they may need additional certifications or a bachelor's degree later to push past that $44,000 threshold. The financial downside is limited; the question is whether two years here positions them for long-term growth or just gets them to a plateau faster.