Location: Fort Worth, TX•In-State Tuition: $1,728•Out-of-State Tuition: $8,235
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$38,255
Est. from TX median (8 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$13,164
Est. from TX median (3 programs)

Analysis

Compared to other networking programs in Texas, this program's estimated $38,255 first-year earnings land squarely at the state median—but well below what graduates from Austin Community College or DeVry earn. The $13,164 in estimated debt is notably lower than the typical $21,874 that Texas programs carry, which creates a manageable 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio. Based on comparable programs, you're looking at debt that could reasonably be repaid within two to three years if your child stays focused on networking careers.

The challenge is understanding why peer programs in Texas produce such a wide range of outcomes. Austin CC graduates earn roughly $8,700 more in their first year than those from similar programs at this median level, while Remington College falls below. Without this specific program's actual graduate data, it's difficult to know whether Tarrant County's curriculum, industry connections, or student support puts it closer to the Austin model or the lower performers. The relatively low Pell grant percentage (27%) suggests this program may serve students with existing professional networks or resources, which could influence outcomes independently of program quality.

Given the estimates from peer programs, the financial risk appears limited—the debt is reasonable for an associate's degree. But the earnings gap between top and median Texas programs is significant enough that you'll want to investigate what differentiates this program: employer partnerships, certification pass rates, and job placement specifics matter more here than the estimated figures alone can tell you.

Where Tarrant County College District Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer systems networking and telecommunications associates's programs nationally

Tarrant County College District (estimated ±10%)Other computer systems networking and telecommunications programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (23 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Tarrant County College DistrictFort Worth$1,728$38,255*—$13,164*—
Austin Community College DistrictAustin$2,550$46,969*$63,312$12,000*0.26
DeVry University-TexasIrving$17,488$44,735*$51,108$32,882*0.74
Houston Community CollegeHouston$2,040$42,875*—$18,862*0.44
Dallas CollegeDallas$2,370$40,807*$57,422$13,164*0.32
Remington College-Fort Worth CampusNorth Richland Hills$19,341$35,702*$37,011$22,700*0.64
National Median—$43,276*—$21,874*0.51
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Network Architects

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Systems Analysts

Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.

$103,790/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Health Informatics Specialists

Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system.

$103,790/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Tarrant County College District, approximately 27% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the median of 8 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.