Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at University of Akron Main Campus

University of Akron's networking program produces solid starting salaries of nearly $61,000, but there's a significant catch when you compare it to other Ohio options. While graduates earn roughly the national average, they're carrying about 38% more debt than typical networking students in Ohio—$26,879 versus the state median of $19,500. Several Ohio University campuses produce graduates with comparable earnings but substantially less debt burden.

The positive news is that earnings grow steadily, reaching nearly $72,000 by year four—an 18% increase that suggests graduates are building valuable skills. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.44 is manageable, meaning graduates should be able to handle their monthly payments comfortably even at the starting salary. The program ranks in the 58th percentile nationally, placing it slightly above average among the 86 schools offering this degree.

For Ohio families, the calculation comes down to whether Akron's specific advantages—perhaps location, campus resources, or recruiting connections—justify the extra $7,000 in debt compared to alternatives. The career trajectory looks solid, and networking professionals with bachelor's degrees remain in demand. Just make sure your child understands they'll be starting their career with more debt than most of their Ohio peers in the same field, even if they're earning competitive salaries.