Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Utah Valley University

Utah Valley University's networking program hits an unusual sweet spot: it significantly outperforms the national market while costing roughly $21,000 in debt—about $6,000 below the national median. That's notable value, though the story gets more complex when you look at Utah specifically. At $64,615 in starting earnings, graduates here trail the state median of $68,278 and fall well behind Weber State's $71,941. For in-state students choosing between Utah programs, this ranks at the 40th percentile—middle of the pack in a strong local market.

The 17% earnings growth to $75,474 by year four is encouraging, and the debt load remains manageable with a 0.33 ratio to first-year income. The program serves a meaningful number of Pell Grant recipients, suggesting accessibility alongside solid outcomes. The moderate sample size means these numbers represent a reasonable cohort, not an outlier year.

For families comparing options, this comes down to geography and goals. If your child is considering out-of-state networking programs or schools with higher debt loads, UVU delivers better value than most national alternatives. But if staying in Utah, Weber State shows stronger earning potential that could justify the comparison shopping. Either way, you're looking at a field with growing earnings and manageable debt—far from a risky investment.