Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Wake Technical Community College

A Bachelor's in networking from a community college carries some inherent tension—you're paying for a four-year credential at an institution better known for associate degrees and workforce certificates. Based on comparable programs nationally, this path suggests first-year earnings around $60,540 against estimated debt of $20,500. That's a manageable 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning roughly a third of one year's salary to repay what you borrowed.

Here's what complicates the picture: the only other NC program with reported data shows graduates earning $48,077—substantially less than the national benchmark this estimate draws from. That gap matters. North Carolina's networking market may not reward bachelor's holders as generously as other states, or local employers may prioritize different credentials entirely. The fact that Wake Tech had too few graduates to generate school-specific data also raises questions about program maturity and employer recognition.

The debt figure looks reasonable, but you're comparing it against earnings that may not materialize locally. Before committing to a bachelor's program at an institution primarily designed for associate degrees, check whether Raleigh employers actually seek four-year networking credentials or if they're hiring candidates with certifications and two-year degrees at similar salaries. The investment only makes sense if that bachelor's distinction translates to real earnings advantages in your regional job market.