Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Washburn Institute of Technology

At $14,699 in estimated debt, this networking certificate falls below Kansas's typical borrowing level for similar programs, which averages over $18,000. That's encouraging given that first-year earnings from comparable programs nationally sit around $36,900—creating a debt-to-earnings ratio under 0.40 that most financial advisors would consider manageable. By year four, when earnings reach the mid-$40,000s, those debt payments should feel even lighter.

The challenge is that these figures come from peer institutions rather than Washburn Tech's specific outcomes, so there's inherent uncertainty about what graduates from this particular program actually earn and owe. Kansas networking programs show considerable variation—some students borrow significantly more than these estimates suggest—and the state's median earnings of $35,340 run slightly below the national benchmark. Topeka's tech job market may also differ from Kansas City or Wichita, where demand for networking professionals tends to be stronger.

For parents weighing this investment, the estimated numbers point to reasonable payback potential if they hold true. A sub-$15,000 debt load for a credential that could generate nearly $37,000 in first-year income leaves room for living expenses and faster debt paydown. Just recognize you're making this decision with limited visibility into what Washburn Tech graduates specifically achieve—the actual outcomes could be better or worse than these peer-based projections.