Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Washburn University

Four years out, graduates from comparable networking programs hit $46,781—a solid middle-class income that suggests this credential opens doors to genuine IT career paths. The estimated first-year figure of $36,915 aligns with national benchmarks for similar certificates, though peer programs in Kansas tend to start slightly lower at $35,340. That four-year jump to nearly $47,000 indicates reasonable progression in a field where certifications and experience both matter.

The estimated $14,699 in debt sits above the national median for these programs but below Kansas's typical $18,250, translating to a 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio that's manageable by most standards. At roughly 40% of first-year income, this debt load shouldn't dominate your child's budget—it's the kind of borrowing that makes sense if they're genuinely interested in network administration, help desk management, or related technical roles. The four-year earnings suggest employers value the skills these programs develop.

The challenge here is that we're working with estimates based on similar programs rather than Washburn's actual graduate outcomes, which the DOE suppresses when cohorts are too small. That means you're essentially betting on Washburn's program producing results comparable to its peers. For a field with relatively standardized skill sets and certifications, that's not an unreasonable assumption, but you'll want to verify that Washburn's curriculum aligns with current industry needs and includes relevant vendor certifications that employers actually seek.