Location: Ann Arbor, MI•In-State Tuition: $2,736•Out-of-State Tuition: $6,336
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$36,915
Est. from national median (25 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$14,699
Est. from national median (6 programs)

Analysis

A debt load around $14,700 for a certificate program needs to justify itself quickly, and the earnings picture here—based on comparable networking programs nationally—suggests a slow payoff. First-year earnings of roughly $37,000 translate to about $3,100 monthly before taxes, meaning this estimated debt represents nearly five months of gross income. That 0.40 debt-to-earnings ratio isn't alarming by itself, but for a certificate that should lead to immediate employment, peer programs typically produce similar outcomes at lower cost. Michigan's median debt for networking certificates sits at $13,335, and nationally it's even lower at $11,588.

The challenge is that networking certificates occupy an uncertain space in IT hiring. Many employers want either a full associate degree or industry certifications (like Cisco's CCNA), and a standalone certificate sometimes falls between those preferences. Similar programs suggest graduates can find help desk or junior network technician roles, but advancement often requires additional credentials or experience. Washtenaw's location near Ann Arbor's tech corridor could provide networking opportunities, but without actual graduate outcomes from this specific program, you're essentially betting that it performs like its peers.

The safer play might be pursuing this as part of an associate degree path rather than stopping at the certificate, or ensuring the curriculum includes industry certifications that hold standalone value. If your child needs credentials quickly to enter the workforce, verify what specific technical skills and certifications this program delivers—those details matter more than the certificate itself when debt recovery depends on finding that first job.

Where Washtenaw Community College Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer systems networking and telecommunications certificate's programs nationally

Washtenaw Community College (estimated ±10%)Other computer systems networking and telecommunications programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Compare to Similar Programs in Michigan

Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications certificate's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (15 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Washtenaw Community CollegeAnn Arbor$2,736$36,915*—$14,699*—
DSDTDetroit—$36,781*—$14,206*0.39
National Median—$36,915*—$11,588*0.31
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Network Architects

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Systems Analysts

Analyze science, engineering, business, and other data processing problems to develop and implement solutions to complex applications problems, system administration issues, or network concerns. Perform systems management and integration functions, improve existing computer systems, and review computer system capabilities, workflow, and schedule limitations. May analyze or recommend commercially available software.

$103,790/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Health Informatics Specialists

Apply knowledge of nursing and informatics to assist in the design, development, and ongoing modification of computerized health care systems. May educate staff and assist in problem solving to promote the implementation of the health care system.

$103,790/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Programmers

Create, modify, and test the code and scripts that allow computer applications to run. Work from specifications drawn up by software and web developers or other individuals. May develop and write computer programs to store, locate, and retrieve specific documents, data, and information.

$98,670/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in computer science. May specialize in a field of computer science, such as the design and function of computers or operations and research analysis. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Washtenaw Community College, approximately 27% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 25 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.