Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Western Technical College

Western Technical College's networking program punches above its weight nationally but faces stiff in-state competition. Graduates earn $45,381 in their first year—better than 81% of similar programs nationwide—yet this only places them at the 60th percentile within Wisconsin. That gap reveals how strong the state's technical college system is: Madison Area Technical College's networking grads start at $65,324, setting a high bar that Western doesn't quite reach.

The debt picture offers relief. At $15,832, students here borrow roughly 30% less than the state median and carry a manageable 0.35 debt-to-earnings ratio. The 33% earnings jump to $60,209 by year four suggests the credential opens doors to genuine career progression, not just entry-level work. For families prioritizing affordability over maximum starting salary, this combination makes sense.

The caveat: fewer than 30 graduates means these numbers could swing considerably year to year. If your student can commute to Madison or Chippewa Valley, those programs deliver stronger earnings outcomes. But for La Crosse-area families who need to stay local, Western provides a credible pathway into IT infrastructure work without the debt burden that often accompanies bachelor's degrees in tech fields.