Location: Wharton, TX•In-State Tuition: $2,916•Out-of-State Tuition: $5,568
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$38,255
Est. from TX median (8 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$13,164
Est. from TX median (3 programs)

Analysis

In Texas, networking programs range widely in outcomes, and Wharton County Junior College appears positioned near the middle of the pack based on comparable programs statewide. Similar programs suggest first-year earnings around $38,255—roughly $8,000 below what graduates from Austin Community College or DeVry earn in this field, but on par with the Texas state median. The estimated debt load of $13,164 keeps the financial burden manageable, yielding a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.34 that's considerably better than many technical programs.

The gap between this estimate and top performers matters. Houston Community College and Dallas College graduates typically earn $4,000-$8,000 more annually in their first year, which compounds significantly over a career. For a field where certifications and hands-on skills often matter as much as the degree itself, location and employer connections can drive these differences. If your child has access to larger community colleges in metro areas, the earnings advantage appears real and substantial.

The relatively light debt makes this program a lower-risk option if Wharton County is the most practical choice geographically or financially. However, understand you're working with estimates here—the actual graduate pool is too small for the DOE to report. Before committing, verify what networking certifications the program includes and where recent graduates actually land jobs, since peer program data can only tell you so much about this specific pathway.

Where Wharton County Junior College Stands

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

Wharton County Junior College (estimated ±10%)Other computer systems networking and telecommunications programs

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

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications associates's programs at peer institutions in Texas (23 total in state)

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Wharton County Junior CollegeWharton$2,916$38,255*—$13,164*—
Austin Community College DistrictAustin$2,550$46,969*$63,312$12,000*0.26
DeVry University-TexasIrving$17,488$44,735*$51,108$32,882*0.74
Houston Community CollegeHouston$2,040$42,875*—$18,862*0.44
Dallas CollegeDallas$2,370$40,807*$57,422$13,164*0.32
Remington College-Fort Worth CampusNorth Richland Hills$19,341$35,702*$37,011$22,700*0.64
National Median—$43,276*—$21,874*0.51
* 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 Wharton County Junior 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 median of 8 similar programs in TX. Actual outcomes may vary.