Based on U.S. Department of Education data (October 2025 release). Some figures are estimates based on similar programs — see details below.
Analysis
Networking programs in Arizona show considerable variation, with first-year outcomes ranging from roughly $36,000 to $45,000 depending on the institution. While Yavapai College lacks program-specific data due to small graduate cohorts, peer programs nationally suggest starting earnings around $43,000—above Arizona's typical $40,000 for this field. The estimated debt of $15,800 sits well below both state and national norms for networking programs, which typically carry $21,000-$22,000 in loans.
That debt advantage matters practically. With a 0.37 debt-to-earnings ratio based on comparable programs, graduates would face roughly $175 in monthly loan payments—manageable on an entry-level IT salary. The lower debt load may reflect Yavapai's community college structure, where tuition costs typically run thousands less per year than at for-profit or university programs. This creates breathing room for graduates to establish themselves in the field without overwhelming payment obligations.
The uncertainty here is real: small cohort sizes mean we can't verify whether Yavapai's specific outcomes match these estimates. For a technical field where job placement and employer connections matter significantly, you'll want to dig into the program's industry partnerships, internship opportunities, and whether graduates are actually landing network administration roles versus help desk positions. The financial framework looks solid if the employment outcomes materialize as comparable programs suggest.
Where Yavapai College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all computer systems networking and telecommunications associates's programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Arizona
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications associates's programs at peer institutions in Arizona (14 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr)* | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt* | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $2,838 | $43,276* | — | $15,832* | — | |
| $17,488 | $44,735* | $51,108 | $32,882* | 0.74 | |
| $2,370 | $35,786* | $53,268 | $12,000* | 0.34 | |
| National Median | — | $43,276* | — | $21,874* | 0.51 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates
Computer and Information Systems Managers
Computer and Information Research Scientists
Software Developers
Computer Network Architects
Telecommunications Engineering Specialists
Information Security Analysts
Database Architects
Data Warehousing Specialists
Computer Systems Analysts
Health Informatics Specialists
Computer Programmers
Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary
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 Yavapai College, approximately 19% 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 67 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.