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Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications programs show remarkable cost variation across the nation, with net prices ranging from just $2,760 at Florida State College at Jacksonville to $8,245 at Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Ponce. Puerto Rico emerges as a notable center for affordable networking education, hosting six of the 15 most budget-friendly programs while maintaining competitive graduation rates above 37%. The field connects directly to America's growing demand for network infrastructure professionals, particularly as cloud computing and remote work reshape IT needs nationwide. Florida State College at Jacksonville stands out not only for its rock-bottom pricing but also for producing graduates earning $45,305 annually, significantly above many peers. Ohio University's regional campus system offers consistent pricing around $6,178 in-state across five locations, though graduation rates vary dramatically from 12.1% to 20%. Wake Technical Community College in North Carolina provides an interesting contrast with a $2,336 in-state rate that jumps to $6,935 net cost, suggesting limited aid availability. These programs prepare students for roles managing the backbone systems that keep businesses connected in an increasingly digital economy.
50
Programs
$2,760 – $18,996
Net Price Range
$44,595
Avg. Program Earnings
41.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,760 $2,878 32.4%
2 $4,285 $5,986 37.9% 80.4%
3 $4,496 $7,050 37.3% 90.1%
4 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
5 $4,989 $7,050 23.6% 39.6%
6 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
7 $5,732 $8,054 56.2%
8 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
9 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
10 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
11 $6,935 $2,336 31.4%
12 $7,382 $5,542 38.4% 67.8%
13 $7,563 $5,612 28.6% 96.9%
14 $7,607 $5,542 38.7% 45.7%
15 $8,245 $5,580 43.1% 52.8%
16 $8,463 $6,270 40.7%
17 $8,783 $5,580 33.0% 33.8%
18 $8,787 $5,580 32.9% 44.7%
19 $8,932 $5,580 39.4% 47.0%
20 $8,964 $5,580 31.6% 46.8%
21 $9,325 $8,280 24.3%
22 $10,170 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
23 $10,442 $8,300 50.9%
24 $10,722 $6,391 43.0%
25 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
26 $12,168 $13,426 43.4% 82.6%
27 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
28 $12,267 $10,110 47.6%
29 $13,571 $9,552 19.5%
30 $14,368 $14,266 56.9% 76.9%
31 $14,514 $12,714 25.7%
32 $14,609 $9,728 68.9% 95.0%
33 $14,774 $6,960 100.0%
34 $14,981 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
35 $15,015 $8,118 41.6% 85.4%
36 $15,205 $13,420 73.5% 94.3%
37 $15,336 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
38 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
39 $15,729 $18,392 68.7% 93.7%
40 $16,240 $8,050 58.1% 89.5%
41 $17,139 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
42 $17,324 $8,356 38.3%
43 $17,365 $10,142 52.5% 86.3%
44 $17,485 $13,304 50.8% 70.6%
45 $17,838 $29,600 48.8%
46 $18,305 $14,436 33.3%
47 $18,464 $14,318 64.5% 80.7%
48 $18,516 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
49 $18,778 $30,680 31.1% 78.2%
50 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the dramatic difference between in-state and net costs at Wake Technical Community College?

Wake Technical shows an unusual pricing pattern with $2,336 in-state tuition but $6,935 net cost after aid. This suggests limited financial aid availability compared to other schools where net costs often fall below sticker prices. The $4,599 gap indicates students typically pay nearly three times the published in-state rate. North Carolina residents should carefully evaluate actual costs rather than relying on advertised tuition rates.

How do Ohio University's regional campuses compare for networking students?

Ohio University operates five regional campuses with identical $6,178 in-state tuition and $19,500 average debt loads. However, graduation rates vary significantly from 12.1% at Chillicothe to 20% at Eastern Campus in Saint Clairsville. The Lancaster campus shows the second-lowest completion rate at 13.7%. Students should consider academic support services and campus resources when choosing between locations.

Is Puerto Rico a viable option for mainland students seeking affordable networking programs?

Puerto Rico hosts six of the most affordable networking programs nationally, with net costs ranging from $4,285 to $8,245. Universidad Central de Bayamon offers the lowest cost at $4,285 with a strong 37.9% graduation rate. Private institutions like Inter American University maintain multiple campuses with consistent quality. However, earnings data shows graduates typically earn around $28,000-$30,000, reflecting the local job market.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in networking education?

The data reveals no clear correlation between cost and completion rates in networking programs. NUC University charges $5,732 but achieves the highest graduation rate at 56.2%. Meanwhile, several Ohio campuses charge similar amounts but show completion rates below 20%. Florida State College combines the lowest net cost at $2,760 with a respectable 32.4% graduation rate, proving affordability doesn't necessarily compromise outcomes.

Where do networking graduates earn the highest starting salaries relative to program costs?

Florida State College at Jacksonville offers the best return on investment with graduates earning $45,305 annually after paying just $2,760 net cost. This creates an strong earnings-to-cost ratio of over 16:1. Inter American University campuses in Puerto Rico show lower absolute earnings around $28,000-$30,000 but still provide solid value given their sub-$8,000 costs. Most programs lack published earnings data, making direct comparisons challenging.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.