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Best Value Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications Colleges

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications programs reveal striking cost differences that make return on investment calculations essential for prospective students. Florida State College at Jacksonville delivers the lowest net price at $2,760 while producing graduates earning $45,305, creating an strong value proposition in a field where the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% growth through 2032. The earnings gap spans from $27,494 to $72,901, with public universities like Utah Valley University ($8,463 net cost, $60,298 earnings) and University of Wisconsin-Stout ($17,365 net cost, $61,064 earnings) offering strong middle-ground options. Private institutions show mixed results, with some Puerto Rico campuses providing affordable access under $5,000 annually while University of Phoenix reaches $13,571. The telecommunications industry's shift toward 5G networks and cloud infrastructure has increased demand for skilled technicians across all regions, making program selection particularly important for career positioning.
50
Programs
$2,760 – $36,906
Net Price Range
$49,118
Avg. Program Earnings
48.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $2,760 $45,305 $2,878 32.4%
2 $8,463 $60,298 $6,270 40.7%
3 $4,496 $28,236 $7,050 37.3% 90.1%
4 $4,989 $28,236 $7,050 23.6% 39.6%
5 $10,722 $57,318 $6,391 43.0%
6 $5,732 $27,494 $8,054 56.2%
7 $14,981 $59,950 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
8 $10,170 $40,233 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
9 $7,607 $29,685 $5,542 38.7% 45.7%
10 $13,571 $49,532 $9,552 19.5%
11 $12,168 $44,170 $13,426 43.4% 82.6%
12 $17,139 $60,433 $16,488 84.8% 74.9%
13 $17,365 $61,064 $10,142 52.5% 86.3%
14 $15,529 $53,358 $16,400 30.0%
15 $18,464 $61,218 $14,318 64.5% 80.7%
16 $20,413 $56,544 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
17 $18,996 $50,856 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
18 $19,988 $53,108 $23,324 49.5% 98.9%
19 $11,592 $28,598 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
20 $29,694 $72,901 $57,016 70.8% 67.2%
21 $22,341 $53,718 $17,488 100.0% 33.3%
22 $29,141 $63,501 $44,460 70.0% 70.2%
23 $26,806 $53,537 $39,708 66.4% 84.1%
24 $34,170 $68,219 $41,010 68.6% 92.3%
25 $8,783 $16,730 $5,580 33.0% 33.8%
26 $30,243 $53,718 $17,488 36.4% 50.0%
27 $30,878 $53,718 $17,488 36.9% 43.0%
28 $33,294 $53,718 $17,488 42.9% 40.1%
29 $34,530 $53,718 $17,488 33.3% 26.7%
30 $32,478 $50,439 $40,408 54.9% 83.4%
31 $36,906 $52,524 $35,625 57.5% 74.5%
32 $34,439 $29,685 $24,136 44.2% 96.5%
33 $22,750 $35,598 62.8% 73.9%
34 $14,514 $12,714 25.7%
35 $17,324 $8,356 38.3%
36 $22,086 $16,065 60.0%
37 $17,838 $29,600 48.8%
38 $20,152 $20,280 41.0% 88.3%
39 $14,609 $9,728 68.9% 95.0%
40 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
41 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
42 $18,516 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
43 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
44 $19,125 $7,683 32.3% 42.4%
45 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
46 $14,368 $14,266 56.9% 76.9%
47 $12,267 $10,110 47.6%
48 $15,205 $13,420 73.5% 94.3%
49 $25,477 $27,140 52.5% 97.9%
50 $16,240 $8,050 58.1% 89.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $57,000 earnings difference between the highest and lowest-paying programs?

Regional job markets and program focus create this gap, with graduates earning $72,901 at the top end versus $27,494 at the bottom. Puerto Rico programs typically show lower earnings due to local economic conditions, while mainland public universities like Utah Valley and Wisconsin-Stout produce graduates earning around $60,000. The highest earners often work in metropolitan areas with major telecommunications infrastructure or tech companies requiring advanced networking skills.

How do public university costs compare to private options in this field?

Public universities dominate the value equation, with in-state tuition ranging from $2,878 at Florida State College at Jacksonville to $16,488 at University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. Private nonprofit schools in Puerto Rico offer competitive pricing around $7,050, while mainland private institutions like Park University charge $16,400. For-profit options like University of Phoenix and NUC University fall in the middle range at $8,054 to $9,552.

Where do graduates find the best return on their educational investment?

Florida State College at Jacksonville offers the strongest return with a $2,760 net cost producing $45,305 in earnings. Utah Valley University provides excellent value at $8,463 net cost with $60,298 earnings potential. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities justifies its higher $17,139 cost with strong earnings of $60,433 and an 84.8% graduation rate. These programs balance affordable education with access to growing job markets.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in networking programs?

Higher-cost programs often show better completion rates, with University of Minnesota-Twin Cities leading at 84.8% graduation despite its $17,139 net cost. Mid-range public universities like University of North Carolina at Greensboro achieve 57.9% graduation rates at $10,170 net cost. However, some affordable options like NUC University achieve 56.2% completion at just $5,732, proving cost alone does not determine success rates.

What debt levels should students expect from these programs?

Graduate debt varies significantly, from $19,043 at Utah Valley University to $35,301 at University of Phoenix. Most public universities keep debt under $26,000, with University of Minnesota-Twin Cities at $20,000 and University of Wisconsin-Stout at $22,881. The lowest debt levels appear at schools with strong state funding and reasonable net costs, while for-profit institutions tend to produce higher debt burdens relative to earnings potential.

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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.