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Cheapest Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

The gap between public and private costs in Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications programs reveals stark financial realities. Florida State College at Jacksonville offers the nation's most affordable option at just $2,760 net cost, while several Puerto Rican institutions cluster around $4,000-$5,000. Ohio University's regional campuses present an interesting case study in access versus completion, with net costs ranging from $4,503 to $6,483 but graduation rates plummeting from 20% to just 12.1% across different locations. The Southeast leads national demand for network technicians, with data centers expanding rapidly across Florida and North Carolina. Wake Technical Community College bridges this gap effectively, charging in-state students only $2,336 while maintaining a respectable 31.4% graduation rate. Earnings potential varies dramatically, from $16,730 to over $60,000, often correlating more with regional job markets than program cost. Puerto Rican programs demonstrate that affordable doesn't mean ineffective, with several institutions achieving graduation rates above 35% while keeping costs under $5,000.
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 cost difference between Florida State College at Jacksonville and other affordable programs?

Florida State College at Jacksonville achieves the lowest net cost at $2,760 through aggressive state funding and need-based aid distribution. The college's in-state tuition of $2,878 remains close to the net cost, indicating minimal additional fees or living expenses. This compares favorably to Wake Technical Community College, which charges $2,336 in-state but has a net cost of $6,935 due to higher associated costs. Jacksonville's location in a major metropolitan area also provides immediate internship and job opportunities that can offset educational expenses.

How do Ohio University's regional campuses compare in terms of value and outcomes?

Ohio University's five regional campuses show an inverse relationship between cost and success rates. The Eastern Campus charges $4,503 net cost with a 20% graduation rate, while Chillicothe costs $6,483 but graduates only 12.1% of students. All campuses maintain identical debt loads of $19,500, suggesting uniform financial aid packaging regardless of location. The consistent in-state tuition of $6,178 across campuses indicates the net cost variations stem from local living expenses and campus-specific aid availability.

Is there a correlation between program cost and earning potential in this field?

The data reveals no clear correlation between program cost and earnings in networking programs. Florida State College's $2,760 program produces graduates earning $45,305, while several Puerto Rican institutions costing $4,000-$5,000 generate earnings around $28,000. NUC University charges $5,732 but graduates earn only $27,494, demonstrating that higher costs don't guarantee better financial outcomes. Regional job markets appear to influence earnings more than educational investment, with mainland U.S. programs generally offering higher salary potential.

Does graduation rate vary significantly among the most affordable programs?

Graduation rates span from 12.1% to 56.2% among affordable networking programs, revealing substantial quality differences. NUC University achieves the highest completion rate at 56.2% despite being a for-profit institution, while Ohio University-Chillicothe graduates only 12.1% of students. Several Puerto Rican institutions maintain graduation rates above 35%, suggesting effective student support systems. Florida State College at Jacksonville balances low cost with a reasonable 32.4% graduation rate, making it an strong value proposition.

Where do students typically find the best combination of affordability and career prospects?

Florida State College at Jacksonville offers the optimal balance with $2,760 net cost, $45,305 graduate earnings, and 32.4% graduation rate. Wake Technical Community College provides strong regional job connections in North Carolina's growing tech sector despite higher net costs. Puerto Rican programs offer cultural advantages and lower living costs but may limit career mobility to mainland markets. Ohio University campuses provide degree recognition but struggle with completion rates below 20% at most locations.

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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.