Best colleges for Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications by graduate earnings are Weber State University ($71,941), Wentworth Institute of Technology ($68,056) and University of Minnesota-Twin Cities ($68,047), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- Weber State University (Ogden, UT): $71,941, 97 graduates a year
- Wentworth Institute of Technology (Boston, MA): $68,056, 27 graduates a year
- University of Minnesota-Twin Cities (Minneapolis, MN): $68,047, 50 graduates a year
- University of Wisconsin-Stout (Menomonie, WI): $66,623, 22 graduates a year
- Ohio University (Athens, OH): $61,788, 43 graduates a year
Compare 491 U.S. colleges offering Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 50 states.
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $43,901 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 11.09 and the Computer Systems Analysts occupation (BLS SOC).
About Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications programs
The Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications program focuses on the study of computer systems, networking, and telecommunications. This program is designed for students interested in understanding and managing the infrastructure that supports computer communication and data transfer. It prepares graduates for a variety of roles in the rapidly evolving technology landscape.
Learn more about Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications →
Students will gain core skills in troubleshooting, system maintenance, and program analysis. The curriculum covers essential knowledge in computers and electronics, customer service, and critical thinking, equipping students to effectively address computer-related challenges and enhance organizational efficiency.
Top 21 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Weber State University Ogden, UT Public · Bachelor's degree | $71,941 | 97 | 46% | — | — |
| 2 | Wentworth Institute of Technology Boston, MA Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $68,056 | 27 | 68% | $32,713 | $27,000 |
| 3 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, MN Public · Bachelor's degree | $68,047 | 50 | 85% | — | $20,500 |
| 4 | University of Wisconsin-Stout Menomonie, WI Public · Bachelor's degree | $66,623 | 22 | 55% | — | $27,000 |
| 5 | Ohio University Athens, OH Public · Bachelor's degree | $61,788 | 43 | 65% | — | $19,500 |
| 6 | Davenport University Grand Rapids, MI Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $57,502 | 20 | 57% | $22,126 | $24,146 |
| 7 | Florida State College at Jacksonville Jacksonville, FL Public · Bachelor's degree | $53,888 | 38 | 37% | — | $18,576 |
| 8 | Kean University Union, NJ Public · Bachelor's degree | $51,540 | 54 | 47% | — | $26,570 |
| 9 | University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro, NC Public · Bachelor's degree | $48,077 | 168 | 56% | — | $26,330 |
| 10 | Park University Parkville, MO Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $71,601 | 2 | 38% | $16,013 | $15,000 |
| 11 | Illinois State University Normal, IL Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $66,801 | 6 | 65% | — | — |
| 12 | University of Phoenix-Arizona Phoenix, AZ Private for-profit · Bachelor's degree Online | $65,474 | 64 | 21% | $15,478 | $39,645 |
| 13 | DePaul University Chicago, IL Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $61,482 | 19 | 68% | $28,141 | $24,750 |
| 14 | University of Akron Main Campus Akron, OH Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $60,944 | 7 | 52% | — | $26,879 |
| 15 | DeVry University - California Ontario, CA Private for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $60,540 | 48 | 22% | $35,320 | $48,014 |
| 16 | DeVry University - Virginia Arlington, VA Private for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $60,540 | 1 | 0% | $22,341 | $32,882 |
| 17 | Baldwin Wallace University Berea, OH Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $55,286 | 10 | 67% | $25,104 | $27,000 |
| 18 | University of Minnesota-Duluth Duluth, MN Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $51,291 | 18 | 65% | — | $26,125 |
| 19 | Pennsylvania College of Technology Williamsport, PA Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $49,374 | 7 | 53% | — | $27,000 |
| 20 | Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, FL Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $48,655 | 19 | 61% | $35,483 | $43,280 |
| 21 | Stevenson University Owings Mills, MD Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $42,618 | 12 | 68% | $26,556 | $27,000 |
Top 25 certificate and associate programs
Shorter credentials, ranked separately so they are not compared with four-year degrees. Ranked by median earnings one year after completion (often called starting salary), College Scorecard.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Front Range Community College Westminster, CO Public · Certificate | $52,583 | 164 | 35% | — | $18,875 |
| 2 | Dallas College Dallas, TX Public · Certificate | $50,493 | 164 | 32% | — | $13,669 |
| 3 | Alexandria Technical & Community College Alexandria, MN Public · Associate degree | $49,706 | 21 | 60% | — | — |
| 4 | Chippewa Valley Technical College Eau Claire, WI Public · Associate degree | $47,268 | 25 | 50% | — | $13,500 |
| 5 | Dunwoody College of Technology Minneapolis, MN Private not-for-profit · Associate degree | $47,217 | 23 | 66% | $25,132 | $18,000 |
| 6 | Sinclair Community College Dayton, OH Public · Associate degree | $45,772 | 125 | 41% | — | $17,816 |
| 7 | Ozarks Technical Community College Springfield, MO Public · Associate degree | $44,381 | 24 | 33% | — | $17,101 |
| 8 | South Puget Sound Community College Olympia, WA Public · Associate degree | $43,380 | 27 | 44% | — | — |
| 9 | Iowa Central Community College Fort Dodge, IA Public · Associate degree | $43,253 | 27 | 42% | — | $25,375 |
| 10 | State Technical College of Missouri Linn, MO Public · Associate degree | $41,270 | 21 | 84% | — | $11,545 |
| 11 | Hawkeye Community College Waterloo, IA Public · Associate degree | $40,873 | 67 | 43% | — | — |
| 12 | Madison Area Technical College Madison, WI Public · Associate degree | $65,324 | 20 | 29% | — | — |
| 13 | Bunker Hill Community College Boston, MA Public · Associate degree Small program | $53,145 | 8 | 13% | — | — |
| 14 | Austin Community College District Austin, TX Public · Certificate | $49,424 | 518 | 20% | — | $12,000 |
| 15 | Charter College Anchorage, AK Private for-profit · Associate degree Small program | $47,463 | 2 | 56% | $26,789 | $21,442 |
| 16 | DeVry College of New York New York, NY Private for-profit · Associate degree Small program | $44,735 | 1 | 31% | $34,530 | $48,014 |
| 17 | DeVry University - Georgia Decatur, GA Private for-profit · Associate degree Online Small program | $44,735 | 8 | 13% | $30,244 | $32,882 |
| 18 | DeVry University - Illinois Lisle, IL Private for-profit · Associate degree Online | $44,735 | 638 | 37% | $32,381 | $32,882 |
| 19 | DeVry University - Ohio Columbus, OH Private for-profit · Associate degree Online Small program | $44,735 | 5 | 39% | — | $32,882 |
| 20 | DeVry University - Texas Irving, TX Private for-profit · Associate degree Small program | $44,735 | 1 | 33% | — | $48,014 |
| 21 | Herzing University - Atlanta Atlanta, GA Private not-for-profit · Associate degree Small program | $43,901 | 4 | 14% | $22,740 | $30,649 |
| 22 | Herzing University - Minneapolis St. Louis Park, MN Private not-for-profit · Associate degree Small program | $43,901 | 3 | 47% | $16,383 | $30,649 |
| 23 | Herzing University - Madison Madison, WI Private not-for-profit · Associate degree Online Small program | $43,901 | 4 | 28% | $20,965 | $30,649 |
| 24 | Herzing University - Orlando Winter Park, FL Private not-for-profit · Associate degree Small program | $43,901 | 1 | 37% | $20,697 | $30,649 |
| 25 | Herzing University - Brookfield Brookfield, WI Private not-for-profit · Associate degree Small program | $43,901 | 1 | 42% | $21,076 | $30,649 |
Specializations within Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
3 of the 3 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 11.09 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
- Computer Systems Networking and TelecommunicationsCIP 11.090115,062 graduates / yr463 institutions48 states
- Cloud ComputingCIP 11.0902New in CIP 20201,612 graduates / yr61 institutions25 states
- Computer Systems Networking and TelecommunicationsCIP 11.0999New in CIP 2020limited data62 graduates / yr2 institutions2 states
Offered across 50 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 15-1211, Computer Systems Analysts, and its national outlook.
Graduates of this program can pursue careers in computer systems networking and telecommunications, with an outlook that is much faster than average. The field is expected to see 34,200 annual openings, a growth rate of 8.7%, and offers a median wage of $103,790, typically requiring a bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 11.09.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 11.09 (Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications) maps to 10 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 11-3021 | Computer and Information Systems Managers |
| 15-1211 | Computer Systems Analystsprimary |
| 15-1212 | Information Security Analysts |
| 15-1221 | Computer and Information Research Scientists |
| 15-1231 | Computer Network Support Specialists |
| 15-1241 | Computer Network Architects |
| 15-1243 | Database Architects |
| 15-1251 | Computer Programmers |
| 15-1252 | Software Developers |
| 25-1021 | Computer Science Teachers, Postsecondary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Troubleshoot program and system malfunctions to restore normal functioning.
- Provide staff and users with assistance solving computer-related problems, such as malfunctions and program problems.
- Test, maintain, and monitor computer programs and systems, including coordinating the installation of computer programs and systems.
- Use the computer in the analysis and solution of business problems, such as development of integrated production and inventory control and cost analysis systems.
- Coordinate and link the computer systems within an organization to increase compatibility so that information can be shared.
- Use object-oriented programming languages, as well as client and server applications development processes and multimedia and Internet technology.
Common questions
What is the focus of this program?+
The program focuses on computer systems, networking, and telecommunications.
What skills will I learn?+
You will learn troubleshooting, system maintenance, and critical thinking skills.
What are the career prospects?+
The field has a growth rate of 8.7% with 34,200 annual openings.
What education is required?+
A bachelor's degree is typically required for careers in this field.
How much do Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications graduates earn?+
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $43,901, College Scorecard (2019); the Computer Systems Analysts occupation pays about $114,610 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications?+
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications maps to CIP 11.09 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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