Computer Networking at Hawkeye Community College

Waterloo, IA · Public · Associate Degree · Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications

a compact campus enrolling 2,528 students in Waterloo, IA.

Program Analysis

Hawkeye Community College's Computer Networking program produces graduates earning $40,873/yr — within striking distance of the $39,678 national average for this trade.

The 51.3x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI exposure is significant at 68% of job tasks, producing a 38% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.

Ranked #23 out of 92 programs, Hawkeye Community College's Computer Networking program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth from $40,873 to $62,399 over five years (53% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful salary progression.

Computer Networking has a registered apprenticeship option through It Project Manager with a median wage of $171,200/yr — worth exploring for students who prefer structured on-the-job training.

67 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
55
Low End
67
Score
70
High End
Earnings $40,873/yr (3% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (32% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$689K
11.2% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
54.6x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
10 of 10
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$12,616
Out-of-state: $13,196
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$62,399
53% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Computer Networking graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Computer and information systems managers $171,200 +15.2% 47%
Computer and information research scientists $140,910 +19.7% 37%
Database architects $135,980 +8.7% 6%
Computer and information systems managers
$171,200
+15.2% growth 47% AI-proof
Computer and information research scientists
$140,910
+19.7% growth 37% AI-proof
Database architects
$135,980
+8.7% growth 6% AI-proof

View all 10 career paths with full salary data →

Computer Networking Career Guide

Explore what Computer Networking graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 92 programs nationwide.

Read the full Computer Networking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Computer Networking Overview

Computer Networking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Hawkeye Community College

Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree

Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 67/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Computer Networking at Hawkeye Community College?
This program scores 67/100, reflecting respectable but not exceptional financial outcomes for Computer Networking graduates.
What's the AI risk for Computer Networking graduates from Hawkeye Community College?
Our scenarios model 68% of Computer Networking tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. Hawkeye Community College's 67/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
Is Hawkeye Community College one of the best schools for Computer Networking?
The #23 ranking out of 92 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable, and the job market supports this trade.
What's the job market like for Computer Networking from Hawkeye Community College?
With approximately 258,000 annual openings across mapped careers, Computer Networking offers a very large employment pool. Hawkeye Community College graduates enter a market shaped by ongoing digital transformation and technology adoption.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →