Computer Networking at Iowa Central Community College

Fort Dodge, IA · Public · Associate Degree · Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications

a smaller institution with 3,107 students in Fort Dodge, IA.

Program Analysis

Iowa Central Community College's Computer Networking graduates start at $43,253/yr — above the $39,678 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 66.0x return on tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

Career paths for Computer Networking carry above-average AI exposure (68% of tasks). The 40% scenario spread means the difference between optimistic and pessimistic outcomes is substantial.

At $21,800 against $43,253/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Iowa Central Community College ranks #14 among 92 Computer Networking programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $43,253-to-$74,811 earnings arc over five years reflects a 73% gain — well above average career growth for trade school graduates.

One registered apprenticeship pathway (It Project Manager with a median wage of $171,200/yr) connects to Computer Networking careers, offering a paid training alternative to the classroom model.

71 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
58
Low End
71
Score
74
High End
Earnings $43,253/yr (9% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (32% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$759K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
70.6x
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)
$10,752
Out-of-state: $15,336
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,800
6.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$74,811
73% 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 Iowa Central 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 is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Computer Networking at Iowa Central Community College?
This program scores 71/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Computer Networking nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Networking at Iowa Central Community College?
With 68% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $452,522 in decade earnings vs $759,036 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What makes Iowa Central Community College's Computer Networking program stand out?
Among 92 Computer Networking programs, Iowa Central Community College's #14 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Will Computer Networking graduates from Iowa Central Community College find jobs?
The career paths mapped to Computer Networking have roughly 258,000 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Demand is driven by ongoing digital transformation and technology adoption.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →