Computer Systems Networking at Iowa Central Community College
a smaller institution with 3,107 students in Fort Dodge, IA.
Program Analysis
Iowa Central Community College's Computer Systems 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 Systems 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 Systems 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 Systems Networking careers, offering a paid training alternative to the classroom model.
Earnings Overview
Projected 10-Year Earnings
Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.
Top Career Paths
Top career paths for Computer Systems 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% |
About Computer Systems Networking Careers
You’ll likely start your career with hands-on work as a network support specialist, spending your days in server rooms racking equipment, running ethernet cable, and using command-line tools to diagnose connectivity problems. With a few years of experience, you can advance into high-demand specializations. You might become an information security analyst—a rapidly growing field—using software to hunt for threats and configure firewalls. Or you could become a network architect, designing the blueprints for a company’s entire cloud infrastructure in AWS or Azure.
Compare & Explore
Computer Systems Networking Overview
Computer Systems 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.