Computer Networking at Ozarks Technical Community College

Springfield, MO · Public · Associate Degree · Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications

enrolling 8,194 students in Springfield, MO.

Program Analysis

Ozarks Technical Community College's Computer Networking graduates start at $44,381/yr — above the $39,678 national average, though not by a wide margin.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 56.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Networking programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Computer Networking's career paths, with 68% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 2% gap from the optimistic case.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $14,907 in median debt clears fast against $44,381 in annual earnings.

At #16 of 92 nationally, this is a top-5% Computer Networking program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $46,949 are relatively flat compared to the $44,381 starting salary — typical of trades with stable but capped salary bands.

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.

70 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
62
Low End
70
Score
72
High End
Earnings $44,381/yr (12% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (32% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$473K
1.4% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
56.5x
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)
$8,368
Out-of-state: $13,744
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,907
4.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,949
6% 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 Ozarks Technical 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 70/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Computer Networking at Ozarks Technical Community College?
At 70/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Networking at Ozarks Technical Community College?
Our scenarios model 68% of Computer Networking tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. Ozarks Technical Community College's 70/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
Is Ozarks Technical Community College one of the best schools for Computer Networking?
The #16 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 Ozarks Technical Community College?
At 258,000 annual openings, Computer Networking has a very large employment base. Ozarks Technical Community College graduates benefit from broad demand, particularly given ongoing digital transformation and technology adoption.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →