Computer Systems Networking at Western Dakota Technical College
a smaller institution with 733 students in Rapid City, SD.
Program Analysis
Western Dakota Technical College's Computer Systems Networking program produces graduates earning $40,418/yr — within striking distance of the $39,678 national average for this trade.
The 26.4x 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 risk is moderate — 68% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Computer Systems Networking graduates.
Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $14,750 in median debt clears fast against $40,418 in annual earnings.
Ranked #46 out of 92 programs, Western Dakota Technical College's Computer Systems Networking offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Computer Systems 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.
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 Western Dakota Technical College
Trade Certificate vs. Bachelor's Degree
Weigh shorter time-to-career against higher earning ceilings. The numbers tell the story.