Computer Networking at Western Technical College

La Crosse, WI · Public · Associate Degree · Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications

a smaller institution with 3,434 students in La Crosse, WI.

Program Analysis

At $45,381 per year, Computer Networking graduates from Western Technical College earn slightly above the $39,678 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 69.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Networking programs nationally.

The 31% gap between optimistic and pessimistic AI scenarios is notable. With 68% of typical tasks exposed to automation, AI adoption could meaningfully shift career outcomes for Computer Networking graduates.

At #13 of 92 nationally, this is a top-5% Computer Networking program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Earnings grow from $45,381 to $63,992 over five years — a 41% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career 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.

73 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
61
Low End
73
Score
75
High End
Earnings $45,381/yr (14% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (32% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$689K
9.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
73.0x
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)
$9,432
Out-of-state: $13,818
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$63,992
41% 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

What can you do with a Computer Networking credential from Western Technical College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Computer Networking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Computer Networking Overview

Computer Networking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Western Technical College

How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?

Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Computer Networking at Western Technical College?
At 73/100, this is a high-performing trade program. The TradeSchoolOutlook Score combines earnings, AI resilience, and ROI — and this program delivers on all three.
Will AI affect Computer Networking careers?
AI won't eliminate Computer Networking careers, but it may reshape them. At Western Technical College, a score of 73/100 already accounts for the 68% task exposure — the ROI calculation factors in reduced employment probability.
What makes Western Technical College's Computer Networking program stand out?
Ranked #13 of 92 programs nationally, Western Technical College lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
Is there demand for Computer Networking workers?
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 →