Computer Networking at Fox Valley Technical College

Appleton, WI · Public · Associate Degree · Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications

enrolling 6,004 students in Appleton, WI.

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $37,984/yr, roughly in line with the $39,678 national median for Computer Networking. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 62.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Networking programs nationally.

The 40% 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.

With first-year pay of $37,984 far exceeding the $10,968 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.

At #21 of 92 nationally, this is a top-5% Computer Networking program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.

Five-year earnings of $59,359 show a 56% jump from the $37,984 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

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.

68 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
55
Low End
68
Score
71
High End
Earnings $37,984/yr (-4% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (32% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$660K
11.8% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
67.2x
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)
$9,832
Out-of-state: $14,218
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,968
3.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,359
56% 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 Fox Valley 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 Fox Valley Technical College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Fox Valley Technical College's Computer Networking program score?
A score of 68/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Computer Networking field.
How vulnerable is Computer Networking to AI automation?
With 68% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $397,397 in decade earnings vs $660,403 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
What's the typical debt for Computer Networking graduates from Fox Valley Technical College?
At $10,968 in median debt, Computer Networking graduates from Fox Valley Technical College carry minimal financial burden. The debt-to-income ratio of 0.3x is well below the trade program average.
What makes Fox Valley Technical College's Computer Networking program stand out?
Among 92 Computer Networking programs, Fox Valley Technical College's #21 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
How many job openings are there for Computer Networking graduates?
The very large job market (258,000 annual openings) works in favor of Computer Networking graduates. The national outlook is driven by ongoing digital transformation and technology adoption, though regional variation matters.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →