Computer Systems Networking at Fox Valley Technical College
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 Systems 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 Systems 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 Systems 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 Systems 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 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 Fox Valley Technical College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.