Computer Systems Networking at Gateway Technical College
a smaller institution with 4,657 students in Kenosha, WI.
Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $41,942 at Gateway Technical College come in 6% above the national median of $39,678 for Computer Systems Networking programs.
The 51.9x 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 15% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Computer Systems Networking graduates.
With first-year pay of $41,942 far exceeding the $18,375 median debt, the payback timeline is measured in months, not years.
Ranked #22 out of 92 programs, Gateway Technical College's Computer Systems Networking program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.
Earnings growth is modest: $41,942 to $50,095 over five years (19% gain). This trade may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.
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 Gateway Technical College
Explore the Degree Alternative
Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.