Computer Networking at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

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

a smaller institution with 1,277 students in Fennimore, WI.

Program Analysis

At $42,729 per year, Computer Networking graduates from Southwest Wisconsin Technical College earn slightly above the $39,678 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

The 63.2x 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 30% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Computer Networking graduates.

Ranked #18 out of 92 programs, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College's Computer Networking program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $42,729 to $59,310 shows 39% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

One registered apprenticeship pathway (It Project Manager with a median wage of $171,200/yr) connects to Computer Networking careers, offering a paid training alternative to the classroom model.

70 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
59
Low End
70
Score
73
High End
Earnings $42,729/yr (8% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (32% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$635K
8.5% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
66.2x
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)
$9,592
Out-of-state: $13,978
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$59,310
39% 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

From day-one roles to senior positions, Computer Networking careers span a range of specializations. Read the complete outlook for graduates entering engineering & technology.

Read the full Computer Networking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Computer Networking Overview

Computer Networking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Southwest Wisconsin 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

How does Southwest Wisconsin Technical College's Computer Networking program score?
This program scores 70/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Computer Networking nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, hands-on AI resilience, and solid financial return.
Will AI affect Computer Networking careers?
AI won't eliminate Computer Networking careers, but it may reshape them. At Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, a score of 70/100 already accounts for the 68% task exposure — the ROI calculation factors in reduced employment probability.
Why does Southwest Wisconsin Technical College rank so high for Computer Networking?
Ranked #18 of 92 programs nationally, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
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 →