Computer Systems Networking at Texas State Technical College

Waco, TX · Public · Associate Degree · Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications

serving 9,153 students in Waco, TX.

Program Analysis

At $27,768 per year, Computer Systems Networking graduates from Texas State Technical College earn below the $39,678 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 30.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Systems Networking programs nationally.

The 38% 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.

Ranked #83 of 92 Computer Systems Networking programs, Texas State Technical College falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Five-year earnings of $42,357 show a 53% jump from the $27,768 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration in this trade.

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

53 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
42
Low End
53
Score
55
High End
Earnings $27,768/yr (-30% vs median)
AI-Proof Exposed (32% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (258,000 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$467K
11.1% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
32.5x
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)
$14,384
Out-of-state: $23,684
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,357
53% growth from Year 1

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%
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 →

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.

Read the full Computer Systems Networking career guide →

Compare & Explore

Computer Systems Networking Overview

Computer Systems Networking at Other Schools

Other Majors at Texas State 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 does a 53/100 TradeSchoolOutlook Score mean for Computer Systems Networking at Texas State Technical College?
At 53/100, the score looks reasonable — but Computer Systems Networking is a high-scoring trade overall. Compared to peers, this program's earnings and ROI fall below the median.
Should I worry about AI if I study Computer Systems Networking?
The 68% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Why are Computer Systems Networking earnings lower at Texas State Technical College?
Starting salary is one data point. If Texas State Technical College's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
How many job openings are there for Computer Systems Networking graduates?
The career paths mapped to Computer Systems Networking have roughly 258,000 combined annual openings nationally, making this a very large job market. Trade careers in this field benefit from consistent replacement demand as workers retire.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →