Computer Systems Networking at Western Technical College
a smaller institution with 3,434 students in La Crosse, WI.
Program Analysis
At $45,381 per year, Computer Systems Networking graduates from Western Technical College earn slightly above the $39,678 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.
Every dollar of tuition returns an estimated 69.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Systems Networking programs nationally.
The 31% 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.
At #13 of 92 nationally, this is a top-5% Computer Systems Networking program. Financial outcomes consistently outperform the vast majority of peers.
Earnings grow from $45,381 to $63,992 over five years — a 41% increase that's moderate and in line with typical trade career progression.
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 Western Technical College
How Does a Bachelor's Degree Compare?
Four-year programs take longer but may unlock different career trajectories. See the data.