WhatGradsMake
Certificate (1-2 years)-19% vs national median88 grads tracked

Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at Western Dakota Technical College

Ranked 13th of 15 certificate (1-2 years) programs in Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications by 5-year earnings.

Median · 1 year out
$33,960
middle 50%: $26,930 – $43,722
Median · 5 years out
$44,737
middle 50%: $37,361 – $53,040
Median · 10 years out
$54,051
middle 50%: $41,920 – $85,664

Salary trajectory

Median earnings vs the national median for Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications (certificate (1-2 years)) graduates.

This program (median)National median, same major & degreeMiddle 50% of graduates

Graduates of Western Dakota Technical College's certificate (1-2 years) program in Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications earn a median $33,960 one year after graduating, rising to $54,051 by year ten. Five years out, earnings run 19% below the national median of $55,464 for this field, ranking 13th of 15 reporting programs.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau PSEO, release V4.13.0 2025Q4. Earnings are for graduates working in covered states; figures are medians in nominal dollars.

Will the degree pay for itself?

Drag the sliders — payback uses this program's actual salary curve.

Assumes a 6.5% APR loan and this program's median salary trajectory (interpolated between years 1, 5 and 10).

Paid off in
9.3 yrs
≈ $10,983 total interest

Same major at other universities

Colorado Mountain College
$55,464 · 5 yrs out
Victoria College
$53,107 · 5 yrs out
Edison State Community College
$52,839 · 5 yrs out
Iowa Central Community College
$52,093 · 5 yrs out
Ozarks Technical Community College
$48,487 · 5 yrs out
SOWELA Technical Community College
$47,574 · 5 yrs out
South Louisiana Community College
$43,047 · 5 yrs out
Northshore Technical Community College
$38,015 · 5 yrs out

Other majors at Western Dakota Technical College

Precision Metal Working (Certificate)
$56,363 · 5 yrs out
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (Associate)
$54,051 · 5 yrs out
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Associate)
$53,202 · 5 yrs out
Precision Production (Certificate)
$53,040 · 5 yrs out
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications (Associate)
$52,989 · 5 yrs out
Precision Production (Associate)
$52,793 · 5 yrs out
Precision Metal Working (Associate)
$52,793 · 5 yrs out
Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians (Associate)
$51,947 · 5 yrs out
Fire Protection (Associate)
$51,223 · 5 yrs out
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services (Associate)
$50,940 · 5 yrs out
Criminal Justice and Corrections (Associate)
$50,791 · 5 yrs out
Mechanic and Repair Technologies/Technicians (Certificate)
$50,197 · 5 yrs out

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