2027 Best Value Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications Schools in the Great Lakes Region
[Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications](/majors/computer-information-sciences/computer-systems-networking/internet-technology/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 42 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for computer systems networking and telecommunications students.
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2027 Best Value Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications Schools in the Great Lakes Region
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the computer systems networking and telecommunications degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications Schools
For return on investment in computer systems networking and telecommunications, no school beat Joliet Junior College this year. Set in the suburb of Joliet, Joliet Junior College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,530, while out-of-state students pay about $13,800. Students borrow a median of $11,995 to complete the computer systems networking and telecommunications program here. Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications graduates of Joliet Junior College earn a median of $40,118 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,995 median debt.
Moraine Valley Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in computer systems networking and telecommunications, landing the #2 spot this year. Moraine Valley Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Palos Hills. Students from in state pay about $3,822 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,846. Typical student debt for computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates is $11,149. Soon after graduation, computer systems networking and telecommunications degree recipients from Moraine Valley Community College generally make around $43,844. That is a strong return on a $11,149 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Lorain County Community College earned it the #3 place for computer systems networking and telecommunications. Lorain County Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Elyria. Students from in state pay about $4,265 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,860. Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications graduates carry a median of $17,611 in student loans. Early-career computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates make about $40,095. That is a strong return on a $17,611 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Sinclair Community College earned it the #4 place for computer systems networking and telecommunications. Set in the city of Dayton, Sinclair Community College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,675, while out-of-state students pay about $8,556. Typical student debt for computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates is $17,816. Soon after graduation, computer systems networking and telecommunications degree recipients from Sinclair Community College generally make around $45,772. That is a strong return on a $17,816 median debt.
Rock Valley College came in at #5 on our 2027 list of the best value computer systems networking and telecommunications schools. Rock Valley College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Rockford. In-state tuition and fees average $4,334, with out-of-state students paying around $7,379. Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications graduates carry a median of $9,236 in student loans. Soon after graduation, computer systems networking and telecommunications degree recipients from Rock Valley College generally make around $41,080. Set against $9,236 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Elgin Community College placed #6 among the best values for computer systems networking and telecommunications. Set in the city of Elgin, Elgin Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,252, compared with $9,516 for out-of-state students. Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications graduates carry a median of $7,727 in student loans. Soon after graduation, computer systems networking and telecommunications degree recipients from Elgin Community College generally make around $43,975. That is a strong return on a $7,727 median debt.
College Of Dupage came in at #7 for value in computer systems networking and telecommunications this year. Located in the suburb of Glen Ellyn, College Of Dupage is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,560, while out-of-state students pay about $12,750. Students borrow a median of $8,767 to complete the computer systems networking and telecommunications program here. Early-career computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates make about $43,025. That is a strong return on a $8,767 median debt.
Mott Community College placed #8 among the best values for computer systems networking and telecommunications. Set in the city of Flint, Mott Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,845, while out-of-state students pay about $11,460. Typical student debt for computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates is $20,645. Early-career computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates make about $37,989. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College landed the #9 spot for computer systems networking and telecommunications value this year. Located in the city of Chicago, City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,590, while out-of-state students pay about $15,150. Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications graduates carry a median of $8,093 in student loans. Soon after graduation, computer systems networking and telecommunications degree recipients from City Colleges Of Chicago Wilbur Wright College generally make around $34,691. That is a strong return on a $8,093 median debt.
Stark State College earned the #10 position for value in computer systems networking and telecommunications this year. Set in the suburb of North Canton, Stark State College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,790, compared with $7,886 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,349 to complete the computer systems networking and telecommunications program here. Early-career computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates make about $42,724. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Southwestern Michigan College came in at #11 for value in computer systems networking and telecommunications this year. Set in the rural area of Dowagiac, Southwestern Michigan College is a mid-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,417 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,394. Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications graduates carry a median of $16,575 in student loans. Soon after graduation, computer systems networking and telecommunications degree recipients from Southwestern Michigan College generally make around $43,153. That is a strong return on a $16,575 median debt.
Ivy Tech Community College came in at #12 for value in computer systems networking and telecommunications this year. Located in the city of Indianapolis, Ivy Tech Community College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,154, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,889 to complete the computer systems networking and telecommunications program here. Early-career computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates make about $40,734. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
College Of Lake County ranked #13 on our 2027 list of the best value computer systems networking and telecommunications schools. Set in the suburb of Grayslake, College Of Lake County is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,788, with out-of-state students paying around $14,400. Students borrow a median of $9,785 to complete the computer systems networking and telecommunications program here. Soon after graduation, computer systems networking and telecommunications degree recipients from College Of Lake County generally make around $50,314. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Edison State Community College came in at #14 for value in computer systems networking and telecommunications this year. Edison State Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Piqua. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,499, with out-of-state students paying around $8,346. Students borrow a median of $15,406 to complete the computer systems networking and telecommunications program here. Soon after graduation, computer systems networking and telecommunications degree recipients from Edison State Community College generally make around $43,481. Set against $15,406 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Purdue University Global ranked #15 on our 2027 list of the best value computer systems networking and telecommunications schools. Set in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Global is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,101, while out-of-state students pay about $14,412. Typical student debt for computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates is $36,778. Early-career computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates make about $54,278. Set against $36,778 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Ferris State University placed #16 among the best values for computer systems networking and telecommunications. Set in the town of Big Rapids, Ferris State University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,778. Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications graduates carry a median of $23,562 in student loans. Early-career computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates make about $54,608. Set against $23,562 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%.
Jackson Community College placed #17 among the best values for computer systems networking and telecommunications. Set in the rural area of Jackson, Jackson Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,350 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,200. Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications graduates carry a median of $16,960 in student loans. Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications graduates of Jackson Community College earn a median of $41,322 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Wayne County Community College District ranked #18 on our 2027 list of the best value computer systems networking and telecommunications schools. Wayne County Community College District is a large public school located in the city of Detroit. In-state tuition and fees average $3,112, compared with $4,067 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates is $20,820. Soon after graduation, computer systems networking and telecommunications degree recipients from Wayne County Community College District generally make around $48,892. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Moraine Park Technical College came in at #19 for value in computer systems networking and telecommunications this year. Moraine Park Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Fond du Lac. In-state tuition and fees average $4,819, with out-of-state students paying around $7,084. Typical student debt for computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates is $11,471. Early-career computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates make about $39,552. Set against $11,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Milwaukee Area Technical College earned the #20 position for value in computer systems networking and telecommunications this year. Located in the city of Milwaukee, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $5,184 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,427. Typical student debt for computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates is $22,944. Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications graduates of Milwaukee Area Technical College earn a median of $43,276 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Grand Rapids Community College earned the #21 position for value in computer systems networking and telecommunications this year. Grand Rapids Community College is a large public school located in the city of Grand Rapids. In-state tuition and fees average $4,179, compared with $12,219 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,780 to complete the computer systems networking and telecommunications program here. Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications graduates of Grand Rapids Community College earn a median of $41,689 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College earned the #22 position for value in computer systems networking and telecommunications this year. Set in the city of Green Bay, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,960, with out-of-state students paying around $7,203. Typical student debt for computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates is $14,997. Early-career computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates make about $42,016. That is a strong return on a $14,997 median debt.
Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Olney Central College placed #23 among the best values for computer systems networking and telecommunications. Located in the town of Olney, Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Olney Central College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,260, while out-of-state students pay about $12,460. Typical student debt for computer systems networking and telecommunications graduates is $9,434. Computer Systems Networking And Telecommunications graduates of Illinois Eastern Community Colleges Olney Central College earn a median of $38,331 early in their careers. Set against $9,434 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Fox Valley Technical College came in at #24 for value in computer systems networking and telecommunications this year. Set in the suburb of Appleton, Fox Valley Technical College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,040 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,283. Students borrow a median of $11,500 to complete the computer systems networking and telecommunications program here. Soon after graduation, computer systems networking and telecommunications degree recipients from Fox Valley Technical College generally make around $37,984. Set against $11,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Waukesha County Technical College earned the #25 position for value in computer systems networking and telecommunications this year. Located in the suburb of Pewaukee, Waukesha County Technical College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,803, with out-of-state students paying around $7,046. Students borrow a median of $16,595 to complete the computer systems networking and telecommunications program here. Soon after graduation, computer systems networking and telecommunications degree recipients from Waukesha County Technical College generally make around $46,398. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Rest of the Top 42 Best Value Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications Schools
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in computer systems networking and telecommunications:
Narrow Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications Schools by State
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Notes and References
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 42 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 42 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
