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Computer Networking at Illinois State University

Normal, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
77 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
78
Optimistic
77
Base Case
71
Pessimistic
Earnings $66,801/yr (15% vs median)
AI Risk Very High (68% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (258,000 openings/yr)
ROI 12.1x earnings multiple (6.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #13 of 41 Computer Systems Networking programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Computer Networking graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $805K $777K $631K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.6x 12.1x 9.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.2x 6.9x 5.6x
Probability of Field Employment 80% 73% 42%
DegreeOutlook Score 78 77 71

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$64,084
Out-of-state: $112,344 (6.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$75,984
-19% less than sticker · See by income
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$84,405
26% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Illinois State University's Computer Networking graduates start at $66,801/yr — above the $58,164 national average, though not by a wide margin.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 12.1x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Computer Networking programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Computer Networking's typical career paths, with 68% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 22% gap from the optimistic case.

At #13 of 41 Computer Networking programs, Illinois State University scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.

Earnings grow from $66,801 to $84,405 over five years — a 26% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About Illinois State University

A 89% acceptance rate means Illinois State University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 18,414 students in Normal, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at Illinois State University →

Top Career Paths

Computer and information systems managers $171,200/yr
Computer and information research scientists $140,910/yr
Database architects $135,980/yr
View all 10 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 41 schools offering Computer Networking →

Computer Networking at Other Schools

Rochester Institute of Technology ($73,367) Weber State University ($71,941) Park University ($71,601) Wentworth Institute of Technology ($68,056) University of Minnesota-Twin Cities ($68,047) University of Wisconsin-Stout ($66,623) University of Phoenix-Arizona ($65,474) University of Phoenix-Nevada ($65,474)

Other Majors at Illinois State University

Computer Science ($81,363) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($72,709) Construction Management ($70,672) Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($65,629) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($65,127) Accounting and Related Services ($62,940) Public Health ($59,207) Engineering Technology, General ($55,532)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Computer Networking trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Computer Networking at Illinois State University?
This program scores 77/100 — placing it among the stronger programs for Computer Networking nationally. The score reflects above-average earnings, manageable AI risk, and solid financial return.
Will AI replace Computer Networking careers?
With 68% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $631,141 in decade earnings vs $805,024 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →