- 1.Network Administrators earn a median salary of $95,360 with 3% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked Network Administration programs include Weber State University, Idaho State University, Bellevue College based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: Weber State University offers network administration education at $5,471/year with 92% graduation rate
- 4.50 accredited Network Administration programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Network Administration Programs - Top 10 Associate's
Weber State University
18 network administration graduates annually
Why Ranked #1
Ranked #1 for Network Administration based on 92% graduation rate, 18 graduates, and overall score of 54.5/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- 18 network administration graduates annually
- Accredited institution
Idaho State University
12 network administration graduates annually
Why Ranked #2
Ranked #2 for Network Administration based on 87% graduation rate, 12 graduates, and overall score of 54/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 87% graduation rate
- 12 network administration graduates annually
- Accredited institution
Bellevue College
18 network administration graduates annually
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 for Network Administration based on 96% graduation rate, 18 graduates, and overall score of 52.8/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 96% graduation rate
- 18 network administration graduates annually
- Accredited institution
Columbia Basin College
4 network administration graduates annually
Valencia College
55 network administration graduates annually
Edmonds College
7 network administration graduates annually
Florida State College at Jacksonville
16 network administration graduates annually
Palm Beach State College
26 network administration graduates annually
State College of Florida-Manatee-Sarasota
6 network administration graduates annually
Olympic College
4 network administration graduates annually
Best Network Administration Programs - Compare Top 5 Associate's
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Weber State University | Ogden, UT | Public | $5,471 | 92% | 54.5/100 |
| #2 Idaho State University | Pocatello, ID | Public | $5,992 | 87% | 54/100 |
| #3 Bellevue College | Bellevue, WA | Public | $4,074 | 96% | 52.8/100 |
| #4 Columbia Basin College | Pasco, WA | Public | $5,514 | 97% | 52/100 |
| #5 Valencia College | Orlando, FL | Public | $1,984 | 86% | 50.8/100 |
Complete Associate Network Administration Rankings 2026
| Rank | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | — | Ogden, UT | $5,471 | — | — | 54.5 |
| 2 | — | Pocatello, ID | $5,992 | — | — | 54 |
| 3 | — | Bellevue, WA | $4,074 | — | — | 52.8 |
| 4 | — | Pasco, WA | $5,514 | — | — | 52 |
| 5 | — | Orlando, FL | $1,984 | — | — | 50.8 |
| 6 | — | Lynnwood, WA | $4,073 | — | — | 49.7 |
| 7 | — | Jacksonville, FL | $2,095 | — | — | 48.6 |
| 8 | — | Lake Worth, FL | $3,030 | — | — | 48.1 |
| 9 | — | Bradenton, FL | $2,365 | — | — | 47.5 |
| 10 | — | Bremerton, WA | $4,197 | — | — | 47.2 |
| 11 | — | Cypress, CA | $1,104 | — | — | 46.5 |
| 12 | — | New Port Richey, FL | $2,297 | — | — | 46.5 |
| 13 | — | Dallas, TX | $4,050 | — | — | 46.3 |
| 14 | — | Renton, WA | $4,673 | — | — | 45.9 |
| 15 | — | Atlanta, GA | $12,360 | — | — | 45.8 |
| 16 | — | Madison, WI | $4,386 | — | — | 45.5 |
| 17 | — | Avon Park, FL | $3,135 | — | — | 44.4 |
| 18 | — | Panama City, FL | $1,750 | — | — | 43.3 |
| 19 | — | Whittier, CA | $1,306 | — | — | 43.3 |
| 20 | — | Kirkland, WA | $3,195 | — | — | 42.9 |
| 21 | — | Virginia Beach, VA | $17,424 | — | — | 42.3 |
| 22 | — | Seattle, WA | $4,458 | — | — | 41.7 |
| 23 | — | Lawrenceville, GA | $2,400 | — | — | 41.4 |
| 24 | — | Cupertino, CA | $1,395 | — | — | 41.3 |
| 25 | — | Yakima, WA | $4,623 | — | — | 40.9 |
Showing 1–25 of 50
Career Paths
Network Administrator
SOC 15-1244Manage and maintain computer networks for organizations, ensuring optimal performance and security.
IT Support Specialist
SOC 15-1252Provide technical support and troubleshooting for network and computer system issues.
Systems Administrator
SOC 15-1244Install, configure, and maintain servers and network infrastructure components.
Network Security Specialist
SOC 15-1212Implement and monitor network security measures to protect organizational data.
Program Costs and Financial Aid Options
Associate network administration programs cost significantly less than four-year alternatives, with public community colleges averaging $3,800 per year for in-state tuition and fees according to College Board data. Total program costs typically range from $8,000-$15,000 including books, supplies, and technology fees.
Federal financial aid eligibility covers community college programs, with Pell Grants providing up to $7,395 annually for qualifying students in 2025. Many states offer additional need-based grants specifically for community college students pursuing STEM programs. Work-study programs often place students in campus IT departments, providing relevant experience alongside financial support.
Employer tuition assistance programs represent a valuable funding source for working adults. Many IT employers offer $3,000-$5,000 annually for job-related education, often covering entire associate degree programs. Some organizations provide paid time off for coursework and examinations.
Students should budget additional costs for industry certifications, which range from $300-$400 per exam. Home lab equipment for practice costs $500-$1,000 but provides valuable hands-on experience. Many programs provide access to virtual labs, reducing individual equipment needs.
How to Choose the Right Network Administration Program
Selecting the optimal associate network administration program requires evaluating multiple factors beyond basic accreditation. Industry partnerships significantly impact graduate outcomes, with Cisco Networking Academy and CompTIA Authorized Training Centers providing direct pathways to certification and employment.
Program flexibility matters for working adults, with 68% of community college students attending part-time according to NCES data. Evening, weekend, and hybrid delivery options enable students to maintain employment while completing degrees. Online lab components through remote access or virtual environments have become increasingly sophisticated, though hands-on hardware experience remains valuable.
Transfer agreements with four-year institutions provide pathways for career advancement. Many associate network administration graduates pursue bachelor's degrees in information technology or cybersecurity to access management roles and higher salaries. Stackable credential programs allow students to earn certificates while progressing toward degree completion.
Geographic location influences salary potential and job availability. Network administrators in metropolitan areas typically earn 15-25% more than rural counterparts, but cost-of-living adjustments may offset higher wages. Programs with strong local employer relationships often provide better internship and job placement opportunities.
Choose Your Program Type Based On Your Goals
- You prefer face-to-face instruction and campus networking
- Hands-on lab access is important for your learning style
- You want the full college experience with student activities
- Local employer partnerships are strong in your area
- You need schedule flexibility for work or family
- Geographic constraints limit local options
- You have reliable internet and self-discipline
- Virtual lab environments meet your learning needs
- You have prior IT experience or education
- You want to enter the workforce quickly
- You can commit to intensive full-time study
- Financial aid covers accelerated tuition rates
Frequently Asked Questions
Based on 45 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Degree completions (sqrt normalized, capped at 500)
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023
State-specific salary data from BLS OES 2024
Admission rate (lower = more selective)
Institution type (R1/R2 research bonus)
CAE-CD designation, curator bonuses
Data completeness proxy
Reporting completeness
Data Sources and Methodology
Employment projections and salary data for network administrators
Institutional data on graduation rates, costs, and program offerings
Graduate earnings and employment outcomes by program
Industry certification trends and salary impact data
Taylor Rupe
Full-Stack Developer (B.S. Computer Science, B.A. Psychology)
Taylor combines formal training in computer science with a background in human behavior to evaluate complex search, AI, and data-driven topics. His technical review ensures each article reflects current best practices in semantic search, AI systems, and web technology.