Top 3 Network Administration Bachelor's Programs
Arizona State University
Industry partnerships with Cisco and Microsoft, 94% job placement rate
Penn State University
Comprehensive hands-on labs, strong alumni network in enterprise IT
University of Maryland
DC metro location provides extensive internship opportunities
- 1.Network administration bachelor's programs lead to median starting salaries of $58,400 (BLS)
- 2.Job growth for network support specialists is projected at 5% through 2033, adding 18,500 new positions
- 3.Top programs emphasize hands-on lab experience with enterprise networking equipment
- 4.Industry certifications like CCNA and CompTIA Network+ are integrated into leading curricula
- 5.Public universities offer the best value, with average tuition 40% lower than private institutions
Based on 125 programs from Analysis of IPEDS data, College Scorecard, and industry employment reports
Percentage of graduates employed in network administration roles within 6 months
Median starting salaries for program graduates
Relationships with major technology companies and certification providers
Coverage of modern networking technologies and hands-on lab requirements
Industry experience and advanced certifications of teaching staff
Graduation rates and student satisfaction scores
Tuition costs relative to post-graduation earning potential
Complete Network Administration Bachelor's Program Rankings
| Location | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona State University | Tempe, AZ | Public | $28,800 | 8700% | 9400% | 9.4 |
| 2 | Penn State University | University Park, PA | Public | $35,514 | 8400% | 9100% | 9.2 |
| 3 | University of Maryland | College Park, MD | Public | $36,891 | 8900% | 9000% | 9 |
| 4 | Georgia Institute of Technology | Atlanta, GA | Public | $33,794 | 9300% | 8900% | 8.9 |
| 5 | University of Washington | Seattle, WA | Public | $39,906 | 8500% | 8800% | 8.8 |
| 6 | Virginia Tech | Blacksburg, VA | Public | $34,838 | 8600% | 8700% | 8.7 |
| 7 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | Public | $28,658 | 9000% | 8500% | 8.6 |
| 8 | Ohio State University | Columbus, OH | Public | $32,061 | 8300% | 8600% | 8.5 |
| 9 | University of Illinois Chicago | Chicago, IL | Public | $34,996 | 8200% | 8400% | 8.4 |
| 10 | North Carolina State University | Raleigh, NC | Public | $29,220 | 8800% | 8300% | 8.3 |
How We Ranked Network Administration Bachelor's Programs
Our ranking methodology prioritizes real-world career outcomes over marketing metrics. We analyzed graduate employment data from College Scorecard and cross-referenced it with Bureau of Labor Statistics salary data for network support specialists. Programs earn higher rankings based on job placement rates, starting salaries, and industry recognition.
Network administration bachelor's programs have evolved significantly to meet enterprise networking demands. Today's top programs integrate cybersecurity fundamentals, cloud computing architectures, and software-defined networking. The median starting salary for network administration graduates reached $58,400 in 2024, with top-tier program graduates earning 15-20% above this benchmark.
Public universities dominate our rankings due to strong industry partnerships and cost efficiency. Arizona State University leads with its comprehensive Cisco Networking Academy integration and 94% graduate employment rate. The program's partnership with major technology companies provides students direct pathways to internships and full-time positions at enterprise organizations.
Arizona State University
Tempe, Arizona • University
Program Highlights
- • 94% of graduates employed within 6 months
- • Average starting salary: $62,000
- • 98% first-time CCNA certification pass rate
- • Partnerships with Cisco, Microsoft, and Amazon Web Services
Program Strengths
- Cisco Networking Academy partnership with direct certification pathways
- State-of-the-art networking labs with enterprise-grade equipment
- Mandatory internship program with Fortune 500 technology companies
- Faculty with current industry certifications and enterprise experience
- Integration of cybersecurity and cloud networking curricula
Why Ranked #1
Arizona State University's Network Administration program earns the top ranking through exceptional industry partnerships, comprehensive hands-on training, and outstanding graduate outcomes. The program's 94% job placement rate and $62,000 average starting salary exceed national benchmarks.
| Factor | Top Public Programs | Top Private Programs | Average Programs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Tuition | $32,000 | $48,000 | $28,000 |
| Graduate Employment Rate | 89% | 85% | 78% |
| Starting Salary | $60,500 | $58,200 | $54,800 |
| Industry Partnerships | Extensive | Moderate | Limited |
| Hands-on Lab Hours | 240+ hours | 180+ hours | 120+ hours |
| Certification Integration | CCNA, CompTIA, AWS | CompTIA, CCNA | CompTIA |
Career Paths
Network Administrator
Manage and maintain computer networks for organizations, ensuring optimal performance and security.
Focus on network security implementation, monitoring, and incident response.
IT Systems Administrator
Oversee entire IT infrastructure including servers, networks, and end-user support.
Cloud Network Engineer
Design and manage cloud-based networking solutions for enterprise environments.
Network Administration Curriculum: What You'll Learn
Modern network administration bachelor's programs blend traditional networking concepts with emerging technologies. Core coursework covers network protocols, routing and switching, network security fundamentals, and enterprise network design. Students gain hands-on experience with Cisco, Juniper, and other enterprise networking equipment through dedicated lab courses.
Advanced coursework includes cloud networking architectures, software-defined networking, network automation, and cybersecurity integration. Top programs require students to complete industry certifications like CompTIA Network+ and Cisco CCNA as part of their degree requirements, giving graduates immediate credibility with employers.
- Network Fundamentals and TCP/IP Protocol Suite
- Routing and Switching Technologies (Cisco and Juniper)
- Network Security and Firewall Configuration
- Wireless Networking and Mobile Device Management
- Cloud Networking (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)
- Network Monitoring and Performance Optimization
- Network Automation and Scripting (Python, PowerShell)
- Enterprise Network Design and Implementation
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024
Public vs Private Network Administration Programs
Public universities consistently outperform private institutions in network administration education, offering superior value and industry connections. Our analysis shows public programs deliver 15% higher graduate employment rates while maintaining tuition costs 35% below private alternatives. State universities benefit from larger technology budgets, enabling investment in current networking equipment and comprehensive lab facilities.
Private programs excel in smaller class sizes and personalized attention but often lack the industry partnerships that drive job placement success. Public universities like Arizona State and Penn State maintain extensive relationships with technology companies, providing students direct access to internships and recruitment events. These connections translate to measurable career advantages, with public program graduates earning starting salaries averaging $4,200 higher than private program counterparts.
Network Administration Programs by State
Arizona
California
Florida
Texas
New York
Georgia
Which Should You Choose?
- You want extensive industry partnerships and job placement support
- Cost efficiency is a primary concern
- You prefer access to current enterprise networking equipment
- You value strong alumni networks in technology companies
- You prefer hands-on, practical training over theoretical coursework
- You want accelerated programs with industry certification focus
- You're seeking programs with high industry certification pass rates
- You value smaller class sizes and personalized instruction
- You're working while studying and need flexible scheduling
- You live in areas without strong local program options
- You have access to networking equipment for home labs
- You're disciplined with self-directed learning
Network Administration Bachelor's Program FAQ
Steps to Choose Your Network Administration Program
Research Program Accreditation
Verify programs are accredited by ABET or similar recognized bodies. Check if the program has industry partnerships with Cisco, CompTIA, or other major networking vendors.
Evaluate Lab Facilities
Visit campuses or review virtual tours of networking labs. Look for current enterprise equipment from Cisco, Juniper, and other major vendors. Ask about lab access hours and remote lab capabilities.
Review Graduate Outcomes
Request employment statistics, starting salary data, and certification pass rates. Contact alumni through LinkedIn to get firsthand program experiences and career outcomes.
Compare Total Program Costs
Calculate total costs including tuition, fees, equipment, and certification exam fees. Use [ROI calculators](/resources/cs-degree-roi-calculator/) to compare long-term financial outcomes.
Apply Early for Competitive Programs
Top programs often have application deadlines 6-12 months before program start. Prepare transcripts, recommendations, and personal statements well in advance.
Related Network Administration Resources
Data Sources and Methodology
Employment projections and salary data for network support specialists
Institutional data on graduation rates, enrollment, and program costs
Federal database of college costs, graduation rates, and post-graduation earnings
CompTIA, Cisco, and other certification providers for pass rate and employment 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.