- 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 Utah Valley University, Kean University, NUC University based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: Utah Valley University offers network administration education at $5,614/year with 92% graduation rate
- 4.45 accredited Network Administration programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best Network Administration Programs - Top 10
Utah Valley University
UVU's Network Administration certificate stands out for its dual-track flexibility, allowing students to choose between Linux/UNIX and Windows administration paths while maintaining strong foundations in both enterprise environments that most employers require.
Program Overview
Utah Valley University's Network Administration Undergraduate Certificate offers a focused 31-credit program designed to prepare students for immediate entry into network administration roles. Housed within the Smith College of Engineering and Technology's Information Systems and Technology Department, this comprehensive certificate combines hands-on training in server administration, computer architecture, and networking fundamentals. Students gain practical experience through courses in Linux/UNIX system administration, Windows server management, data communications, and router configuration, with flexible electives allowing specialization in areas like cybersecurity, computer forensics, or voice and data cabling. The program can be completed in one academic year and features both traditional and online course options, making it accessible for working professionals seeking to transition into IT careers or current students looking to enhance their technical skills.
Degree Programs
Admissions
Kean University
Based on the available information, I cannot identify a specific Network Administration program at Kean University, though the institution offers related technology programs and network research facilities.
Program Overview
I apologize, but I cannot locate specific information about a Network Administration program at Kean University in the provided sources. The sources contain detailed information about Kean's Public Service and Administration program, Management program, and various Computer Science and Information Technology offerings, but do not reference a dedicated Network Administration program. Kean University's College of Business and Public Management offers programs in Public Service and Administration (B.A.), while the Dorothy and George Hennings College of Science, Mathematics and Technology houses Computer Science programs with cybersecurity concentrations and Information Technology degrees. The university does feature a Multimedia and Network Laboratory conducting research in network communications, wireless sensor networks, and multimedia system design under Dr. Patricia Morreale's leadership.
Research Labs & Institutes
Network communications, wireless sensor networks, multimedia system design, and applications in environmental and health areas
Provides industry professionals, government agencies, academics, and students necessary skills for cybersecurity awareness and preparedness
NUC University
52 network administration graduates annually
Why Ranked #3
Ranked #3 for Network Administration based on 74% graduation rate, 52 graduates, and overall score of 68.9/100. Data from IPEDS 2023 and BLS OES 2024.
Program Strengths
- 74% graduation rate
- 52 network administration graduates annually
- Accredited institution
University of North Carolina at Greensboro
106 network administration graduates annually
University of Minnesota-Twin Cities
UMN's ITI program uniquely blends traditional network administration with modern cloud infrastructure through hands-on labs using industry-standard tools like Cisco, AWS, and Azure, while maintaining 100% job placement rates for graduates within three months.
Wentworth Institute of Technology
30 network administration graduates annually
Weber State University
18 network administration graduates annually
Southern Nazarene University
12 network administration graduates annually
Florida State College at Jacksonville
38 network administration graduates annually
DePaul University
19 network administration graduates annually
Best Network Administration Programs - Compare Top 5
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | Public | $5,614 | 92% | 74.7/100 |
| #2 Kean University | Union, NJ | Public | $11,135 | 91% | 70.3/100 |
| #3 NUC University | Bayamon, PR | For-Profit | $7,314 | 74% | 68.9/100 |
| #4 University of North Carolina at Greensboro | Greensboro, NC | Public | $4,422 | N/A | 67.4/100 |
| #5 University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | Public | $14,496 | 92% | 64.6/100 |
| Rank | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Utah Valley University | Orem, UT | Public | $5,614 | 92% | — | 74.7 |
| 2 | Kean University | Union, NJ | Public | $11,135 | 91% | — | 70.3 |
| 3 | NUC University | Bayamon, PR | For-Profit | $7,314 | 74% | — | 68.9 |
| 4 | University of North Carolina at Greensboro | Greensboro, NC | Public | $4,422 | — | — | 67.4 |
| 5 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | Minneapolis, MN | Public | $14,496 | 92% | — | 64.6 |
| 6 | Wentworth Institute of Technology | Boston, MA | Private | $40,410 | 99% | — | 64 |
| 7 | Weber State University | Ogden, UT | Public | $5,471 | 92% | — | 63.2 |
| 8 | Southern Nazarene University | Bethany, OK | Private | $28,000 | 81% | — | 58 |
| 9 | Florida State College at Jacksonville | Jacksonville, FL | Public | $2,095 | 89% | — | 57.7 |
| 10 | DePaul University | Chicago, IL | Private | $43,379 | 86% | — | 57.1 |
| 11 | Stevenson University | Owings Mills, MD | Private | $36,940 | 87% | — | 56.3 |
| 12 | Neumont College of Computer Science | Salt Lake City, UT | For-Profit | $25,500 | 97% | — | 55.5 |
| 13 | University of Wisconsin-Stout | Menomonie, WI | Public | $7,330 | — | — | 55.4 |
| 14 | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | Alfred, NY | Public | $7,070 | 90% | — | 55.3 |
| 15 | Yakima Valley College | Yakima, WA | Public | $4,623 | 55% | — | 55 |
| 16 | DeVry University-Illinois | Lisle, IL | For-Profit | $14,392 | 23% | — | 53.7 |
| 17 | Columbia Central University-Caguas | Caguas, PR | For-Profit | $7,314 | — | — | 53.2 |
| 18 | Ohio University-Main Campus | Athens, OH | Public | $13,746 | 88% | — | 53.1 |
| 19 | Tiffin University | Tiffin, OH | Private | $30,900 | 94% | — | 52.6 |
| 20 | Dalton State College | Dalton, GA | Public | $2,563 | 98% | — | 52.1 |
| 21 | Western Governors University | Salt Lake City, UT | Private | $7,710 | — | — | 51.5 |
| 22 | Baldwin Wallace University | Berea, OH | Private | $37,686 | 94% | — | 51.4 |
| 23 | Pennsylvania College of Technology | Williamsport, PA | Public | $15,450 | — | — | 51 |
| 24 | Michigan Technological University | Houghton, MI | Public | $19,429 | 90% | — | 50.9 |
| 25 | Central Connecticut State University | New Britain, CT | Public | $6,664 | — | — | 49 |
| 26 | Keiser University-Ft Lauderdale | Fort Lauderdale, FL | Private | $22,936 | 84% | — | 48.5 |
| 27 | Ball State University | Muncie, IN | Public | $8,688 | — | — | 48.4 |
| 28 | DeVry University-California | Ontario, CA | For-Profit | $14,392 | 25% | — | 48.4 |
| 29 | Valley College-Martinsburg | Martinsburg, WV | For-Profit | $0 | — | — | 48 |
| 30 | Rasmussen University-Florida | Ocala, FL | For-Profit | $13,452 | — | — | 46.7 |
| 31 | Miles College | Fairfield, AL | Private | $11,164 | — | — | 46.7 |
| 32 | Touro University | New York, NY | Private | $18,950 | — | — | 46.2 |
| 33 | University of Minnesota-Duluth | Duluth, MN | Public | $12,766 | — | — | 45.6 |
| 34 | Illinois State University | Normal, IL | Public | $11,000 | 81% | — | 45.5 |
| 35 | Hodges University | Fort Myers, FL | Private | $15,000 | — | — | 44.9 |
| 36 | Davenport University | Grand Rapids, MI | Private | $22,272 | — | — | 44.5 |
| 37 | University of Central Missouri | Warrensburg, MO | Public | $8,325 | — | — | 44.2 |
| 38 | Olivet Nazarene University | Bourbonnais, IL | Private | $36,950 | — | — | 43.6 |
| 39 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Ponce | Mercedita, PR | Private | $4,848 | — | — | 43.3 |
| 40 | University of Akron Main Campus | Akron, OH | Public | $10,399 | — | — | 42.8 |
| 41 | Ferris State University | Big Rapids, MI | Public | $14,140 | — | — | 40.7 |
| 42 | Bellevue University | Bellevue, NE | Private | $8,136 | 12% | — | 40.5 |
| 43 | Whatcom Community College | Bellingham, WA | Public | $3,633 | 78% | — | 37.8 |
| 44 | Herzing University-Madison | Madison, WI | Private | $12,360 | 39% | — | 36.5 |
| 45 | DeVry University-Ohio | Columbus, OH | For-Profit | $14,392 | — | — | 36 |
Network Administration Programs Overview
Network administration has become increasingly critical as organizations rely more heavily on cloud infrastructure and remote work capabilities. The field encompasses traditional network management, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and network automation. Students pursuing network administration degrees learn to design, implement, and maintain complex network infrastructures that support modern business operations.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects network administrator employment to grow 5% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations (BLS Employment Projections). This growth is driven by increasing demand for secure, reliable network infrastructure as organizations continue digital transformation initiatives.
Top network administration programs integrate hands-on lab experience with theoretical foundations, covering areas like network security, cloud platforms, and automation tools. Many programs offer industry certifications like Cisco CCNA, CompTIA Network+, and Microsoft Azure fundamentals as part of their curriculum. Graduates often pursue roles as network administrators, systems administrators, cloud engineers, or cybersecurity analysts.
Career Paths
Network Administrator
SOC 15-1241Manage and maintain computer networks for organizations, ensuring reliable connectivity and security. Responsibilities include network monitoring, troubleshooting, and implementing security policies.
Systems Administrator
SOC 15-1142Oversee computer servers and networks, ensuring optimal performance and security. Install, configure, and maintain server hardware and software systems.
Information Security Analyst
SOC 15-1212Protect organizational networks and systems from cyber threats. Monitor security breaches, implement security measures, and develop incident response procedures.
Cloud Solutions Architect
SOC 15-1199Design and implement cloud-based network solutions for organizations. Migrate on-premise networks to cloud platforms and optimize cloud infrastructure performance.
Network Engineer
SOC 17-2061Design, implement, and optimize network infrastructure for organizations. Plan network upgrades, troubleshoot complex network issues, and ensure scalable network solutions.
DevOps Engineer
SOC 15-1252Bridge development and operations teams by managing network infrastructure as code. Automate deployment processes and maintain continuous integration/continuous deployment pipelines.
Top States for Network Administration Programs
California
Texas
New York
Florida
Virginia
Pennsylvania
Illinois
Ohio
Financial Aid and Funding Options for Network Administration Students
Network administration students have access to various financial aid options including federal grants, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance programs. Many technology companies offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing network administration or cybersecurity degrees. Students should explore FAFSA and STEM grants as well as industry-specific scholarships from organizations like CompTIA and Cisco.
The median debt load for network administration graduates is approximately $28,500, which is below the national average for all bachelor's degree programs. Given the strong job market and competitive starting salaries, graduates typically see positive return on investment within 5-7 years of graduation. Students considering employer tuition reimbursement should verify that their chosen program meets employer requirements for funding eligibility.
Detailed Program Spotlights
The following detailed profiles examine the top five network administration programs, highlighting their unique strengths, curriculum features, and career outcomes. These programs represent the best combination of academic rigor, industry connections, and graduate success rates in the field.
Network Administration Programs by State
Network administration programs are available across all 50 states, with significant concentrations in technology hubs like California, Texas, and New York. State program availability often correlates with local demand for IT professionals and the presence of major technology companies. The following breakdown shows program distribution and highlights top programs by state.
Program Selection Framework
- You want excellent education at reasonable in-state tuition rates
- Strong industry connections and research opportunities are important
- You prefer comprehensive programs with multiple specialization tracks
- Access to federal government or defense contractor internships appeals to you
- Hands-on work experience during college is a priority
- You're willing to pay higher tuition for guaranteed industry connections
- Small class sizes and personalized attention matter to you
- You want nearly guaranteed job placement after graduation
- You're currently working in IT and need flexibility to study
- Geographic constraints limit access to quality on-campus programs
- You're disciplined enough for self-paced learning
- Cost is a primary concern and you want to avoid relocating
- You want to minimize total education costs
- You're unsure about committing to a four-year program initially
- You prefer smaller classes for foundational coursework
- You need to stay close to home for the first two years
Frequently Asked Questions About Network Administration Programs
Based on 385 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Network Administration degree completions indicating program size, faculty, and resources
6-year completion rate from IPEDS 2023 (4-year institutions weighted higher)
Admission rate from IPEDS 2023 (lower = more selective)
State-specific network administration salaries from BLS OES 2024
Taylor Rupe
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