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Lansdale School of Business
North Wales, PAPrivate for-profit
$12,000
Tuition/yr
85%
Grad rate
78.5
Hakia Score
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology
Key Takeaways
Best network administration degree programs: Pennsylvania State, Pennsylvania State Univer..., Drexel
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $6,990 to $62,260/year
Harrisburg Area Community... offers the most affordable option at $7,418/yr
Network Administration degree programs available: 15 associate's, 13 master's in Pennsylvania
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
17 online network administration degree programs in Pennsylvania
Flexible scheduling for working professionals
Pennsylvania community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
15 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: Comcast, SAP, Vanguard, Bentley Systems
Tech hubs in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh
Hakia Research 2026
Network Administration degree programs near 162+ cities across Pennsylvania
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated July 13, 2026
How we ranked Pennsylvania Network Administration programs
We rank 48 accredited network administration programs in Pennsylvania using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodologyAre Network Administration Degree Programs in Pennsylvania Worth It?
Answer
$108,830
Yes. The best network administration degree programs in Pennsylvania deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $108,830 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $22,399/year.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Network Administration Degree Rankings in Pennsylvania
Compare the top-ranked Network Administration programs in Pennsylvania by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Network Administration Programs in Pennsylvania
5
Programs ranked
$10,365
Avg tuition/yr
58%
Avg grad rate
Program Landscape
Pennsylvania offers 15 accredited associate's degree programs in network administration, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Harrisburg Area Community..., Community College of Alle..., Northampton County Area C..., which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Pennsylvania offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $9,766/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $59,857 in Pennsylvania.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Pennsylvania's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like Comcast, SAP, Vanguard hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among network administration schools in Pennsylvania, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their network administration degrees in Pennsylvania.
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Laurel Business Institute
Uniontown, PAPrivate for-profit
$12,668
Tuition/yr
69%
Grad rate
78.1
Hakia Score
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Laurel Technical Institute
Hermitage, PAPrivate for-profit
$12,386
Tuition/yr
73%
Grad rate
76.0
Hakia Score
#5
Community College of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, PAPublic
$7,632
Tuition/yr
24%
Grad rate
64.2
Hakia Score
Network Administration Degree Costs & Tuition in Pennsylvania
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $22,399/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $55,998/year |
| Community college tuition | $5,600/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $134,396 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $33,598 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Network Administration Students in Pennsylvania
State Aid Programs
Pennsylvania provides substantial financial aid for technology students. The Pennsylvania State Grant offers up to $5,260 annually based on need (PHEAA). The Grow PA Scholarship provides up to $5,000 per year for students in high-demand technology fields. Federal Pell Grants (up to $7,395), subsidized loans, and work-study supplement state programs.
Key Programs & Amounts
Many Pennsylvania employers offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing network credentials. Comcast, UPMC, PNC, and Vanguard cover $5,000-$15,000 annually. Certification vouchers for Cisco, CompTIA, and cloud provider exams reduce credentialing costs. Veterans access enhanced benefits through Pennsylvania GI Bill provisions. Technology-focused scholarships from CompTIA, Cisco, and infrastructure vendors provide additional funding. Find affordable options in our most affordable network administration programs guide.
Network Administration Degree ROI Calculator, Pennsylvania
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a network administration degree in Pennsylvania. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Network Administration Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a network administration degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI
+802%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
Net Gain
$1,483,492
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
Break-Even
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
COL-Adjusted Salary
$118,182
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Total Investment$185,000
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000
Direct cost of the degree program
Opportunity Cost$140,000
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,518,900
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Starting Salary (Philadelphia, PA)$130,000
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Annualized Return4.5%
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Network Administration Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Pennsylvania metro areas
Philadelphia$120K
Pittsburgh$114K
Harrisburg$109K
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Philadelphia | $120K |
| Pittsburgh | $114K |
| Harrisburg | $109K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Network Administration Graduates in Pennsylvania
Find network administration jobs in Pennsylvania. These major employers across Pennsylvania metro areas are actively hiring network administration degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Network Administration Jobs in Philadelphia
PAPhiladelphia has a strong fintech and pharma tech presence, anchored by Comcast and Vanguard.
Nearby cities: King of Prussia, Conshohocken, Malvern, Wayne
Comcast
Telecommunications/Media
Vanguard
Financial Technology
SAP
Enterprise Software
Susquehanna International Group
Financial Technology
GSK
Pharma/Biotech
Bentley Systems
Infrastructure Software
Network Administration Jobs in Pittsburgh
PAPittsburgh is a robotics and AI hub, with CMU research spinning off major autonomous vehicle and AI companies.
Nearby cities: Oakland, Shadyside, Strip District, Squirrel Hill
Google
Search/Cloud/AI
Apple
Consumer Electronics
Meta
Social/VR/AI
Amazon
E-commerce/Cloud/Robotics
Uber
Mobility/Autonomous Vehicles
Aurora Innovation
Autonomous Vehicles
Argo AI
Autonomous Vehicles
Duolingo
EdTech
UPMC
Healthcare IT
PNC Financial
Financial Technology
Pennsylvania Tech Industry & Infrastructure
Pennsylvania's tech market is split between Philadelphia (financial services, healthcare-IT, Comcast's media-tech footprint) and Pittsburgh (Carnegie Mellon-anchored robotics, AI/ML research, and autonomous vehicle engineering). The state's mid-Atlantic location, lower cost of living vs NY/NJ, and CMU's pipeline make it one of the strongest second-tier tech hubs in the US.
Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh metro
Carnegie Mellon University drives one of the most research-active tech ecosystems in the country. Anchor employers: Google's Pittsburgh AI lab, Aurora Innovation (autonomous trucking), Duolingo HQ, Aurora Innovation. Strong robotics, AI/ML, and autonomous-systems engineering market.
Philadelphia
Philadelphia-Camden metro
Comcast HQ anchors a deep media-tech and telecom-engineering market. Vanguard, Independence Blue Cross, and a substantial healthcare-IT cluster (UPenn Health, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia tech) round out the employer base.
Harrisburg / Capital Region
Harrisburg metro
State government IT, defense contractors near Carlisle Barracks, and a growing data-center cluster. Smaller market but accessible cost of living.
Pennsylvania levies a flat state income tax (3.07%). PA-TIP (Targeted Industry Program) provides forgivable loans for STEM students who work in PA after graduation.
Pennsylvania Regulation Affecting Network Administration Graduates
Pennsylvania has not passed a comprehensive consumer privacy law on the scale of CCPA or VCDPA, but the state's Breach of Personal Information Notification Act and recent legislative activity on AI and biometric data shape the engineering compliance landscape for any company serving PA residents.
Pennsylvania Breach of Personal Information Notification Act
Requires businesses to notify PA residents of data breaches involving personal information; recently amended (Act 151 of 2022) to expand definitions and tighten timelines.
Engineers building data-handling systems for PA-resident-serving businesses must implement breach detection, logging, and notification workflows.
Read morePennsylvania consumer privacy legislation (proposed)
Multiple bills have been introduced (HB 1201, HB 708) to create comprehensive consumer privacy rights similar to CCPA/VCDPA; none has passed as of 2026.
Engineers should watch this space — PA passing comprehensive privacy would add to the patchwork of state laws governing consumer data work.
Read morePennsylvania Computer Crimes Act (18 Pa.C.S. § 7611 et seq.)
State-level computer fraud and unauthorized access statute, parallel to federal CFAA. Establishes Pennsylvania jurisdiction over cyber offenses.
Relevant for cybersecurity professionals working in incident response, ethical hacking, or security research within PA.
Read moreProfessional Engineer Licensure in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania does not currently administer a separate Software Engineering PE license. Standard engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, civil) require ABET-EAC accreditation for PE eligibility, but software engineering is not a recognized PE discipline in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania licensing boardPennsylvania Financial Aid Programs
PA State Grant Program (PHEAA)
State grantUp to $5,750/yr
PA residents with financial need at approved PA institutions or some out-of-state schools
Pennsylvania Targeted Industry Program (PA-TIP)
Forgivable loan / STEM grantUp to $5,750/yr
PA students enrolled in approved STEM programs (CS, engineering, healthcare tech, advanced manufacturing) who commit to PA employment after graduation
Pennsylvania Ready to Succeed Scholarship
State merit-need scholarshipUp to $2,000/yr
PA residents with family income up to $110,000 and academic achievement
Chafee Education and Training Grant
State grantUp to $5,000/yr
Current/former PA foster youth pursuing post-secondary education or training
Transfer Pathways for Network Administration Degrees in Pennsylvania
State Transfer System
Pennsylvania's PA TRAC system enables efficient credit transfer from community colleges to four-year institutions (PA TRAC). Community college network administration and IT programs articulate to bachelor's degrees at PASSHE universities, Penn State, and private institutions. Students can complete foundational networking courses and certifications at $150-200 per credit before transferring, significantly reducing total degree costs.
How Transfers Work
Penn State's 2+2 program allows students to complete two years at Commonwealth Campuses before transitioning to University Park. Temple University maintains articulation agreements with regional community colleges guaranteeing credit acceptance. Many students earn associate degrees with Cisco certifications, then transfer to complete bachelor's degrees in IT or network engineering. Maintain a GPA of 2.8+ for competitive transfer admission. Explore cost-effective pathways in our network administration value programs guide.
Network Administration Job Growth in Pennsylvania
15%
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 15% growth for network administration occupations in Pennsylvania through 2024-2034. The median salary stands at $108,830 with 42 accredited programs statewide.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook
Network Administration Job Market & Salary Data in Pennsylvania
Employment Outlook
Pennsylvania's network administration job market offers competitive compensation with regional variation. Philadelphia network administrators earn $78,129-$101,167 annually depending on experience and certifications (ZipRecruiter, Glassdoor). Pittsburgh salaries average $100,566-$120,708, with the lower cost of living enhancing purchasing power (Salary.com). Statewide, network administrators earn approximately $70,980-$81,945 with substantial variation by employer type and specialization (Indeed).
Salaries by Metro
Top-paying employers include Susquehanna International Group, federal government agencies, and Comcast, reflecting the premium for network expertise in trading, defense, and telecommunications sectors. Healthcare systems including UPMC, Penn Medicine, and Jefferson Health continuously recruit network talent to maintain clinical connectivity. Defense contractors. Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, offer positions requiring security clearances at premium compensation. While some network roles face pressure from cloud migration, specialized skills in cloud networking, SD-WAN, and security architecture command strong demand. Explore compensation expectations in our network administration salary guide.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Median Salary in Pennsylvania$70,740$157,804
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred
Online vs On-Campus Network Administration Programs in Pennsylvania
Online Programs
17 available in Pennsylvania
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Typical Tuition$20,159/yr$22,399/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)
Compare Network Administration Programs in Other States
Best Network Administration Degree Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 55
- Median Tuition
- $14,400
Best Network Administration Degree Programs in New Jersey
- Total Programs
- 21
- Median Tuition
- $13,700
Best Network Administration Degree Programs in Maryland
- Total Programs
- 25
- Median Tuition
- $7,600
Best Network Administration Degree Programs in West Virginia
- Total Programs
- 17
- Median Tuition
- $8,400
Best Network Administration Degree Programs in Ohio
- Total Programs
- 42
- Median Tuition
- $9,600
Best Network Administration Degree Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 72
- Median Tuition
- $1,300
Best Network Administration Degree Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 37
- Median Tuition
- $4,500
Network Administration Degree Programs in Pennsylvania: FAQ
What are the best network administration degree programs in Pennsylvania?
The best network administration degree programs in Pennsylvania based on our methodology are: 1) Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus (87% graduation rate), 2) Pennsylvania State University-World Campus, and 3) Drexel University. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Pennsylvania offers 42 total accredited programs across 21 public and 18 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 20 bachelor's programs.
How much do network administration degree programs cost in Pennsylvania?
Network Administration degree program costs in Pennsylvania vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $22,399/year, while private institutions average $49,278/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $5,600/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $89,596 at public schools to $197,111 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can network administration degree graduates earn in Pennsylvania?
Network Administration professionals in Pennsylvania earn a median salary of $108,830, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $70,740, while senior roles exceed $157,804. Salaries vary by metro area: Philadelphia ($119,713), Pittsburgh ($114,272) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online network administration degree programs in Pennsylvania?
Yes, Pennsylvania offers 17 accredited online Network Administration programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from Community College of Allegheny County and Temple University. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire network administration degree graduates in Pennsylvania?
Major Network Administration employers in Pennsylvania include Comcast, SAP, Vanguard, Bentley Systems, Duolingo. The Philadelphia and Pittsburgh metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Pennsylvania universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Pennsylvania's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is a network administration degree program worth it in Pennsylvania?
A network administration degree program in Pennsylvania offers strong ROI with a $108,830 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $22,399/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($122,978), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do network administration degree programs take in Pennsylvania?
Standard completion times for network administration degree programs in Pennsylvania are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. Pennsylvania community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Pennsylvania university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for network administration degree students in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania network administration degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. Pennsylvania state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by Pennsylvania's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Pennsylvania salary and employment data
Official University Websites
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.