Network planner education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a network planner. Network planners usually study business, electrical engineering, or computer science. 70% of network planners hold a bachelor's degree, and 15% hold an master's degree. We analyzed 514 real network planner resumes to see exactly what network planner education sections show.

The most common colleges for network planners are the DeVry University and the DeVry University.

There are also many online network planner courses to help get the education required to be a network planner.

What education do you need to become a network planner?

What degree do you need to be a network planner?

The most common degree for network planners is bachelor's degree, with 70% of network planners earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are master's degree degree at 15% and master's degree degree at 10%.

Bachelor's, 70%

Master's, 15%

Associate, 10%

High School Diploma, 2%

Other Degrees, 3%

What should I major in to become a network planner?

You should major in business to become a network planner. 23% of network planners major in business. Other common majors for a network planner include electrical engineering and computer science.

Business, 23%

Electrical Engineering, 16%

Computer Science, 6%

Communication, 5%

Other Majors, 50%

Most common colleges for network planners

Network planners often get their degrees at DeVry University, University of Maryland - College Park, and University of Phoenix. Here are the most common colleges for network planners in the US based on their resumes.

Network planner common college	Percentages
DeVry University	17.11%
University of Maryland - College Park	9.21%
University of Phoenix	7.89%
Illinois State University	5.26%
University of South Florida	5.26%

Show more common network planner colleges

Best majors for network planners

Rank	Major	Percentages
1	Business	22.7%
2	Electrical Engineering	15.8%
3	Computer Science	6.2%
4	Communication	5.4%
5	Telecommunications Management	4.6%

Show more common network planner majors

Best colleges for network planners

The best colleges for network planners are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and University of Pennsylvania.

A network planner with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for network planners. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become network planners.

1. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,354

Enrollment

7,083

2. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

3. Western Carolina University

Cullowhee, NC • Private

In-state tuition

$3,926

Enrollment

9,835

4. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

5. SUNY Polytechnic Institute

Utica, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,238

Enrollment

2,120

6. Pennsylvania State University

University Park, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$18,454

Enrollment

40,108

7. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$56,225

Enrollment

19,548

8. University of Nebraska - Lincoln

Lincoln, NE • Private

In-state tuition

$9,242

Enrollment

20,592

9. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Enrollment

9,142

10. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Enrollment

31,503

20 best online courses for network planners

Advertising disclosure

1. Intel® Network Academy - Network Transformation 102

Welcome to the Intel® Network Academy – a comprehensive training program on network transformation. In this program, we will be covering the topic areas of software defined infrastructure (SDI) network functions virtualization (NFV), software-defined networking (SDN) and beyond. Network Transformation 102 covers topics such as VNF Operations & Development, Cryptography, and Hyperscan technology, students will dive into the benefits of Intel hardware and software and explore how to accelerate...

2. Intel® Network Academy - Network Transformation 101

Welcome to the Intel® Network Academy – a comprehensive training program on network transformation. In this program, we will be covering the topic areas of software defined infrastructure (SDI) network functions virtualization (NFV), software-defined networking (SDN) and beyond. The Network Academy includes a broad collection of online content and technical training aimed to assist technical professionals in the network industry to improve their knowledge of key Intel® technologies, industry...

3. Computer Network Cabling: Ethernet Wiring Infrastructure

4.8

(306)

The Physical Side of Computer Networking; Wire Ethernet Cables from Scratch and Master the Fundamentals of RJ-45 Ports...

4. Basic Cellular Networks Operator Course

4.5

(2,162)

Basic Fundamentals of Cellular Network Operations...

5. Network Installation Fundamentals

This online course, Network Installation Fundamentals, is your steppingstone to a rewarding career in network technology. By the end of this course, you will be able to understand basic network client management, explain the role of network connection media, and describe the role of virtualization in enterprise networking. Perfect for beginners with no experience, this course provides a comprehensive introduction to network installation, one of the most in-demand skills in the networking field...

6. Ansible for Network Automation

This course will train you on the fundamentals of Ansible, an open-source, extensible configuration management tool that streamlines infrastructure management in modern networking environments. You will also learn about Jinja2, a templating language that expands flexibility in automation tasks. Upon completing this course, you will have an essential understanding of Ansible and its application to network automation, enabling you to effectively automate network tasks and improve network...

7. Computer Network: Networking fundamentals + Wireshark Basics

4.4

(1,591)

Learn Computer Networks fundamentals and Wireshark Basics; Build Strong, Successful Foundation in Computer Networking...

8. Microsoft Networking Fundamentals

4.7

(2,515)

Learn Windows-based networking, network management tools, DNS, TCP/IP, network protocols and much more!...

9. Cloud-Based Network Design & Management Techniques

This 2-part eLearning course builds an understanding of modern cloud-network design and management techniques, crystalizing lofty ideas of "cloud" and "edge" so you can embrace the latest industry trends and best-practices. A successful modern network architect requires a keen understanding of business requirements, network components, and the challenges of architecting good solutions. In the 1-hour Aruba Modern Cloud Network Design course you’ll get a high level overview of key network design...

10. Network Support Fundamentals

Dive into the realm of network support with the Network Support Fundamentals course. This online course is meticulously designed to introduce you to the essential skills needed for supporting enterprise networks - one of the most in-demand skill sets in the digital landscape. By the end of this course you will be able to explain network security basics, monitor network performance, and provide essential professional support. Ideal for beginners aiming for an entry-level IT career or current IT...

11. Ethical Hacking: Network Security & Network Layer Attack

4.5

(888)

Learn Ethical Hacking with Network Security, Sniffing, Subnetting, Networking, Password Cracking & implement Mit M attack...

12. Computer Network: IT Networking Fundamentals 2016

4.4

(254)

Learn Network and Computer Systems and begin a career with a $66,000 annual salary...

13. Network Tiers - Optimizing Network Spend

This is a self-paced lab that takes place in the Google Cloud console. In this lab, you create one VM in the premium network service tier (default) and one VM in the standard network service tier. Then you compare the latency and routes for each VM instance...

14. Computer Networking Fundamentals

4.2

(309)

Learn all about the basics of computer networking fundamental concepts and network security concepts...

15. Ethical Hacking: Network Scan Nmap& Nessus Network Security

4.6

(1,427)

Scan networks with vulnerabilities by using Nmap& Nessus. Master Cyber Security, ethical hacking, network hacking skills...

16. Networking Essentials

4.5

(618)

Gain the essential knowledge and skills required to configure, troubleshoot, manage and protect a data network...

17. Design & Deploy an Enterprise WiFi Network

(250)

Design, Deploy, & Maintain a Wi Fi Network for any industry and any building type...

18. Wireless Networking Fundamentals

4.8

(899)

Understanding Radio Frequency Signalling for Better Network Design and Implementation...

19. IT Networking Fundamentals For Complete Beginners

4.5

(1,697)

Understand all the IT Networking Fundamentals and learn how the computer network functions...

20. Learn the Fundamentals of Networking

4.5

(313)

Networking is perhaps the most important and useful area of computing to learn when looking for an IT career...

Top 10 most affordable universities for network planners

The most affordable schools for network planners are SUNY Farmingdale, california state university - bakersfield, and california state university - long beach.

If the best universities for network planners are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for network planners.

1. SUNY Farmingdale

Farmingdale, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,306

Cost of attendance

16,091

2. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Cost of attendance

16,714

3. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

4. University of Florida

Gainesville, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,381

Cost of attendance

21,034

5. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

6. California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,749

Cost of attendance

14,823

7. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$4,094

Cost of attendance

14,302

8. Florida International University

Miami, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$6,556

Cost of attendance

19,434

9. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,262

Cost of attendance

14,046

10. Florida State University

Tallahassee, FL • Private

In-state tuition

$5,656

Cost of attendance

21,623

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for network planners

The hardest universities for network planners to get into are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and University of Pennsylvania.

Some great schools for network planners are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for network planners based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,497

2. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,508

3. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,492

4. Northeastern University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

19%

SAT average

1,466

5. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

22%

SAT average

1,420

6. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

13%

SAT average

1,445

7. New York University

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

20%

SAT average

1,419

8. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions rate

10%

SAT average

1,514

9. Villanova University

Villanova, PA • Private

Admissions rate

29%

SAT average

1,407

10. Johns Hopkins University

Baltimore, MD • Private

Admissions rate

11%

SAT average

1,513

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for network planners

The easiest schools for network planners to get into are Oklahoma Wesleyan University, capitol technology university, and oregon institute of technology.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a network planner without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for network planners.

1. Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Bartlesville, OK • Private

Admissions rate

68%

SAT average

964

2. Capitol Technology University

Laurel, MD • Private

Admissions rate

69%

SAT average

1,070

3. Oregon Institute of Technology

Klamath Falls, OR • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,139

4. Notre Dame College

Cleveland, OH • Private

Admissions rate

90%

SAT average

994

5. Kean University

Union, NJ • Private

Admissions rate

86%

SAT average

991

6. LIM College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

83%

SAT average

1,061

7. Notre Dame de Namur University

Belmont, CA • Private

Admissions rate

82%

SAT average

983

8. Holy Names University

Oakland, CA • Private

Admissions rate

70%

SAT average

849

9. Pennsylvania State University - Fayette (The Eberly Campus)

Lemont Furnace, PA • Private

Admissions rate

80%

SAT average

1,067

10. Pennsylvania State University - DuBois

DuBois, PA • Private

Admissions rate

85%

SAT average

1,079

Average network planner salary by education level

According to our data, network planners with a Master's degree earn the highest average salary, at $90,365 annually. Network planners with a Bachelor's degree earn an average annual salary of $81,308.

Network planner education level	Network planner salary
Master's Degree	$90,365
High School Diploma or Less	$76,952
Bachelor's Degree	$81,308
Some College/ Associate Degree	$73,977

Network planner education FAQs

What is the best college for Network Planners?

Have more questions? See all answers to common computer and mathematical questions.

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Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

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