Compare 18 Computer Hardware Technology/Technician. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $62,076. Top programs: $119,498+.
The highest-earning Computer Hardware Technology/Technician program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $90K earnings gap across 18 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's Computer Hardware Technology/Technician program leads with graduates earning $119,498—well above the field average of $62,076. Oregon Institute of Technology follows at $93,175, while Brigham Young University-Idaho reaches $80,336, proving strong programs exist beyond traditional tech powerhouses.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Brigham Young University-Idaho graduates borrow $13,969 and face just a 3.3% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income.
Highest program earnings: $119,498
Strong outcomes with 58% acceptance
3.3% payment burden | Excellent
5.4% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $119,498 | 74 | $23,750 | Excellent | $52,241 | Good | |
| #2 | $93,175 | 55 | $22,500 | Excellent | $22,978 | Good | |
| #3 | $80,336 | 128 | $13,969 | Excellent | $7,556 | Excellent | |
| #4 | University Of HoustonPublic | $73,327 | 62 | $18,194 | Excellent | $18,072 | Good |
| #5 | $73,092 | 14 | $18,750 | Excellent | $10,000 | Good | |
| #6 | $71,826 | 10 | $25,028 | Excellent | $65,597 | High | |
| #7 | $64,990 | 21 | $26,778 | Good | $35,625 | Challenging | |
| #8 | $61,345 | 117 | $10,533 | Excellent | $9,563 | Excellent | |
| #9 | $60,839 | 19 | $22,300 | Excellent | $19,642 | Manageable | |
| #10 | Indiana State UniversityPublic | $54,713 | 12 | $24,000 | Good | $17,049 | Challenging |
| #11 | $54,466 | 11 | $28,000 | Manageable | $15,692 | Challenging | |
| #12 | $51,938 | 20 | $22,500 | Good | $14,685 | Challenging | |
| #13 | Ball State UniversityPublic | $51,219 | 33 | $23,250 | Good | $20,800 | Challenging |
| #14 | $50,856 | 15 | $17,250 | Good | $18,928 | Challenging | |
| #15 | $46,628 | 18 | $25,000 | Manageable | $16,878 | High | |
| #16 | $40,485 | 20 | $14,718 | Good | $18,349 | High | |
| #17 | $38,957 | 46 | $21,983 | Challenging | $19,433 | High | |
| #18 | $29,685 | 21 | $29,000 | High | $19,929 | High |
Our program rankings answer: "Which schools have the best outcomes for graduates of this specific major?"
Unlike traditional rankings that measure overall school quality, these rankings focus on program-level outcomes. A school that's #200 overall might have a top-10 nursing program — and that matters if you're studying nursing.
Data based on 2024-2025 Dept of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
