Compare 18 Computer Hardware Technology/Technician. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $70,119. Top programs: $125,531+.
The highest-earning Computer Hardware Technology/Technician program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $96K earnings gap across 18 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand. Graduates at the top earn $126K; others earn under $30K from programs at schools you might otherwise overlook.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute leads with Computer Hardware Technology/Technician graduates earning $126K — well above the $70K field average. But the more compelling story is what sits just behind it: University of Houston-Downtown and Oregon Institute of Technology both deliver $112K in median earnings at net prices under $10K, proving that accessible public institutions can match private-school outcomes in this field.
University of Houston-Downtown is the standout on debt burden: graduates borrow $18,750 and face just a 2.9% student payment burden — solidly 'Excellent' by GPS standards. For families factoring in parent loans, UH-Downtown holds its lead with a 4.6% combined burden, also rated 'Excellent.' Loan payments here are a minimal fraction of post-graduation income.
Highest program earnings: $125,531
Strong outcomes ($112,169) with 95% acceptance
2.9% payment burden | Excellent
4.6% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $125,531 | 80 | $23,750 | Excellent | $52,241 | Good | |
| #2 | $112,244 | 16 | $18,750 | Excellent | $10,000 | Excellent | |
| #3 | $112,169 | 59 | $22,500 | Excellent | $22,978 | Excellent | |
| #4 | $95,491 | 38 | $26,778 | Excellent | $35,625 | Manageable | |
| #5 | Fresno Pacific UniversityPrivate | $88,542 | 5 | $23,146 | Excellent | $10,725 | Excellent |
| #6 | $81,036 | 36 | $14,718 | Excellent | $18,349 | Good | |
| #7 | University Of HoustonPublic | $78,396 | 65 | $18,194 | Excellent | $18,072 | Good |
| #8 | Ball State UniversityPublic | $71,514 | 34 | $23,250 | Excellent | $20,800 | Manageable |
| #9 | $71,243 | 18 | $22,300 | Excellent | $19,642 | Manageable | |
| #10 | $68,548 | 9 | $17,250 | Excellent | $18,928 | Good | |
| #11 | $65,285 | 107 | $10,533 | Excellent | $9,563 | Excellent | |
| #12 | $50,856 | 6 | — | — | — | — | |
| #13 | $46,628 | 21 | — | — | — | — | |
| #14 | $43,426 | 15 | — | — | — | — | |
| #15 | $41,565 | 19 | — | — | — | — | |
| #16 | Indiana State UniversityPublic | $41,025 | 15 | — | — | — | — |
| #17 | $38,957 | 25 | — | — | — | — | |
| #18 | $29,685 | 9 | — | — | — | — |
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 May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
