Compare 7 Laser and Optical Engineering. programs in Alabama. Average earnings: $87,242.
The highest-earning Laser and Optical Engineering program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $21K earnings gap across 7 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
The University of Alabama's Laser and Optical Engineering program leads with graduates earning $96,527, well above the $87,242 state average. UAB follows at $94,376 with a notably higher 88% acceptance rate, while University of South Alabama delivers $91,966—proving strong regional publics dominate this specialized field.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. The University of Alabama graduates borrow $22,750 and face just a 4.2% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. For families considering parent loans, UAB leads with an 8.8% family burden, still rated 'Good' for overall affordability.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $96,527 | 86 | $22,750 | Excellent | $48,666 | Manageable | |
| #2 | $94,376 | 37 | $22,300 | Excellent | $20,498 | Good | |
| #3 | $91,966 | 39 | $24,929 | Excellent | $26,683 | Good | |
| #4 | $85,408 | 51 | $20,705 | Excellent | $20,297 | Good | |
| #5 | Auburn UniversityPublic | $83,801 | 84 | $21,000 | Excellent | $43,605 | Manageable |
| #6 | Tuskegee UniversityPrivate | $83,128 | 27 | $27,000 | Excellent | $53,000 | Challenging |
| #7 | Alabama A & M UniversityPublic | $75,489 | 33 | $31,000 | Good | $19,266 | Manageable |
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 →
