Compare 13 Laser and Optical Engineering. programs in Massachusetts. Average earnings: $95,845.
The highest-earning Laser and Optical Engineering program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $96K earnings gap across 13 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Laser and Optical Engineering program leads with graduates earning $172,897, nearly double the state average of $95,845. But Tufts ($102,976) and UMass Amherst ($96,212) demonstrate that program excellence exists beyond MIT, with substantial cohorts of 19 and 48 students respectively.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. MIT graduates borrow $14,768 and face just a 1.3% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. Franklin W Olin College of Engineering leads family value with a 5.0% family burden, proving that the best choice depends on who's paying.
Highest program earnings: $172,897
Strong outcomes ($96,212) with 58% acceptance
1.3% payment burden | Excellent
5.0% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $172,897 | 44 | $14,768 | Excellent | $42,501 | Excellent | |
| #2 | Tufts UniversityPrivate | $102,976 | 19 | $16,250 | Excellent | $38,325 | Good |
| #3 | $96,212 | 48 | $22,763 | Excellent | $26,243 | Good | |
| #4 | Boston UniversityPrivate | $95,438 | 41 | $23,250 | Excellent | $39,000 | Manageable |
| #5 | Northeastern UniversityPrivate | $95,290 | 84 | $24,250 | Excellent | $34,984 | Manageable |
| #6 | $91,694 | 100 | $27,000 | Excellent | $53,567 | Manageable | |
| #7 | $91,287 | 41 | $25,028 | Excellent | $65,597 | Challenging | |
| #8 | $90,218 | 29 | $25,000 | Excellent | $22,757 | Good | |
| #9 | $87,932 | 106 | $23,704 | Excellent | $18,400 | Good | |
| #10 | $83,808 | 19 | $25,500 | Excellent | $42,068 | Manageable | |
| #11 | $82,118 | 26 | $21,974 | Excellent | $17,163 | Good | |
| #12 | Merrimack CollegePrivate | $79,659 | 17 | $27,000 | Excellent | $50,540 | Challenging |
| #13 | $76,460 | 19 | $19,500 | Excellent | $0 | Excellent |
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 →
