Compare 5 Laser and Optical Engineering. programs in New Jersey. Average earnings: $97,472.
Laser and Optical Engineering programs produce graduates earning between $82,580 and $119,602—a $37K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 5 ranked programs in New Jersey, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Rutgers University-New Brunswick's Laser and Optical Engineering program leads with graduates earning $119,602, well above the state average of $97,472. Stevens Institute follows at $108,798, while New Jersey Institute of Technology produces strong outcomes at $90,360—proving that program-level factors drive results across different institutional profiles.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Rutgers graduates borrow $21,500 and face just a 3.0% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. NJIT offers similar student affordability with a 4.2% burden, while Stevens reaches 4.3%—all easily manageable given the strong earning potential.
Highest program earnings: $119,602
Strong outcomes with 65% acceptance
3.0% payment burden | Excellent
7.1% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $119,602 | 265 | $21,500 | Excellent | $25,294 | Excellent | |
| #2 | $108,798 | 33 | $27,000 | Excellent | $53,192 | Manageable | |
| #3 | $90,360 | 86 | $21,000 | Excellent | $22,866 | Good | |
| #4 | Rowan UniversityPublic | $86,018 | 66 | $20,500 | Excellent | $27,445 | Good |
| #5 | $82,580 | 19 | $23,250 | Excellent | $30,611 | 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 →
