Compare 6 Laser and Optical Engineering. programs in Virginia. Average earnings: $90,795.
Laser and Optical Engineering programs produce graduates earning between $83,377 and $103,662—a $20K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 6 ranked programs in Virginia, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
University Of Virginia-Main Campus leads with graduates earning $103,662, well above the $90,795 average. Virginia Tech follows at $92,354 with a much larger cohort of 133 students, proving that strong outcomes aren't limited to the most selective programs—Tech's 57% acceptance rate offers accessible entry to quality engineering education.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. University Of Virginia graduates borrow $17,500 and face just a 3.0% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. Virginia Tech students face a 4.2% burden, also excellent, proving that Virginia's top programs deliver strong outcomes without crushing debt.
Highest program earnings: $103,662
Strong outcomes ($92,354) with 57% acceptance
3.0% payment burden | Excellent
8.6% family burden | Good
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $103,662 | 29 | $17,500 | Excellent | $28,903 | Good | |
| #2 | $92,354 | 133 | $21,500 | Excellent | $35,325 | Manageable | |
| #3 | George Mason UniversityPublic | $91,169 | 76 | $19,500 | Excellent | $25,142 | Good |
| #4 | $90,430 | 28 | $21,500 | Excellent | $23,585 | Good | |
| #5 | Old Dominion UniversityPublic | $83,776 | 60 | $24,000 | Excellent | $18,866 | Good |
| #6 | Liberty UniversityPrivate | $83,377 | 28 | $24,500 | Excellent | $16,398 | Good |
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 →
