Compare 43 Laser and Optical Technology/Technician. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $71,767. Top programs: $95,379+.
Laser and Optical Technology/Technician programs produce graduates earning between $76,028 and $95,379—a $19K spread that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 43 ranked programs, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation.
Central Washington University's Laser and Optical Technology program leads with graduates earning $95,379, followed closely by University of North Texas at $94,406. The average across all programs is $72K, yet these regional public universities outperform expectations while maintaining accessible admissions rates above 70%.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. CUNY New York City College of Technology graduates borrow $10,533 and face just a 2.4% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. With a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.13, graduates can pay off their entire student debt with about two months of salary.
Highest program earnings: $95,379
Strong outcomes ($95,379) with 90% acceptance
2.4% payment burden | Excellent
4.9% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $95,379 | 10 | $19,500 | Excellent | $22,000 | Good | |
| #2 | $94,406 | 11 | $19,250 | Excellent | $23,211 | Good | |
| #3 | Wayne State UniversityPublic | $94,247 | 15 | $21,250 | Excellent | $16,378 | Excellent |
| #4 | Pace UniversityPrivate | $88,639 | 12 | $23,250 | Excellent | $46,275 | Manageable |
| #5 | Liberty UniversityPrivate | $85,676 | 20 | $24,500 | Excellent | $16,398 | Good |
| #6 | University Of MainePublic | $85,676 | 20 | $25,000 | Excellent | $21,900 | Good |
| #7 | University Of HoustonPublic | $84,300 | 45 | $18,194 | Excellent | $18,072 | Good |
| #8 | $84,292 | 16 | $26,778 | Excellent | $35,625 | Manageable | |
| #9 | $83,570 | 11 | $25,000 | Excellent | $38,368 | Manageable | |
| #10 | $83,092 | 30 | $10,533 | Excellent | $9,563 | Excellent | |
| #11 | $82,911 | 43 | $16,000 | Excellent | $15,000 | Excellent | |
| #12 | $82,564 | 8 | $21,028 | Excellent | $12,951 | Good | |
| #13 | $80,891 | 20 | $23,250 | Excellent | $22,000 | Good | |
| #14 | Point Park UniversityPrivate | $80,697 | 5 | $27,000 | Excellent | $24,041 | Manageable |
| #15 | $78,965 | 11 | $21,500 | Excellent | $13,743 | Good | |
| #16 | $78,417 | 15 | $20,500 | Excellent | $38,513 | Manageable | |
| #17 | Ferris State UniversityPublic | $77,781 | 16 | $21,000 | Excellent | $14,849 | Good |
| #18 | $77,416 | 17 | $20,000 | Excellent | $17,205 | Good | |
| #19 | $76,358 | 70 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,448 | Manageable | |
| #20 | $76,028 | 58 | $17,804 | Excellent | $32,258 | Manageable | |
| #21 | $75,888 | 46 | $14,718 | Excellent | $18,349 | Good | |
| #22 | $74,863 | 10 | $22,135 | Excellent | $18,071 | Good | |
| #23 | $74,802 | 11 | $14,289 | Excellent | $15,177 | Good | |
| #24 | $74,582 | 12 | $21,500 | Excellent | $12,362 | Good | |
| #25 | $73,273 | 10 | $27,000 | Excellent | $20,004 | 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 →
