Compare 6 Laser and Optical Technology/Technician. programs in New York. Average earnings: $81,172.
With top graduates earning $88,639, Laser and Optical Technology/Technician stands out as a field where program choice matters more than school name. The gap between the best and median programs exceeds $5K—proof that evaluating programs individually beats relying on institutional prestige.
Pace University's Laser and Optical Technology/Technician program leads with graduates earning $88,639, followed closely by Rochester Institute Of Technology at $84,292. The average across all 6 New York programs is $81,172, with CUNY New York City College Of Technology at $83,092 demonstrating how public programs compete effectively with private institutions.
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. For families, the same school leads with a 4.9% family burden—proof that top value doesn't always come from the highest-earning program.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Pace UniversityPrivate | $88,639 | 12 | $23,250 | Excellent | $46,275 | Manageable |
| #2 | $84,292 | 16 | $26,778 | Excellent | $35,625 | Manageable | |
| #3 | $83,092 | 30 | $10,533 | Excellent | $9,563 | Excellent | |
| #4 | $82,564 | 8 | $21,028 | Excellent | $12,951 | Good | |
| #5 | $75,888 | 46 | $14,718 | Excellent | $18,349 | Good | |
| #6 | $72,559 | 24 | $17,250 | Excellent | $18,928 | 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 →
