Compare 12 Laser and Optical Technology/Technician. programs in the Midwest. Average earnings: $72,496.
The highest-earning Laser and Optical Technology/Technician program isn't at the most prestigious school. With a $34K earnings gap across 12 programs, the data confirms: program-level factors drive outcomes more than institutional brand.
Wayne State University's Laser and Optical Technology program leads with graduates earning $94,247—well above the $72,496 average. The University of Akron follows at $80,891, while Ferris State delivers $77,781. These regional publics dominate the field, proving specialized programs can outperform regardless of overall school rankings.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. Wayne State graduates borrow $21,250 and face just a 4.1% payment burden, landing in the 'Excellent' category. That means loan payments take a minimal bite out of their post-grad income, making it the clear leader in both earnings and affordability.
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Wayne State UniversityPublic | $94,247 | 15 | $21,250 | Excellent | $16,378 | Excellent |
| #2 | $80,891 | 20 | $23,250 | Excellent | $22,000 | Good | |
| #3 | Ferris State UniversityPublic | $77,781 | 16 | $21,000 | Excellent | $14,849 | Good |
| #4 | $77,416 | 17 | $20,000 | Excellent | $17,205 | Good | |
| #5 | $76,358 | 70 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,448 | Manageable | |
| #6 | $74,582 | 12 | $21,500 | Excellent | $12,362 | Good | |
| #7 | $73,139 | 9 | $24,000 | Excellent | $16,900 | Good | |
| #8 | $66,044 | 25 | $21,797 | Excellent | $16,998 | Manageable | |
| #9 | $65,332 | 11 | $25,000 | Good | $16,878 | Manageable | |
| #10 | $62,409 | 23 | $21,229 | Excellent | $14,984 | Manageable | |
| #11 | $61,218 | 8 | $18,969 | Excellent | $10,000 | Good | |
| #12 | $60,537 | 23 | $21,543 | Excellent | $19,500 | 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 →
