Compare 33 Laser and Optical Technology/Technician. programs ranked by graduate earnings. Average earnings: $77,278. Top programs: $100,358+.
Laser and Optical Technology/Technician programs produce graduates earning between $31,781 and $100,358—a spread exceeding $68K that demonstrates why program selection matters independently of school prestige. Across 33 ranked programs nationally, outcomes vary based on program quality, not institutional reputation. The school name on your diploma matters less than which program you chose.
Metropolitan State University of Denver leads the rankings, with Laser and Optical Technology graduates earning $100,358—well above the $77,278 national average across all 33 programs. Close behind, Texas A&M University-College Station delivers $99,943 and Wayne State University in Detroit produces $96,821. Three public universities dominate the top three, reinforcing that program outcomes are earned, not inherited from a school's overall reputation.
High earnings don't tell the whole story—debt burden matters. CUNY New York City College of Technology graduates borrow just $10,533 in student loans and face a 2.1% payment burden, landing firmly in the 'Excellent' affordability tier. For families factoring in parent loans, CUNY's combined burden of 4.3% remains Excellent—making it the standout value pick whether students are borrowing independently or with family support.
Highest program earnings: $100,358
Strong outcomes ($100,358) with 98.8% acceptance
2.1% payment burden | Excellent
4.3% family burden | Excellent
| Rank | School | Program Earnings | Cohort Size | Student Debt | Student GPS | Parent Debt | Parent GPS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | $100,358 | 20 | $21,500 | Excellent | $13,743 | Excellent | |
| #2 | $99,943 | 101 | $17,804 | Excellent | $32,258 | Good | |
| #3 | Wayne State UniversityPublic | $96,821 | 18 | $21,250 | Excellent | $16,378 | Excellent |
| #4 | $96,361 | 34 | $26,778 | Excellent | $35,625 | Manageable | |
| #5 | $91,709 | 16 | $16,000 | Excellent | $15,000 | Excellent | |
| #6 | $91,486 | 41 | $10,533 | Excellent | $9,563 | Excellent | |
| #7 | $91,329 | 23 | $23,833 | Excellent | $19,000 | Good | |
| #8 | University Of MainePublic | $90,940 | 29 | $25,000 | Excellent | $21,900 | Good |
| #9 | $90,782 | 12 | $20,000 | Excellent | $17,205 | Excellent | |
| #10 | $90,291 | 10 | $20,500 | Excellent | $38,513 | Manageable | |
| #11 | $88,732 | 10 | $21,797 | Excellent | $16,998 | Good | |
| #12 | $87,895 | 41 | $14,718 | Excellent | $18,349 | Excellent | |
| #13 | University Of HoustonPublic | $87,022 | 36 | $18,194 | Excellent | $18,072 | Good |
| #14 | Ferris State UniversityPublic | $86,348 | 15 | $21,000 | Excellent | $14,849 | Good |
| #15 | $85,224 | 66 | $19,500 | Excellent | $29,448 | Good | |
| #16 | $84,288 | 21 | $21,229 | Excellent | $14,984 | Good | |
| #17 | $83,768 | 26 | $21,500 | Excellent | $19,809 | Good | |
| #18 | $82,901 | 14 | $21,543 | Excellent | $19,500 | Good | |
| #19 | $82,242 | 9 | $21,028 | Excellent | $12,951 | Good | |
| #20 | $79,441 | 16 | $21,868 | Excellent | $18,241 | Good | |
| #21 | $77,488 | 16 | $23,250 | Excellent | $22,000 | Manageable | |
| #22 | Indiana State UniversityPublic | $77,336 | 8 | $24,000 | Excellent | $17,049 | Good |
| #23 | $73,268 | 29 | $17,250 | Excellent | $18,928 | Good | |
| #24 | $72,482 | 8 | — | — | — | — | |
| #25 | $65,332 | 5 | — | — | — | — |
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 May 2026 refresh for 2026 rankings, based on Department of Education reporting standards. Learn about our methodology →
