by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 94 U.S. colleges awarded 2,593 degrees and certificates in Data Processing. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 43% of graduates. College Factual ranks 47 schools in its 2027 Best Data Processing Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $38,764 one year after completing, rising to $58,313 after four years.
Are you good with numbers? Do you enjoy analyzing information and drawing conclusions? Data Processing may be the major for you.
Data Processing is no longer the mundane task of inputting numbers into a computer. Professionals are able to create their own programs, help businesses or governments retrieve and store data, or teach others how to properly incorporate new technology into their business. When working towards your degree, you will take classes that teach you everything you need to know about computers, software, and data analysis. Some courses students take include computer science, word processing, information technology, computer systems analysis, and business communications. These classes will equip you with the skills to collect, analyze, and report different types of data necessary for conducting business.
Studying Data Processing covers Data Processing.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
In the U.S., data processing is a widely-pursued major, with 2,593 degrees awarded annually. 94 colleges award data processing degrees, an average of 28 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 320.
By level, the 2,593 awards include 241 certificates, 791 associate degrees, 146 bachelor’s degrees, 1,123 master’s degrees and 21 doctorates.
Women earned 33% of data processing degrees and certificates in the latest year (848 of 2,593). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (955) and Hispanic or Latino (522), and international students earned 306.
College Factual ranks 47 schools in its 2027 Best Data Processing Schools ranking, including 26 for associate degrees, 3 for bachelor’s degrees and 4 for master’s degrees. It also ranks data processing schools within 10 states. In all, 94 colleges offer data processing programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Data Processing Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common data processing credential is the master’s degree: 1,123 of the 2,593 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to data processing call most for Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking and Active Listening, and for knowledge of Computers and Electronics, English Language and Customer and Personal Service, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Oral Comprehension, Written Comprehension and Oral Expression.
Data processing technicians are very computer savvy. Professionals spend their time working with different types of computer software and programs to collect and analyze information. Those who are successful in this career have a strong background in computer information systems and mathematics. Critical thinking, problem solving, and writing skills are also necessary in this career as professionals must be able to analyze data and effectively communicate results and conclusions.
Graduates with a Data Processing degree can expect to work a typical 40-hour workweek in an office setting. The majority of Data Processing Professionals work for companies, but some decide to become self-employed and work as consultants.
Although it is not required, an internship in this field would be beneficial to students. This hands-on experience will expose students to the programs professionals work with daily and give them an advantage when job hunting after graduation.
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How long a data processing degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 241 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 791 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 146 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 1,123 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 21 |
Bachelor’s degree is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to data processing, at 42.9%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | 42.9% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 18.0% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 15.9% |
| Some college courses | 6.4% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 5.4% |
| Master’s degree | 5.1% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 2.8% |
| Post-master’s certificate | 2.2% |
| Less than a high school diploma | 1.2% |
Source: O*NET Online.
10 occupations are related to Data Processing, with an average median salary of $119,755; the strongest outlook belongs to Penetration Testers, at 6.6% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Systems Engineer, Security Engineer, Network Engineer and Cloud Engineer.
Data Processing graduates have many career options. Often, graduates choose to go into computer service administration or work for companies creating programs that allow file and data sharing. Since this major equips students with useful computer and office skills, many job options are available. Those with previous experience will have an easier time finding jobs and are more likely to be promoted.
The occupation related to data processing with the most projected jobs is Computer Systems Engineers/Architects, at 576,059.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | 576,059 | -1.9% |
| Information Security Engineers | 575,902 | -3.8% |
| Blockchain Engineers | 556,747 | 5.1% |
| Information Technology Project Managers | 543,383 | -3.4% |
| Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians | 530,023 | -1.9% |
| Web Administrators | 510,685 | 0.7% |
| Computer Occupations, All Other | 440,722 | 0.3% |
| Digital Forensics Analysts | 344,998 | -3.9% |
Data Processing graduates earn a median $38,764 one year after completing their program, $58,313 after four years and $46,954 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $38,764 |
| 4 years | $58,313 |
| 5 years | $46,954 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to data processing is Computer Occupations, All Other, with a median salary of $159,837.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Computer Occupations, All Other | $159,837 |
| Document Management Specialists | $147,490 |
| Information Security Engineers | $142,543 |
| Computer Systems Engineers/Architects | $140,795 |
| Information Technology Project Managers | $124,655 |
| Blockchain Engineers | $123,667 |
| Digital Forensics Analysts | $119,226 |
| Penetration Testers | $93,800 |
Data Processing includes 1 concentration; by graduates, the largest is Data Processing and Data Processing Technology/Technician (2,593). It has 10 similar majors in the Computer & Information Sciences field, which together award 375,622 degrees a year; the largest are Computer and Information Sciences, General (133,698), Computer Science (90,046) and Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (72,883). Browse all Computer & Information Sciences majors or the full list of college majors.
| Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Data Processing and Data Processing Technology/Technician | 2,593 |
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer and Information Sciences, General | 133,698 |
| Computer Science | 90,046 |
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management | 72,883 |
| Information Science/Studies | 23,384 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications | 16,765 |
| Computer Programming | 16,655 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | 16,354 |
| Computer Systems Analysis | 3,052 |
| Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services, Other | 2,235 |
| Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications | 550 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
