by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 94 U.S. colleges awarded 2,593 degrees and certificates in Data Processing Technology. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 43% of graduates. College Factual ranks 47 schools in its 2027 Best Data Processing Technology 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.
Studying Data Processing Technology involves the study of Data Processing And Data Processing Technology/technician. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Master And Use Computer Software Programs And Applications For Inputting, Verifying, Organizing, Storing, Retrieving, Transforming (Changing, Updating, And Deleting), And Extracting Information. Includes Instruction In Using Various Operating System Configurations And In Types Of Data Entry Such As Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Calculators, Management Programs, Design Programs, Database Programs, And Research Programs.
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 technology is a popular field of study, with 2,593 degrees awarded annually. 94 colleges award data processing technology 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 technology 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 Technology Schools ranking, including 26 for associate degrees, 3 for bachelor’s degrees and 4 for master’s degrees. It also ranks data processing technology schools within 10 states. In all, 94 colleges offer data processing technology programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Data Processing Technology Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common data processing technology credential is the master’s degree: 1,123 of the 2,593 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to data processing technology 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.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a data processing technology 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 technology, 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 Technology, 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, IT Architect (Information Technology Architect) and Network Engineer.
The occupation related to data processing technology 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 Technology 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 technology 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 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
