by our College Data Analytics TeamIn the latest year, 67 U.S. colleges awarded 1,213 degrees and certificates in Computer Technology/Computer Systems Technology. Master’s degrees are the most popular award, at 44% of graduates. College Factual ranks 30 schools in its 2027 Best Computer Technology/Computer Systems Technology Schools ranking and compares their cost in a Best Value ranking. Graduates earn a median $39,351 one year after completing, rising to $57,114 after four years.
Studying Computer Technology/Computer Systems Technology involves the study of Computer/computer Systems Technology/technician. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Apply Basic Engineering Principles And Technical Skills In Support Of Professionals Who Use Computer Systems. Includes Instruction In Basic Computer Design And Architecture, Programming, Problems Of Specific Computer Applications, Component And System Maintenance And Inspection Procedures, Hardware And Software Problem Diagnosis And Repair, And Report Preparation.
Source: IPEDS 2025; College Scorecard July 2026; BLS; O*NET; College Factual rankings 2027. Data as of: July 2026.
Nationwide, computer technology/computer systems technology is a widely-pursued major, with 1,213 degrees awarded annually. 67 colleges award computer technology/computer systems technology degrees, an average of 18 graduates per school; the largest program awarded 152.
By level, the 1,213 awards include 125 certificates, 359 associate degrees, 119 bachelor’s degrees, 536 master’s degrees and 2 doctorates.
Women earned 21% of computer technology/computer systems technology degrees and certificates in the latest year (250 of 1,213). The largest groups of graduates by race and ethnicity are White (518) and Hispanic or Latino (215), and international students earned 28.
College Factual ranks 30 schools in its 2027 Best Computer Technology/Computer Systems Technology Schools ranking, including 15 for associate degrees and 2 for bachelor’s degrees. It also ranks computer technology/computer systems technology schools within 8 states. In all, 67 colleges offer computer technology/computer systems technology programs; compare them by degree level below or in the Best Value Computer Technology/Computer Systems Technology Colleges ranking, which weighs quality against cost.
The most common computer technology/computer systems technology credential is the master’s degree: 536 of the 1,213 awarded in the latest year. Jobs related to computer technology/computer systems technology call most for Reading Comprehension, Active Listening and Critical Thinking, and for knowledge of Computers and Electronics, Engineering and Technology and English Language, according to O*NET. The most important abilities are Problem Sensitivity, Written Comprehension and Near Vision.
Top skills, rated 0–5:
Top knowledge areas, rated 0–5:
How long a computer technology/computer systems technology degree takes:
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 125 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 359 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 119 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 536 |
| Doctorate | At least 4 years | 2 |
High school diploma or equivalent is the most common level of education among workers in jobs related to computer technology/computer systems technology, at 33.0%.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| High school diploma or equivalent | 33.0% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 25.7% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 22.3% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 7.5% |
| Some college courses | 7.4% |
| Master’s degree | 2.5% |
| Post-baccalaureate certificate | 1.5% |
Source: O*NET Online.
5 occupations are related to Computer Technology/Computer Systems Technology, with an average median salary of $85,551; the strongest outlook belongs to Non-Destructive Testing Specialists, at 3.0% projected job growth. Typical job titles include Test Technician (Test Tech), Laser Specialist, Engineering Assistant and Technician.
The occupation related to computer technology/computer systems technology with the most projected jobs is Photonics Technicians, at 306,018.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Photonics Technicians | 306,018 | 1.6% |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | 295,668 | 3.0% |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | 273,210 | -1.7% |
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | 169,705 | 2.0% |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | 150,615 | 0.3% |
Computer Technology/Computer Systems Technology graduates earn a median $39,351 one year after completing their program, $57,114 after four years and $62,129 after five years, according to the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $39,351 |
| 4 years | $57,114 |
| 5 years | $62,129 |
Source: College Scorecard.
The highest-paying occupation related to computer technology/computer systems technology is Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other, with a median salary of $121,642.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other | $121,642 |
| Photonics Technicians | $106,964 |
| Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers | $80,062 |
| Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians | $61,455 |
| Non-Destructive Testing Specialists | $57,631 |
Computer Technology/Computer Systems Technology has 4 similar majors in the Engineering Technologies field, which together award 2,183 degrees a year; the largest are Computer Engineering Technology/Technician (959), Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other (719) and Computer Software Technology/Technician (480). Browse all Engineering Technologies majors or the full list of college majors.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Computer Engineering Technology/Technician | 959 |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians, Other | 719 |
| Computer Software Technology/Technician | 480 |
| Computer Hardware Technology/Technician | 25 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
