Best colleges for Communications Technologies/Technicians
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Communications Technologies/Technicians by graduate earnings are East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania ($23,826), Full Sail University ($15,893) and Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Bayamon ($11,940), based on median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, among programs with at least 20 graduates a year, excluding online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools and those with a graduation rate under 30%.
- East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania (East Stroudsburg, PA): $23,826, 27 graduates a year
- Full Sail University (Winter Park, FL): $15,893, 417 graduates a year
- Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Bayamon (Bayamon, PR): $11,940, 29 graduates a year
Compare 41 U.S. colleges offering Communications Technologies/Technicians by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 18 states.
Communications Technologies/Technicians programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $25,754 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 10.01 and the Broadcast Technicians occupation (BLS SOC).
About Communications Technologies/Technicians programs
The Communications Technologies/Technicians program focuses on equipping students with the skills necessary to work in the rapidly evolving field of communications technology. This program is designed for individuals interested in the technical aspects of telecommunications, broadcasting, and media, providing a solid foundation for a career in this dynamic industry. Students will engage with a variety of technologies and support services, gaining hands-on experience and theoretical knowledge. The program is suitable for those who enjoy problem-solving and have a passion for technology, preparing them for various roles in communications and media sectors.
Core coursework covers essential skills in critical thinking, active listening, and effective communication. Students will gain knowledge in computers and electronics, telecommunications, and engineering technology, alongside practical tasks such as monitoring transmitter readings and ensuring quality broadcasts.
Top 4 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, predominant credential. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania East Stroudsburg, PA Public · Bachelor's degree | $23,826 | 27 | 43% | — | $26,825 |
| 2 | Full Sail University Winter Park, FL Private for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $15,893 | 417 | 44% | $32,163 | $20,500 |
| 3 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Bayamon Bayamon, PR Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $11,940 | 29 | 35% | $10,334 | $6,487 |
| 4 | CUNY York College Jamaica, NY Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $27,064 | 11 | 32% | — | — |
Top 2 certificate and associate programs
Shorter credentials, ranked separately so they are not compared with four-year degrees. Ranked by median earnings one year after completion (often called starting salary), College Scorecard.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ozarks Technical Community College Springfield, MO Public · Associate degree | $32,713 | 42 | 33% | — | — |
| 2 | Pellissippi State Community College Knoxville, TN Public · Associate degree | $25,754 | 102 | 31% | — | $6,000 |
Specializations within Communications Technologies/Technicians
1 of the 1 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 10.01 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 18 states & territories
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missourilimited | 2 | $32,713 | Ozarks Technical Community College |
| New Yorklimited | 1 | $27,064 | CUNY York College |
| Tennesseelimited | 2 | $25,754 | Pellissippi State Community College |
| Pennsylvanialimited | 2 | $23,826 | East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania |
| Florida | 16 | $15,893 | Full Sail University |
| Puerto Ricolimited | 1 | $11,940 | Inter American University of Puerto Rico-Bayamon |
| Coloradolimited | 1 | — | — |
| Connecticutlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Delawarelimited | 1 | — | — |
| Marylandlimited | 2 | — | — |
| Massachusettslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Michiganlimited | 2 | — | — |
| Montanalimited | 1 | — | — |
| North Dakotalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Ohio | 3 | — | — |
| South Carolinalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Texaslimited | 2 | — | — |
| Wisconsinlimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 27-4012, Broadcast Technicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Communications Technologies/Technicians program can pursue careers in various sectors of communications technology. The job outlook indicates a decline of 2.8%, with approximately 1,800 annual openings. The median wage for professionals in this field is around $53,920, and an associate's degree is typically required for entry-level positions.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Communications Technologies/Technicians
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 10.01.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 10.01 (Communications Technologies/Technicians) maps to 4 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupations, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 27-3099 | Media and Communication Workers, All Other |
| 27-4012 | Broadcast Techniciansprimary |
| 27-4014 | Sound Engineering Technicians |
| 27-4032 | Film and Video Editors |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Communications Technologies/Technicians programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Report equipment problems, ensure that repairs are made, and make emergency repairs to equipment when necessary and possible.
- Monitor and log transmitter readings.
- Maintain programming logs as required by station management and the Federal Communications Commission.
- Monitor strength, clarity, and reliability of incoming and outgoing signals, and adjust equipment as necessary to maintain quality broadcasts.
- Observe monitors and converse with station personnel to determine audio and video levels and to ascertain that programs are airing.
- Preview scheduled programs to ensure that signals are functioning and programs are ready for transmission.
Common questions
What is the focus of the Communications Technologies/Technicians program?+
The program focuses on the technical aspects of telecommunications, broadcasting, and media.
What skills will I learn in this program?+
You will learn critical thinking, active listening, and technical skills in computers and electronics.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook shows a decline of 2.8%, with about 1,800 annual openings.
What level of education is typically required?+
An associate's degree is typically required for entry-level positions in this field.
How much do Communications Technologies/Technicians graduates earn?+
Communications Technologies/Technicians graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $25,754, College Scorecard (2019); the Broadcast Technicians occupation pays about $67,960 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Communications Technologies/Technicians?+
Communications Technologies/Technicians maps to CIP 10.01 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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