Best institutions to study Computer Support Specialist
A program that prepares individuals to provide technical assistance, support, and advice to computer users to help troubleshoot software and hardware problems.
243 U.S. institutions graduated 6,399 Computer Support Specialist students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 11.1006, a specialization of Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (CIP 11.10), and leads most directly to the Computer User Support Specialists occupation (BLS SOC 15-1232).
About Computer Support Specialist programs
A program that prepares individuals to provide technical assistance, support, and advice to computer users to help troubleshoot software and hardware problems. Includes instruction in computer concepts, information systems, networking, operating systems, computer hardware, the Internet, software applications, help desk concepts and problem solving, and principles of customer service.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Computer Support Specialist program is designed to equip individuals with the skills needed to provide technical assistance and support to computer users. This program is ideal for those interested in troubleshooting software and hardware issues, ensuring efficient operation of computer systems, and delivering excellent customer service in the tech field.
Students will gain knowledge in computer concepts, information systems, networking, operating systems, and software applications. Coursework emphasizes problem-solving skills, help desk concepts, and customer service principles, preparing graduates for effective technical support roles.
Credentials awarded
What Computer Support Specialist graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year2,453 graduates / yr · 122 institutions38%
- Associate's degree1,917 graduates / yr · 111 institutions30%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years1,015 graduates / yr · 68 institutions16%
- Award of less than 12 weeks740 graduates / yr · 11 institutions12%
- Bachelor's degree150 graduates / yr · 10 institutions2.3%
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years124 graduates / yr · 10 institutions1.9%
Graduates over time
Computer Support Specialist completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 2,848 |
| 2013 | 3,139 |
| 2014 | 3,259 |
| 2015 | 3,134 |
| 2016 | 3,104 |
| 2017 | 3,233 |
| 2018 | 3,223 |
| 2019 | 2,954 |
| 2020 | 2,825 |
| 2021 | 3,176 |
| 2022 | 3,238 |
| 2023 | 3,872 |
| 2024 | 4,922 |
| 2025 | 6,399 |
Top 50 institutions for Computer Support Specialist, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Purdue University Global West Lafayette, INPublicAward of less than 12 weeksAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 1,049 | 50% | — | $45,475 |
| 2 | Ensign College Salt Lake City, UTPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 427 | 43% | $11,149 | — |
| 3 | American Public University System Charles Town, WVPrivate for-profitAssociate'sBachelor's | 294 | 57% | $10,199 | $66,588 |
| 4 | Glendale Community College Glendale, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 189 | 16% | — | — |
| 5 | Strayer University - Global Region Washington, DCPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 177 | 14% | $18,144 | $61,810 |
| 6 | Milwaukee Area Technical College Milwaukee, WIPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 162 | 25% | — | — |
| 7 | Wichita State University - Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology Wichita, KSPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 139 | 43% | — | — |
| 8 | NUC University Bayamon, PRPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 120 | 54% | $9,377 | — |
| 9 | Ivy Tech Community College Indianapolis, INPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 112 | 40% | — | — |
| 10 | Pima Community College Tucson, AZPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 111 | 28% | — | — |
| 11 | Chandler - Gilbert Community College Chandler, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 108 | 30% | — | — |
| 12 | Seattle Central College Seattle, WAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 100 | 32% | — | — |
| 13 | Phoenix College Phoenix, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 95 | 14% | — | — |
| 14 | Northwest Career College Las Vegas, NVPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 92 | 68% | $15,787 | — |
| 15 | Tacoma Community College Tacoma, WAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of less than 12 weeks | 87 | 32% | — | — |
| 16 | Bossier Parish Community College Bossier City, LAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 83 | 15% | — | $40,080 |
| 17 | Lincoln Technical Institute - Paramus Paramus, NJPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 77 | 70% | $40,948 | — |
| 18 | GateWay Community College Phoenix, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 73 | 29% | — | — |
| 19 | Brigham Young University - Idaho Rexburg, IDPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 71 | 55% | $6,760 | — |
| 20 | Strayer University - Georgia Chamblee, GAPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 63 | 21% | $18,224 | $61,810 |
| 21 | Miller - Motte College - Chattanooga Chattanooga, TNPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 61 | 60% | $26,425 | $34,521 |
| 22 | Asher College Sacramento, CAPrivate for-profitAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 58 | 56% | $16,924 | $36,560 |
| 23 | Kent State University at Trumbull Warren, OHPublicBachelor'sAssociate's | 57 | 32% | — | — |
| 24 | Community College of Allegheny County Pittsburgh, PAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 54 | 24% | — | $35,049 |
| 25 | Lincoln Technical Institute - Iselin Iselin, NJPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 52 | 54% | $41,164 | — |
| 26 | Mesa Community College Mesa, AZPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 50 | 16% | — | — |
| 27 | Motoring Technical Training Institute Seekonk, MAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 50 | 89% | $18,778 | — |
| 28 | Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg, PAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 46 | 21% | — | $41,699 |
| 29 | Grand Rapids Community College Grand Rapids, MIPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 43 | 21% | — | $36,189 |
| 30 | Lincoln Technical Institute - Moorestown Moorestown, NJPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 43 | 54% | $39,602 | — |
| 31 | Strayer University - Virginia Arlington, VAPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 42 | 36% | — | $61,810 |
| 32 | Anoka Technical College Anoka, MNPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 39 | 66% | — | — |
| 33 | Johnson County Community College Overland Park, KSPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 38 | 31% | — | — |
| 34 | Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Dickson Dickson, TNPublicAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 38 | 74% | — | — |
| 35 | Gateway Technical College Kenosha, WIPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 37 | 51% | — | $36,389 |
| 36 | ICOHS College San Diego, CAPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 37 | 80% | $58,478 | — |
| 37 | Elgin Community College Elgin, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 35 | 41% | — | — |
| 38 | Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville Nashville, TNPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 32 | 70% | — | — |
| 39 | Strayer University - Texas Farmers Branch, TXPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 32 | 25% | $17,518 | $61,810 |
| 40 | Lincoln Technical Institute - Allentown Allentown, PAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 31 | 61% | $37,696 | — |
| 41 | Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Green Bay, WIPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 31 | 51% | — | — |
| 42 | Pennsylvania College of Technology Williamsport, PAPublicAssociate's | 31 | 53% | — | $51,698 |
| 43 | Valley College - Martinsburg Martinsburg, WVPrivate not-for-profitAssociate's | 31 | 66% | $25,386 | $32,522 |
| 44 | Pasadena City College Pasadena, CAPublicAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 30 | 48% | — | — |
| 45 | Strayer University - Maryland Baltimore, MDPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 30 | 38% | $18,092 | $61,810 |
| 46 | William Rainey Harper College Palatine, ILPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 29 | 48% | — | — |
| 47 | North Iowa Area Community College Mason City, IAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 29 | 61% | — | — |
| 48 | Southern Careers Institute - Austin Austin, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 29 | 53% | $23,976 | $22,206 |
| 49 | Spokane Falls Community College Spokane, WAPublicAssociate's | 29 | 32% | — | $39,022 |
| 50 | Southern California Institute of Technology Anaheim, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 29 | 74% | $29,667 | $45,632 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management field (CIP 11.10) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 48 states & territories
Where Computer Support Specialist graduates come from. Each state links to all Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 15-1232, Computer User Support Specialists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Computer Support Specialist program can pursue careers as Computer User Support Specialists or Computer Network Support Specialists. While the job outlook indicates a decline of 3.7%, there are approximately 40,800 annual openings, with a median wage of $60,340. Typical education required includes some college, but no degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 11.1006
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Computer User Support Specialistsprimary SOC 15-1232 | $61,860 | -3.7% Decline | ~40,800 | Some college, no degree |
Computer Network Support Specialists SOC 15-1231 | $76,220 | +1.8% Little or no change | ~9,600 | Associate's degree |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Computer Support Specialist programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Oversee the daily performance of computer systems.
- Set up equipment for employee use, performing or ensuring proper installation of cables, operating systems, or appropriate software.
- Read technical manuals, confer with users, or conduct computer diagnostics to investigate and resolve problems or to provide technical assistance and support.
- Answer user inquiries regarding computer software or hardware operation to resolve problems.
- Install and perform minor repairs to hardware, software, or peripheral equipment, following design or installation specifications.
- Confer with staff, users, and management to establish requirements for new systems or modifications.
Tools and technology used
Other Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management specializations
The 6 other 6-digit CIP codes under Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (CIP 11.10).
- Computer and Information Systems Security/CIP 11.1003
Auditing/ Information Assurance 48,110 graduates / yr905 institutions - Computer/CIP 11.1099
Information Technology Services Administration and Management 6,540 graduates / yr92 institutions - Network and System Administration/CIP 11.1001
Administrator 5,461 graduates / yr204 institutions - Information Technology Project ManagementCIP 11.10053,763 graduates / yr80 institutions
- System, Networking, and LAN/CIP 11.1002
WAN Management/ Manager 1,582 graduates / yr72 institutions - Web/CIP 11.1004
Multimedia Management and Webmaster 754 graduates / yr81 institutions
See all Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management programs →
Common questions
What does a Computer Support Specialist do?+
They provide technical assistance and support to computer users, troubleshooting software and hardware problems.
What skills will I learn in this program?+
You will learn active listening, critical thinking, and problem-solving, along with technical knowledge in computers and electronics.
What types of careers can I pursue?+
You can work as a Computer User Support Specialist or a Computer Network Support Specialist.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook shows a decline of 3.7%, but there are still about 40,800 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Computer Support Specialist?+
Computer Support Specialist is CIP 11.1006 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management (CIP 11.10). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to provide technical assistance, support, and advice to computer users to help troubleshoot software and hardware problems. Includes instruction in computer concepts, information systems, networking, operating systems, computer hardware, the Internet, software applications, help desk concepts and problem solving, and principles of customer service.
How many institutions offer Computer Support Specialist programs?+
243 U.S. institutions reported Computer Support Specialist graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 48 states & territories, awarding 6,399 credentials in the year. That is 8.8% of all Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management graduates.
How much do Computer Support Specialist graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Computer User Support Specialists occupation, which Computer Support Specialist most directly leads to, pays a median of $61,860 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management field report median earnings of $43,827 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
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.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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