Best institutions to study Word Processing
A program that prepares individuals to perform text typing, table construction, and document formatting tasks on personal computers at a high rate of accuracy and proficiency.
2 U.S. institutions graduated 25 Word Processing students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 11.0602, a specialization of Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications (CIP 11.06), and leads most directly to the Word Processors and Typists occupation (BLS SOC 43-9022).
About Word Processing programs
A program that prepares individuals to perform text typing, table construction, and document formatting tasks on personal computers at a high rate of accuracy and proficiency. Includes instruction in keyboarding skills, word processor operation, textual draft interpretation, audio and tape dictation, and specific word processing program software.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Word Processing program, part of the Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications field, is designed for individuals looking to develop proficiency in typing, document formatting, and text processing on personal computers. This program prepares students to perform these tasks with a high degree of accuracy, making it ideal for those seeking careers in administrative support roles.
Students will gain essential skills in keyboarding, word processor operation, and document management. Coursework includes instruction in audio dictation, textual draft interpretation, and the use of specific word processing software, ensuring graduates are well-equipped for the demands of the workplace.
Credentials awarded
What Word Processing graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year17 graduates / yr · 1 institution68%
- Award of less than 12 weeks8 graduates / yr · 1 institution32%
Graduates over time
Word Processing completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 261 |
| 2013 | 146 |
| 2014 | 107 |
| 2015 | 74 |
| 2016 | 73 |
| 2017 | 67 |
| 2018 | 39 |
| 2019 | 39 |
| 2020 | 42 |
| 2021 | 14 |
| 2022 | 21 |
| 2023 | 13 |
| 2024 | 20 |
| 2025 | 25 |
Top 2 institutions for Word Processing, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | American Public University System Charles Town, WVPrivate for-profitAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 17 | 57% | $10,199 |
| 2 | McHenry County College Crystal Lake, ILPublicAward of less than 12 weeks | 8 | 37% | — |
Offered in 2 states
Where Word Processing graduates come from. Each state links to all Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications programs offered there.
| State | Institutions | Graduates / yr | Top institution by graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | 1 | 17 | American Public University System17 / yr |
| Illinois | 1 | 8 | McHenry County College8 / yr |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 43-9022, Word Processors and Typists, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Word Processing program typically pursue careers as Word Processors and Typists. Although the job outlook indicates a decline of 36.1% in this field, there are approximately 2,200 annual openings, with a median wage of $47,850. A high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for entry-level positions.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 11.0602
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Word Processors and Typistsprimary SOC 43-9022 | $49,280 | -36.1% Decline | ~2,200 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Word Processing 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
- Perform other clerical duties, such as answering telephone, sorting and distributing mail, running errands or sending faxes.
- Check completed work for spelling, grammar, punctuation, and format.
- File and store completed documents on computer hard drive or disk, or maintain a computer filing system to store, retrieve, update, and delete documents.
- Print and make copies of work.
- Transmit work electronically to other locations.
- Address envelopes or prepare envelope labels, using typewriter or computer.
Tools and technology used
Other Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications specializations
The 2 other 6-digit CIP codes under Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications (CIP 11.06).
Common questions
What is the duration of the Word Processing program?+
The program offers awards of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year, as well as awards of less than 12 weeks.
What skills will I learn in this program?+
You will learn keyboarding, document formatting, and various word processing software skills.
What kind of jobs can I get after completing this program?+
You can pursue careers as Word Processors and Typists, among other administrative support roles.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook shows a decline of 36.1%, but there are still about 2,200 annual openings.
What is the CIP code for Word Processing?+
Word Processing is CIP 11.0602 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications (CIP 11.06). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to perform text typing, table construction, and document formatting tasks on personal computers at a high rate of accuracy and proficiency. Includes instruction in keyboarding skills, word processor operation, textual draft interpretation, audio and tape dictation, and specific word processing program software.
How many institutions offer Word Processing programs?+
2 U.S. institutions reported Word Processing graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 2 states, awarding 25 credentials in the year. That is 4.5% of all Data Entry/Microcomputer Applications graduates.
How much do Word Processing graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Word Processors and Typists occupation, which Word Processing most directly leads to, pays a median of $49,280 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
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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