Best colleges for Data Processing
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top colleges for Data Processing by graduate earnings are University of Nevada-Las Vegas ($44,431), Horry-Georgetown Technical College ($38,825) and Dallas College ($38,457), 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%.
- University of Nevada-Las Vegas (Las Vegas, NV): $44,431, 83 graduates a year
- Horry-Georgetown Technical College (Conway, SC): $38,825, 63 graduates a year
- Dallas College (Dallas, TX): $38,457, 320 graduates a year
- Tri-County Technical College (Pendleton, SC): $34,725, 73 graduates a year
- York Technical College (Rock Hill, SC): $25,617, 58 graduates a year
Compare 93 U.S. colleges offering Data Processing by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 30 states.
Data Processing programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $38,559 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 11.03 and the Computer Occupations, All Other occupation (BLS SOC).
About Data Processing programs
The Data Processing program focuses on equipping students with the skills necessary to analyze and manage data effectively. It is designed for individuals interested in the intersection of technology and information sciences, providing a foundation for those looking to pursue careers in data-related fields. Students will engage with various aspects of data processing, including coding and statistical analysis.
In this program, students will learn essential skills in data processing technologies, algorithms, and scientific computing. Coursework typically includes topics such as data visualization, statistical methods, and programming, preparing graduates for a range of data-centric roles.
Top 15 institutions, 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 | University of Nevada-Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,431 | 83 | 51% | — | $21,750 |
| 2 | Horry-Georgetown Technical College Conway, SC Public · Associate degree | $38,825 | 63 | 38% | — | $16,500 |
| 3 | Dallas College Dallas, TX Public · Certificate | $38,457 | 320 | 32% | — | $10,718 |
| 4 | Tri-County Technical College Pendleton, SC Public · Associate degree | $34,725 | 73 | 42% | — | — |
| 5 | York Technical College Rock Hill, SC Public · Associate degree | $25,617 | 58 | 30% | — | $15,125 |
| 6 | American Public University System Charles Town, WV Private for-profit · Associate degree Online Small program | $44,801 | 4 | 57% | $10,199 | $19,000 |
| 7 | Midlands Technical College West Columbia, SC Public · Associate degree | $40,012 | 43 | 18% | — | $14,013 |
| 8 | Spartanburg Community College Spartanburg, SC Public · Associate degree | $39,702 | 89 | 28% | — | — |
| 9 | Greenville Technical College Greenville, SC Public · Associate degree | $39,062 | 58 | 21% | — | $21,083 |
| 10 | New Mexico State University - Dona Ana Las Cruces, NM Public · Associate degree | $38,559 | 118 | 19% | — | $9,750 |
| 11 | Southeast New Mexico College Carlsbad, NM Public · Associate degree Small program | $38,559 | 2 | 20% | — | $9,750 |
| 12 | New Mexico State University - Grants Grants, NM Public · Associate degree Small program | $38,559 | 1 | 26% | — | $9,750 |
| 13 | University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg, MS Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $37,734 | 18 | 49% | — | $28,743 |
| 14 | CUNY Queensborough Community College Bayside, NY Public · Associate degree | $26,484 | 30 | 24% | — | — |
| 15 | Athens Technical College Athens, GA Public · Associate degree Small program | $24,012 | 11 | 51% | — | — |
Specializations within Data Processing
1 of the 1 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 11.03 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 30 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Virginialimited | 1 | $44,801 | American Public University System |
| Nevadalimited | 1 | $44,431 | University of Nevada-Las Vegas |
| South Carolina | 14 | $39,062 | Midlands Technical College |
| New Mexico | 5 | $38,559 | New Mexico State University - Dona Ana |
| Texas | 7 | $38,457 | Dallas College |
| Mississippilimited | 1 | $37,734 | University of Southern Mississippi |
| New York | 5 | $26,484 | CUNY Queensborough Community College |
| Georgia | 18 | $24,012 | Athens Technical College |
| California | 3 | — | — |
| Coloradolimited | 2 | — | — |
| District of Columbialimited | 2 | — | — |
| Illinoislimited | 1 | — | — |
| Iowalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Louisianalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Marylandlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Massachusettslimited | 2 | — | — |
| Michigan | 3 | — | — |
| Minnesota | 4 | — | — |
| Missourilimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Hampshirelimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Jerseylimited | 2 | — | — |
| North Dakotalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Ohio | 6 | — | — |
| Oklahomalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Pennsylvanialimited | 1 | — | — |
| South Dakotalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Vermontlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Virginialimited | 1 | — | — |
| Washington | 4 | — | — |
| Wisconsinlimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 15-1299, Computer Occupations, All Other, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Data Processing program can expect a robust job market, with an outlook growth rate of 8.2% and approximately 31,300 annual openings. The median wage for professionals in this field is $108,970, and a typical educational requirement is a Bachelor's degree.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Data Processing
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 11.03.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 11.03 (Data Processing) maps to 1 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupation, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 15-1299 | Computer Occupations, All Otherprimary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Common questions
What is the focus of the Data Processing program?+
The program focuses on analyzing and managing data using technology and information sciences.
What skills will I gain from this program?+
Students will gain skills in data processing technologies, coding, statistical analysis, and data visualization.
What is the job outlook for data processing graduates?+
The job outlook is strong, with an expected growth rate of 8.2% and around 31,300 annual job openings.
What is the typical salary for a data processing professional?+
The median wage for professionals in this field is $108,970.
How much do Data Processing graduates earn?+
Data Processing graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $38,559, College Scorecard (2019); the Computer Occupations, All Other occupation pays about $122,230 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Data Processing?+
Data Processing maps to CIP 11.03 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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