Best colleges for Science Technologies/Technicians
Ranked by graduate earnings
The top bachelor's colleges for Science Technologies/Technicians by graduate earnings are Arizona State University Campus Immersion ($60,661), Campbell University ($59,366) and University of Arizona ($48,334), 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%.
- Arizona State University Campus Immersion (Tempe, AZ): $60,661, 28 graduates a year
- Campbell University (Buies Creek, NC): $59,366, 35 graduates a year
- University of Arizona (Tucson, AZ): $48,334, 28 graduates a year
- Northern Arizona University (Flagstaff, AZ): $44,338, 40 graduates a year
Compare 56 U.S. colleges offering Science Technologies/Technicians by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 21 states.
Science Technologies/Technicians programs report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $53,078 (College Scorecard, 2019), and map to CIP 41.99 and the Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health occupation (BLS SOC).
About Science Technologies/Technicians programs
The Science Technologies/Technicians program focuses on equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary for various roles in the field of science technology. This program is ideal for individuals interested in applying engineering concepts to practical situations and contributing to research, development, and implementation projects. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of various scientific principles and techniques relevant to environmental and industrial contexts.
Core coursework in this program includes subjects like chemistry, biology, and mathematics, emphasizing skills such as reading comprehension, critical thinking, and active learning. Students will also develop competencies in monitoring and analyzing scientific data, preparing reports, and communicating findings effectively.
Top 7 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 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion Tempe, AZ Public · Bachelor's degree | $60,661 | 28 | 68% | — | $28,312 |
| 2 | Campbell University Buies Creek, NC Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $59,366 | 35 | 61% | $23,331 | $20,250 |
| 3 | University of Arizona Tucson, AZ Public · Bachelor's degree | $48,334 | 28 | 68% | — | $24,875 |
| 4 | Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ Public · Bachelor's degree | $44,338 | 40 | 61% | — | $22,918 |
| 5 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh Raleigh, NC Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $72,274 | 16 | 85% | — | $21,221 |
| 6 | Arizona State University Digital Immersion Scottsdale, AZ Public · Bachelor's degree Online | $60,661 | 108 | 0% | — | $28,312 |
| 7 | University of Wisconsin-Stout Menomonie, WI Public · Bachelor's degree Small program | $32,099 | 14 | 55% | — | $27,000 |
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 | Truckee Meadows Community College Reno, NV Public · Associate degree | $45,268 | 293 | 32% | — | $10,062 |
| 2 | Oakland Community College Auburn Hills, MI Public · Associate degree | $53,078 | 72 | 21% | — | $12,024 |
Specializations within Science Technologies/Technicians
1 of the 1 6-digit CIP codes under CIP 41.99 have U.S. graduates (NCES CIP 2020, IPEDS 2024–25). Each links to its own page, ranked by graduates.
Offered across 21 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | 3 | $72,274 | North Carolina State University at Raleigh |
| Arizona | 4 | $60,661 | Arizona State University Campus Immersion |
| Michiganlimited | 1 | $53,078 | Oakland Community College |
| Nevadalimited | 1 | $45,268 | Truckee Meadows Community College |
| Wisconsinlimited | 1 | $32,099 | University of Wisconsin-Stout |
| Alaskalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Arkansaslimited | 1 | — | — |
| Californialimited | 2 | — | — |
| Colorado | 5 | — | — |
| Delawarelimited | 1 | — | — |
| Georgia | 16 | — | — |
| Illinoislimited | 1 | — | — |
| Maryland | 4 | — | — |
| Minnesotalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Montanalimited | 2 | — | — |
| New Jerseylimited | 1 | — | — |
| North Dakotalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Oklahomalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Pennsylvanialimited | 2 | — | — |
| Vermontlimited | 1 | — | — |
| West Virginia | 5 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 19-4042, Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health, and its national outlook.
Graduates of the Science Technologies/Technicians program can pursue careers as engineering technicians, with a job outlook that is expected to grow at a rate of 4.0%. There are approximately 5,600 annual job openings in this field, with a median wage of $49,490. Typically, an associate's degree is required for entry into these roles.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Science Technologies/Technicians
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 41.99.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 41.99 (Science Technologies/Technicians, Other) 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 |
|---|---|
| 19-4042 | Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Healthprimary |
| 19-4043 | Geological Technicians, Except Hydrologic Technicians |
| 19-4044 | Hydrologic Technicians |
| 19-4099 | Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Science 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
- Collect samples of gases, soils, water, industrial wastewater, or asbestos products to conduct tests on pollutant levels or identify sources of pollution.
- Investigate hazardous conditions or spills or outbreaks of disease or food poisoning, collecting samples for analysis.
- Record test data and prepare reports, summaries, or charts that interpret test results.
- Prepare samples or photomicrographs for testing and analysis.
- Discuss test results and analyses with customers.
- Inspect workplaces to ensure the absence of health and safety hazards, such as high noise levels, radiation, or potential lighting hazards.
Common questions
What is the focus of the Science Technologies/Technicians program?+
The program focuses on skills and techniques related to various branches of technology, emphasizing practical applications in science.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
Students will develop skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, active learning, and effective communication.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with an expected growth rate of 4.0% and approximately 5,600 annual job openings.
What level of education is typically required?+
Most positions in this field require an associate's degree.
How much do Science Technologies/Technicians graduates earn?+
Science Technologies/Technicians graduates report median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary) of $53,078, College Scorecard (2019); the Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health occupation pays about $60,800 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Science Technologies/Technicians?+
Science Technologies/Technicians maps to CIP 41.99 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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