2026 Best Value Laser & Optical Technology/Technician Schools

1

Central Carolina Community College
Sanford, NC

Leading the list is Central Carolina Community College, our #1 best value for laser & optical technology/technician in the United States. Set in the town of Sanford, Central Carolina Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,711, while out-of-state students pay about $8,855. Laser & Optical Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $10,266 in student loans. Soon after graduation, laser & optical technology/technician degree recipients from Central Carolina Community College generally make around $38,198. Set against $10,266 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Pensacola State College
Pensacola, FL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Pensacola State College earned it the #2 place for laser & optical technology/technician. Set in the city of Pensacola, Pensacola State College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,361, while out-of-state students pay about $9,463. Laser & Optical Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $9,191 in student loans. Soon after graduation, laser & optical technology/technician degree recipients from Pensacola State College generally make around $45,811. That is a strong return on a $9,191 median debt.

3

Indian River State College
Fort Pierce, FL

Indian River State College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in laser & optical technology/technician, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Fort Pierce, Indian River State College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,764, with out-of-state students paying around $10,201. Laser & Optical Technology/technician graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. Soon after graduation, laser & optical technology/technician degree recipients from Indian River State College generally make around $60,039. That is a strong return on a $10,492 median debt.

4

Hillsborough Community College
Tampa, FL

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Hillsborough Community College earned it the #4 place for laser & optical technology/technician. Hillsborough Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Tampa. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,491, with out-of-state students paying around $9,088. Typical student debt for laser & optical technology/technician graduates is $16,142. Early-career laser & optical technology/technician graduates make about $44,101. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

5

Monroe Community College
Rochester, NY

A rank of #5 makes Monroe Community College one of the best values for laser & optical technology/technician. Located in the suburb of Rochester, Monroe Community College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,006, compared with $11,056 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,250 to complete the laser & optical technology/technician program here. Laser & Optical Technology/technician graduates of Monroe Community College earn a median of $51,245 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $13,250 median debt.

6

Clark State Community College
Springfield, OH

Clark State Community College earned the #6 position for value in laser & optical technology/technician this year. Located in the city of Springfield, Clark State Community College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,393, while out-of-state students pay about $8,049. Students borrow a median of $20,740 to complete the laser & optical technology/technician program here. Early-career laser & optical technology/technician graduates make about $39,734. Set against $20,740 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

7

Capital Community College
New Britain, CT

Capital Community College came in at #7 for value in laser & optical technology/technician this year. Capital Community College is a very large public school located in the city of New Britain. Students from in state pay about $5,338 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,596. Students borrow a median of $12,059 to complete the laser & optical technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, laser & optical technology/technician degree recipients from Capital Community College generally make around $43,086. That is a strong return on a $12,059 median debt.

8

Valencia College
Orlando, FL

Valencia College earned the #8 position for value in laser & optical technology/technician this year. Located in the city of Orlando, Valencia College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $2,664 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,576. Students borrow a median of $10,734 to complete the laser & optical technology/technician program here. Soon after graduation, laser & optical technology/technician degree recipients from Valencia College generally make around $52,463. Set against $10,734 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

9

Front Range Community College
Westminster, CO

Front Range Community College placed #9 among the best values for laser & optical technology/technician. Located in the suburb of Westminster, Front Range Community College is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,663, compared with $17,263 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,384 to complete the laser & optical technology/technician program here. Early-career laser & optical technology/technician graduates make about $40,414. That is a strong return on a $17,384 median debt.

10

Iowa Western Community College
Council Bluffs, IA

Iowa Western Community College landed the #10 spot for laser & optical technology/technician value this year. Iowa Western Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Council Bluffs. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,930, compared with $7,080 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,153 to complete the laser & optical technology/technician program here. Laser & Optical Technology/technician graduates of Iowa Western Community College earn a median of $43,444 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,153 median debt.

11

Miat College Of Technology
Canton, MI

Miat College Of Technology ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value laser & optical technology/technician schools. Located in the suburb of Canton, Miat College Of Technology is a mid-sized private for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,165. Typical student debt for laser & optical technology/technician graduates is $15,961. Soon after graduation, laser & optical technology/technician degree recipients from Miat College Of Technology generally make around $40,836. Set against $15,961 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.