Data Processing Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Data Processing Technology equips students with the technical expertise to efficiently manage digital information across diverse computing environments. This program emphasizes mastery of software applications and system configurations to ensure accurate data handling, from initial input through advanced retrieval and transformation processes.
- Word Processing: Proficiency in creating, editing, and formatting digital documents using industry-standard software to support professional communication and documentation.
- Spreadsheet Applications: Advanced skills in data organization, formula development, and analysis using spreadsheet tools for financial modeling, reporting, and decision support.
- Database Management: Training in designing, maintaining, and querying databases to store, retrieve, and manipulate structured data with precision and efficiency.
- Operating System Configuration: Hands-on experience with multiple OS platforms, including setup, customization, and troubleshooting to optimize system performance and security.
- Management Information Systems: Understanding of integrated software solutions that support organizational workflows, resource planning, and operational reporting.
- Design and Research Software: Familiarity with specialized applications used in technical illustration, data visualization, and scholarly research data handling.
- Data Transformation Techniques: Instruction in modifying, updating, and deleting data records while maintaining integrity, consistency, and compliance with best practices.
Data Processing Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Data Processing Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Data Processing Technology degrees, including Computer Occupations, All Other. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 439,380 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Occupations, All Other 15-1299 | $108,970 | $52,650 - $176,800 | 439,380 | $52.39 |
Data Processing Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $65,370 in Tennessee to $141,540 in Maryland—a 117% difference. The highest-paying states include Maryland, District of Columbia, and Virginia. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 439,380 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Data Processing Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 87 institutions offering Data Processing Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Data Processing Technology is found at Boston University (BU) (201 graduates), Dallas College (190 graduates), Trident Technical College (TTC) (114 graduates), Spartanburg Community College (SCC) (100 graduates), and University of San Francisco (USF) (99 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 2,131 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boston University (BU) |
Master's
|
201 | Boston, Massachusetts | Private | bu.edu |
| Dallas College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
190 | Dallas, Texas | Public | dallascollege.edu |
| Trident Technical College (TTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
114 | Charleston, South Carolina | Public | tridenttech.edu |
| Spartanburg Community College (SCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
100 | Spartanburg, South Carolina | Public | sccsc.edu |
| University of San Francisco (USF) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
99 | San Francisco, California | Private | usfca.edu |
| South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
91 | Americus, Georgia | Public | southgatech.edu |
| Moraine Park Technical College (MPTC) |
Residency
|
72 | Fond du Lac, Wisconsin | Public | morainepark.edu |
| York Technical College (York Tech) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
70 | Rock Hill, South Carolina | Public | yorktech.edu |
| Lee College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
68 | Baytown, Texas | Public | lee.edu |
| Greenville Technical College (GTC) |
Associate's
|
66 | Greenville, South Carolina | Public | gvltec.edu |
| New Mexico State University |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
65 | Las Cruces, New Mexico | Public | dacc.nmsu.edu |
| University of Nevada (UNLV) |
Bachelor's
Master's
|
64 | Las Vegas, Nevada | Public | unlv.edu |
| Midlands Technical College (MTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
54 | West Columbia, South Carolina | Public | midlandstech.edu |
| Tri-County Technical College (TCTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
54 | Pendleton, South Carolina | Public | tctc.edu |
| Oconee Fall Line Technical College (OFTC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
48 | Sandersville, Georgia | Public | oftc.edu |
| Horry-Georgetown Technical College (HGTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
42 | Conway, South Carolina | Public | hgtc.edu |
| CUNY Kingsborough Community College (KCC) |
Associate's
|
41 | Brooklyn, New York | Public | kbcc.cuny.edu |
| CUNY Queensborough Community College (QCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
38 | Bayside, New York | Public | qcc.cuny.edu |
| Piedmont Technical College (PTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
34 | Greenwood, South Carolina | Public | ptc.edu |
| Northcentral University (NCU) |
Master's
Doctorate (Research)
|
29 | San Diego, California | Private | nu.edu |
| University of Southern Mississippi (USM) |
Bachelor's
|
28 | Hattiesburg, Mississippi | Public | usm.edu |
| Front Range Community College (FRCC) |
Other Award
|
27 | Westminster, Colorado | Public | frontrange.edu |
| Orangeburg Calhoun Technical College (OCtech) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
26 | Orangeburg, South Carolina | Public | octech.edu |
| Central Carolina Technical College (CCTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
23 | Sumter, South Carolina | Public | cctech.edu |
| Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech) |
Postbac Cert.
|
22 | Blacksburg, Virginia | Public | vt.edu |
| George Washington University (GW) |
Master's
|
21 | Washington, District of Columbia | Private | gwu.edu |
| Technical College of the Lowcountry (TCL) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
21 | Beaufort, South Carolina | Public | tcl.edu |
| CUNY Bronx Community College (BCC) |
Associate's
|
20 | Bronx, New York | Public | bcc.cuny.edu |
| Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
19 | Rome, Georgia | Public | gntc.edu |
| The University of Findlay (UF) |
Other Award
|
18 | Findlay, Ohio | Private | findlay.edu |
| Aiken Technical College (ATC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
18 | Graniteville, South Carolina | Public | atc.edu |
| Lone Star College System (LSC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
18 | The Woodlands, Texas | Public | lonestar.edu |
| San Juan College (SJC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
17 | Farmington, New Mexico | Public | sanjuancollege.edu |
| Pratt Institute |
Postbac Cert.
Master's
|
17 | Brooklyn, New York | Private | pratt.edu |
| Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
15 | Warner Robins, Georgia | Public | centralgatech.edu |
| Miami University |
Associate's
|
14 | Hamilton, Ohio | Public | miamioh.edu |
| Navarro College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
13 | Corsicana, Texas | Public | navarrocollege.edu |
| Albany Technical College |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
11 | Albany, Georgia | Public | albanytech.edu |
| Wiregrass Georgia Technical College |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
11 | Valdosta, Georgia | Public | wiregrass.edu |
| Bristol Community College |
Associate's
|
11 | Fall River, Massachusetts | Public | bristolcc.edu |
| Athens Technical College (Athens Tech) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
11 | Athens, Georgia | Public | athenstech.edu |
| Capella University |
Bachelor's
|
11 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Private | capella.edu |
| Weatherford College (WC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
10 | Weatherford, Texas | Public | wc.edu |
| South Puget Sound Community College (SPSCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
10 | Olympia, Washington | Public | spscc.edu |
| American Public University System (APUS) |
Associate's
|
10 | Charles Town, West Virginia | Private | apus.edu |
| Augusta Technical College (Augusta Tech) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
9 | Augusta, Georgia | Public | augustatech.edu |
| West Georgia Technical College (WGTC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
9 | Waco, Georgia | Public | westgatech.edu |
| St Clair County Community College (SC4) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
9 | Port Huron, Michigan | Public | sc4.edu |
| Atlantic Cape Community College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
9 | Mays Landing, New Jersey | Public | atlanticcape.edu |
| Lanier Technical College (Lanier Tech) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
8 | Gainesville, Georgia | Public | laniertech.edu |
| Savannah Technical College |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
8 | Savannah, Georgia | Public | savannahtech.edu |
| Louisiana State University (LSUE) |
Associate's
|
8 | Eunice, Louisiana | Public | lsue.edu |
| McLennan Community College (MCC) |
Other Award
|
8 | Waco, Texas | Public | mclennan.edu |
| Columbus Technical College (Columbus Tech) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
7 | Columbus, Georgia | Public | columbustech.edu |
| Georgia Piedmont Technical College (GPTC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
7 | Clarkston, Georgia | Public | gptc.edu |
| Coastal Pines Technical College (CPTC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
7 | Waycross, Georgia | Public | coastalpines.edu |
| Pennsylvania State University |
Bachelor's
|
6 | University Park, Pennsylvania | Public | psu.edu |
| Oakton College |
Other Award
|
5 | Des Plaines, Illinois | Public | oakton.edu |
| Anoka Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
5 | Anoka, Minnesota | Public | anokatech.edu |
| Miami University |
Associate's
|
5 | Middletown, Ohio | Public | miamioh.edu |
| Yakima Valley College (YVC) |
Associate's
Residency
|
5 | Yakima, Washington | Public | yvcc.edu |
| Southern Regional Technical College (SRTC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
5 | Thomasville, Georgia | Public | southernregional.edu |
| University of Northwestern (UNW) |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Saint Paul, Minnesota | Private | unwsp.edu |
| Edmonds College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
4 | Lynnwood, Washington | Public | edmonds.edu |
| University of Dubuque (UD) |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Dubuque, Iowa | Private | dbq.edu |
| Montgomery College (MC) |
Other Award
|
3 | Rockville, Maryland | Public | montgomerycollege.edu |
| Stark State College |
Other Award
|
3 | North Canton, Ohio | Public | starkstate.edu |
| Community College of Philadelphia (CCP) |
Other Award
|
3 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Public | ccp.edu |
| Florence-Darlington Technical College |
Other Award
|
3 | Florence, South Carolina | Public | fdtc.edu |
| Arkansas State University (A-State) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Jonesboro, Arkansas | Public | astate.edu |
| Pueblo Community College (PCC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Pueblo, Colorado | Public | pueblocc.edu |
| Chattahoochee Technical College |
Other Award
|
2 | Marietta, Georgia | Public | chattahoocheetech.edu |
| Missouri University of Science and Technology (Missouri S&T) |
Postbac Cert.
|
2 | Rolla, Missouri | Public | mst.edu |
| Northeastern Technical College (NETC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Cheraw, South Carolina | Public | netc.edu |
| Williamsburg Technical College (WTC) |
Other Award
|
2 | Kingstree, South Carolina | Public | wiltech.edu |
| El Paso Community College (EPCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | El Paso, Texas | Public | epcc.edu |
| Purdue University Global |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdueglobal.edu |
| Delgado Community College |
Associate's
|
1 | New Orleans, Louisiana | Public | dcc.edu |
| Wayne State University (WSU) |
Master's
|
1 | Detroit, Michigan | Public | wayne.edu |
| Century College |
Other Award
|
1 | White Bear Lake, Minnesota | Public | century.edu |
| Ocean County College (OCC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Toms River, New Jersey | Public | ocean.edu |
| Southeast New Mexico College (SENMC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Carlsbad, New Mexico | Public | senmc.edu |
| Canisius University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Buffalo, New York | Private | canisius.edu |
| Farmingdale State College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Farmingdale, New York | Public | farmingdale.edu |
| Dickinson State University (DSU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Dickinson, North Dakota | Public | dickinsonstate.edu |
| Columbia Basin College (CBC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Pasco, Washington | Public | columbiabasin.edu |
| Peninsula College |
Associate's
|
1 | Port Angeles, Washington | Public | pencol.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Data Processing Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Data Processing Technology degree?
Salaries for Data Processing Technology graduates vary by role and location. Computer Occupations, All Other earn a median of $108,970 annually. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Maryland average $141,540 compared to $65,370 in Tennessee. Approximately 439,380 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Data Processing Technology programs?
Currently 87 accredited institutions offer Data Processing Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Boston University (BU) (201 graduates), Dallas College (190 graduates), and Trident Technical College (TTC) (114 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Data Processing Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 2,222 in 2010 to a peak of 2,321 in 2020, before declining slightly to 2,131 in 2023-24. This represents a 4% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Data Processing Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Computer Occupations, All Other. Related occupations employ approximately 439,380 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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