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Military Tech
Salary data, career paths, top colleges, and every specialization, all sourced from College Scorecard, IPEDS, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
About Military Tech
Defense technology and military science — specialized training tied to military service, national security agencies, and defense contractor careers. Graduates earn a national median of $75,390 four years after completing their degree, per College Scorecard data. The field is offered at 97 colleges and universities across the United States. Approximately 4,568 students complete degrees in this area each year.
- Median Earnings · 1yr
- $61,299
- Median Earnings · 4yr
- $75,390
- Colleges Offering
- 97
- Graduates / Year
- 4,568
- Specializations
- 5
- Avg Net Price / yr
- $22,804
Is a Military Tech Degree Right for You?
$75,390
Median earnings · 4yr
-0.7%
10yr job growth
5
Specializations
Is the Investment Worth It?
Breaks even in
~2
yrs
vs $30K/yr baseline wage
Strong ROI. At median 4-year earnings of $75,390 against an estimated $91,216 four-year net cost, most graduates break even against baseline wages in under two years.
ROI varies significantly by specialization and institution. A top program in a high-demand specialization can return many multiples of its cost. A lower-tier program in a saturated field may take a decade to break even. Use the Specializations and Best Colleges sections above to compare your specific options before deciding.
How Much Do Military Tech Majors Earn?
Military Tech graduates start at a median $61,299 one year out and reach $75,390 four years later. Both figures are national medians from College Scorecard, measured across all 97 US institutions offering programs in this field.
$61,299
1 Year After Graduation
Median at the institutional level. Entry-level salaries; reflects career start, not peak earnings.
$75,390
4-Year National Median
Enrollment-weighted national median across all institutions. Most graduates have 2-3 years of career experience at this point.
$81,205
4-Year Institutional Median
Median of per-school medians. Each reporting college counts equally, regardless of size. Closer to what a typical school's graduates earn.
Earnings Range Across Specializations
Not all Military Tech specializations pay the same. The most lucrative programs pay $75,803/yr nationally, while the lowest-earning specializations average $75,390/yr. See the Specializations section below for a program-by-program breakdown.
$75,390
Lowest
$75,390
Median
$75,803
Highest
What Can You Do With a Military Tech Degree?
Career Paths for Military Tech Graduates
Military Tech connects to 3 occupations tracked by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, spanning entry-level and senior roles. Detective & Criminal Investigator leads in median earnings at $93,790/yr. Each row includes national wages, employment levels, and 10-year growth projections.
Detective & Criminal Investigator
High school diploma or equivalent
$93,790
↘ -0.7% growth
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Associate's degree
$82,890
↗ +8.1% growth
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists
Bachelor's degree
$81,390
↗ +6.4% growth
Military Tech Specializations
Military Tech spans 4 specializations with relatively consistent earnings, from $75,390 to $75,803 at the four-year mark, per College Scorecard. Each row links to a full program profile with institution counts and annual completion data.
Specialization
Colleges
Grads/yr
Earnings · 4yr
Best Colleges for Military Tech
The 20 colleges below are ranked by Military Tech graduate volume, how many students completed this degree in the last reporting year. All data points shown (acceptance rate, net price, earnings, grad rate) come from College Scorecard and IPEDS.
1
University of Arizona
Tucson, AZ · Public
Acceptance
86.1%
Net price/yr
$16,674
Earnings 10yr
$59,979
Grad rate
58%
2
Georgetown University
Washington, DC · Nonprofit
Acceptance
12.9%
Net price/yr
$40,815
Earnings 10yr
$103,494
Grad rate
90%
3
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA · Nonprofit
Acceptance
99%
Net price/yr
$29,357
Earnings 10yr
$44,813
Grad rate
34%
4
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Saint Louis, MO · Nonprofit
Acceptance
95.1%
Net price/yr
$22,066
Earnings 10yr
$62,105
Grad rate
59%
5
Webster University
Saint Louis, MO · Nonprofit
Acceptance
86.2%
Net price/yr
$27,047
Earnings 10yr
$50,876
Grad rate
53%
6
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA · Nonprofit
Acceptance
3.7%
Net price/yr
$19,066
Earnings 10yr
$101,817
Grad rate
87%
7
Citadel Military College of South Carolina
Charleston, SC · Public
Acceptance
22.7%
Net price/yr
$20,723
Earnings 10yr
$72,085
Grad rate
73%
8
Norwich University
Northfield, VT · Nonprofit
Acceptance
74.4%
Net price/yr
$22,257
Earnings 10yr
$65,575
Grad rate
61%
9
Mercyhurst University
Erie, PA · Nonprofit
Acceptance
81%
Net price/yr
$19,444
Earnings 10yr
$47,452
Grad rate
44%
10
Coastal Carolina University
Conway, SC · Public
Acceptance
75.3%
Net price/yr
$13,966
Earnings 10yr
$47,258
Grad rate
49%
11
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD · Nonprofit
Acceptance
6.4%
Net price/yr
$18,809
Earnings 10yr
$87,555
Grad rate
87%
12
Missouri State University-Springfield
Springfield, MO · Public
Acceptance
90.5%
Net price/yr
$17,613
Earnings 10yr
$49,827
Grad rate
52%
13
Florida Institute of Technology
Melbourne, FL · Nonprofit
Acceptance
57.7%
Net price/yr
$35,639
Earnings 10yr
$43,137
Grad rate
22%
14
Iowa State University
Ames, IA · Public
Acceptance
88.7%
Net price/yr
$18,589
Earnings 10yr
$63,386
Grad rate
69%
15
University of Advancing Technology
Tempe, AZ · For-Profit
Acceptance
98.1%
Net price/yr
$28,522
Earnings 10yr
$50,719
Grad rate
28%
16
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach, FL · Nonprofit
Acceptance
64.8%
Net price/yr
$41,272
Earnings 10yr
$84,131
Grad rate
47%
17
Alcorn State University
Alcorn State, MS · Public
Acceptance
45.3%
Net price/yr
$13,265
Earnings 10yr
$36,421
Grad rate
32%
18
Saint Louis University
Saint Louis, MO · Nonprofit
Acceptance
75%
Net price/yr
$24,398
Earnings 10yr
$70,783
Grad rate
71%
19
Indiana State University
Terre Haute, IN · Public
Acceptance
80.8%
Net price/yr
$10,873
Earnings 10yr
$48,387
Grad rate
42%
20
University of Maryland-College Park
College Park, MD · Public
Acceptance
44.8%
Net price/yr
$15,678
Earnings 10yr
$82,860
Grad rate
76%
Ranked by number of Military Tech graduates per IPEDS completion data. Acceptance rate, net price, earnings, and graduation rate from College Scorecard. Read our methodology →
How Military Tech Compares to Similar Majors
Major
$30k
$40k
$50k
$60k
$70k
$80k
$90k
$100k
Plan Your Path
Decide with data, not guesswork. These tools turn the numbers on this page into a personal plan. Estimate the real cost of a Military Tech degree, compare colleges side-by-side, weigh the long-term payoff, and find programs that match your profile.
College ROI Calculator
See if a Military Tech degree pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings its graduates actually see.
College Cost Calculator
Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.
Compare Colleges
Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.
College Match Quiz
Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.
Military Tech Degree: Pros & Cons
Strong earnings and positive career growth put Military Tech above most majors on the key financial metrics. The 2 strengths and 1 trade-offs below are data-sourced from College Scorecard, BLS, and IPEDS, not editorial scoring.
PROS
- Strong median salary Graduates earn a national median of $75,390 four years after graduation, above most major categories.
- Growing field Top career paths show up to +8.1% projected 10-year growth per BLS, including Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians.
CONS
- Declining roles in some areas 1 related career within this field show negative 10-year employment projections per BLS. Research specific roles carefully before committing.
Military Tech Degree: Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Military Tech graduates earn?
Military Tech graduates earn a national median of $75,390 four years after completing their degree, per College Scorecard data. Earnings vary significantly by specialization, institution, and region. Use the specializations table on this page to compare programs.
What is the starting salary for a Military Tech degree?
The median earnings one year after graduation for Military Tech degree holders is $61,299 at the institutional level, per College Scorecard. Starting salaries vary by employer, location, and specific specialization within the field.
What jobs can you get with a Military Tech degree?
Military Tech degree holders work in a range of careers. Detective & Criminal Investigator is one of the top roles by median wage ($93,790/yr nationally per BLS data). See the Career Paths section on this page for a full breakdown of related occupations, employment levels, and 10-year growth projections.
How many colleges offer Military Tech?
97 colleges and universities in the United States offer programs in Military Tech, per IPEDS data. Options range from community colleges offering associate degrees to research universities with doctoral programs. The Best Colleges section on this page ranks the top institutions by graduation volume.
Is a Military Tech degree worth it?
At a median 4-year earnings of $75,390 and an average net price of roughly $22,804/yr across institutions offering this major, a Military Tech degree can deliver strong returns, particularly in high-earning specializations. The ROI depends heavily on which institution and specialization you choose.
How long does it take to earn a Military Tech degree?
Military Tech programs range from two-year associate degrees to four-year bachelor's programs. Many students also enter through apprenticeships, which can provide an accelerated path into the field.
What skills do employers look for in Military Tech graduates?
Employers hiring Military Tech graduates consistently prioritize technical proficiency, safety compliance, hands-on problem-solving, and equipment operation. Certifications, apprenticeships, and demonstrated practical experience typically carry as much weight as academic credentials in this field.
Is graduate school worth it for Military Tech graduates?
With a median salary of $75,390, graduate study in Military Tech can meaningfully increase long-term income, particularly for specialized or professional programs aligned with high-demand roles. The right answer depends on your career goals, program cost, and whether your target role explicitly requires or rewards an advanced credential.
What is the 10-year job outlook for Military Tech graduates?
Based on BLS projections, the job outlook for Military Tech graduates is moderate, with an average of +4.6% projected growth across related occupations. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians is among the strongest-growth roles at +8.1%. Demand will vary by specialization, employer sector, and geographic region.
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- Program earnings
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-
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