Computer console operator education requirements

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

There are several educational requirements to become a computer console operator. Computer console operators usually study business, computer science, or accounting. 45% of computer console operators hold a bachelor's degree, and 30% hold an associate degree. We analyzed 105 real computer console operator resumes to see exactly what computer console operator education sections show.

The most common colleges for computer console operators are the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

There are also many online computer console operator courses to help get the education required to be a computer console operator.

What education do you need to become a computer console operator?

What degree do you need to be a computer console operator?

The most common degree for computer console operators is bachelor's degree, with 45% of computer console operators earning that degree. The second and third most common degree levels are associate degree degree at 30% and associate degree degree at 13%.

Bachelor's, 45%

Associate, 30%

High School Diploma, 13%

Master's, 3%

Other Degrees, 9%

What should I major in to become a computer console operator?

You should major in business to become a computer console operator. 17% of computer console operators major in business. Other common majors for a computer console operator include computer science and accounting.

Business, 17%

Computer Science, 13%

Accounting, 10%

Computer Information Systems, 10%

Other Majors, 50%

Most common colleges for computer console operators

Computer console operators often get their degrees at University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Millersville University of Pennsylvania, and Langston University. Here are the most common colleges for computer console operators in the US based on their resumes.

Computer console operator common college	Percentages
University of North Carolina at Greensboro	8.70%
Millersville University of Pennsylvania	8.70%
Langston University	8.70%
Cheyney University of Pennsylvania	4.35%
Salem State University	4.35%

Show more common computer console operator colleges

Best majors for computer console operators

Rank	Major	Percentages
1	Business	16.7%
2	Computer Science	12.5%
3	Accounting	10.4%
4	Computer Information Systems	10.4%
5	Data Processing	6.3%

Show more common computer console operator majors

Best colleges for computer console operators

The best colleges for computer console operators are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and University of Pennsylvania.

A computer console operator with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for computer console operators. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become computer console operators.

1. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$51,354

Enrollment

7,083

2. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

In-state tuition

$55,584

Enrollment

10,764

3. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

In-state tuition

$54,568

Enrollment

8,451

4. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$56,225

Enrollment

19,548

5. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Enrollment

9,142

6. SUNY at Binghamton

Vestal, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$9,808

Enrollment

13,990

7. San Diego State University

San Diego, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,488

Enrollment

30,018

8. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$53,948

Enrollment

17,238

9. New York University

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$51,828

Enrollment

26,339

10. Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Worcester, MA • Private

In-state tuition

$50,530

Enrollment

4,571

20 best online courses for computer console operators

Advertising disclosure

1. Introduction to Hardware and Operating Systems

Get ready to enter the thriving field of Information Technology (IT), with job ready skills! This beginner friendly course provides the core hardware and operating system knowledge needed by anyone new to IT and computer hardware who wants to start a new career in technology, including IT Support, Networking, Cybersecurity, and Software Development. You will first be introduced to computing fundamentals, the four functions of computing, and the benefits of computing. You will become...

2. Introduction to Enterprise Computing

Large Scale Enterprise Computing powers all major transactions, and the Mainframe is responsible for 87% of all credit card transactions and enables 71% of all Fortune 500 companies. Mainframes are fundamental on how we do business, and IBM Z is the only production mainframe sold today. Virtually everyone depends on it. This is your introduction to the hardware, operating systems, security, and features that make this possible. On successful completion of this course, learners are eligible to...

3. Computer Hardware, Operating System and Networking

4.1

(314)

For Any Graduates/Engineering/Diploma/Arts & Science/Freshers/Home Users/Individuals/Desktop Support/FM/Service Engineer...

4. Operating Systems from scratch - Part 2

4.7

(1,078)

Learn memory management in operating systems as operating system forms the core of computer science...

5. Computer Hardware and Software

This course provides foundational understanding of how computers process information through hardware and software. You will investigate the world of Information Technology (IT) and survey hardware components, mobile devices, operating systems, programs and apps, network fundamentals, the Internet, and touch on security and ethics...

6. Basic Computer Course - Windows 7/10 - IT & Desktop Support

4.7

(1,213)

Basic computer course with troubleshooting skills -computer hardware and computer networking, for IT support technicians...

7. Operating Systems from scratch - Part 1

4.5

(4,324)

Learn the concepts of Operating Systems from scratch as Operating System forms the core of Computer Science...

8. ComputerCavalry: Slow Computer Repair and PC Maintenance

4.2

(256)

Is your computer run slow? Take this course and learn how to speed up a slow computer!...

9. Mainframe: Code DB2 on COBOL Programs for Absolute Beginners

4.5

(2,698)

Master the DDL and DML operations on DB2. Code multiple COBOL DB2 Programs. Master the concept of Cursors on DB2...

10. Operating Systems Part 3: Synchronization and Deadlock

4.4

(684)

Learn the concepts of Operating Systems from scratch as Operating System forms the core of Computer Science...

11. Computer Network Fundamentals- IT Helpdesk & Desktop Support

(409)

Learn the basic fundamentals of computer networking & OSI model for desktop support and IT service desk technicians...

12. Mainframe: The Complete TSO/ISPF from Beginner to Expert

4.5

(3,169)

Best TSO/ISPF Course. TSO and ISPF commands are explained in detail. Simplified COBOL covered as bonus along with JCL...

13. Operating Systems Final Part (4): File Systems & Threads

4.6

(518)

Learn the concepts of Operating Systems from scratch as Operating System forms the core of Computer Science...

14. Computer Architecture and Computer Organization Masterclass

4.3

(1,176)

Full Program: Computer Organization, Computer Architecture, Instruction Set, CPU, Memory Hierarchy (FREE Lecture Notes)...

15. The Complete Computer Basics Guide for Beginners: 2023

4.3

(1,163)

Computer Basics, Basic Computer Course, Windows 11 Basics, Microsoft Word, Power Point, Excel, Basic Computer Skills,2023...

16. How to Build a Computer from Scratch: Complete Blueprint

4.5

(344)

Create your own custom-built PC, follow me as I show you how to build a computer from various parts! Comprehensive guide...

17. Computer Networks Fundamentals

4.6

(487)

Use this course to cover your Computer Networking basics!...

18. Computer Science 101 - Computers & Programming for Beginners

4.4

(1,518)

Understand the basic concepts behind Computers, Computer Science, Programming and Programming Languages...

19. Computer Repair: Fix Your Own Computer At Home

4.7

(324)

Computer repair secrets exposed! Why pay $100 an hour? You can fix it yourself in an hour for free!...

20. Build Your Own Custom Computer!

4.2

(547)

Learn everything you need to know about computers including how to do your own troubleshooting!...

Top 10 most affordable universities for computer console operators

The most affordable schools for computer console operators are California State University - Bakersfield, suny farmingdale, and brooklyn college of the city university of new york.

If the best universities for computer console operators are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for computer console operators.

1. California State University - Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$7,309

Cost of attendance

16,714

2. SUNY Farmingdale

Farmingdale, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$8,306

Cost of attendance

16,091

3. Brooklyn College of the City University of New York

Brooklyn, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,240

Cost of attendance

13,991

4. California State University - Dominguez Hills

Carson, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,942

Cost of attendance

14,469

5. Brigham Young University

Provo, UT • Private

In-state tuition

$5,620

Cost of attendance

18,136

6. California State University - Long Beach

Long Beach, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,798

Cost of attendance

18,306

7. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez

Mayaguez, PR • Private

In-state tuition

$4,094

Cost of attendance

14,302

8. California State University - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA • Private

In-state tuition

$6,749

Cost of attendance

14,823

9. New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology

Socorro, NM • Private

In-state tuition

$7,770

Cost of attendance

21,244

10. Baruch College of the City University of New York

New York, NY • Private

In-state tuition

$7,262

Cost of attendance

14,046

Top 10 hardest universities to get into for computer console operators

The hardest universities for computer console operators to get into are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and University of Pennsylvania.

Some great schools for computer console operators are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for computer console operators based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.

1. Stanford University

Stanford, CA • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,497

2. Northwestern University

Evanston, IL • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,508

3. University of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, PA • Private

Admissions rate

SAT average

1,492

4. University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA • Private

Admissions rate

13%

SAT average

1,445

5. Boston University

Boston, MA • Private

Admissions rate

22%

SAT average

1,420

6. New York University

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

20%

SAT average

1,419

7. Vanderbilt University

Nashville, TN • Private

Admissions rate

10%

SAT average

1,514

8. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Troy, NY • Private

Admissions rate

43%

SAT average

1,415

9. George Washington University, The

Washington, DC • Private

Admissions rate

42%

SAT average

1,380

10. University of Rochester

Rochester, NY • Private

Admissions rate

29%

SAT average

1,422

Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for computer console operators

The easiest schools for computer console operators to get into are Oklahoma Wesleyan University, barry university, and nyack college.

Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as a computer console operator without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for computer console operators.

1. Oklahoma Wesleyan University

Bartlesville, OK • Private

Admissions rate

68%

SAT average

964

2. Barry University

Miami, FL • Private

Admissions rate

91%

SAT average

1,006

3. Nyack College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

98%

SAT average

999

4. La Roche College

Pittsburgh, PA • Private

Admissions rate

99%

SAT average

1,008

5. LIM College

New York, NY • Private

Admissions rate

83%

SAT average

1,061

6. Notre Dame College

Cleveland, OH • Private

Admissions rate

90%

SAT average

994

7. Saint Martin's University

Lacey, WA • Private

Admissions rate

96%

SAT average

1,111

8. Cardinal Stritch University

Milwaukee, WI • Private

Admissions rate

71%

SAT average

1,035

9. Iona College

New Rochelle, NY • Private

Admissions rate

88%

SAT average

1,089

10. Holy Names University

Oakland, CA • Private

Admissions rate

70%

SAT average

849

Average computer console operator salary by education level

According to our data, computer console operators with a Master's degree earn the highest average salary, at $52,278 annually. Computer console operators with a Doctorate degree earn an average annual salary of $51,011.

Computer console operator education level	Computer console operator salary
Master's Degree	$52,278
High School Diploma or Less	$43,035
Bachelor's Degree	$48,681
Doctorate Degree	$51,011
Some College/ Associate Degree	$42,885

Computer console operator education FAQs

What is the best college for Computer Console Operators?

Have more questions? See all answers to common office and administrative questions.

Search for computer console operator jobs

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse office and administrative jobs