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Key Takeaways
Best computer engineering degree programs: U of Vermont, Middlebury College, Champlain College
Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality
Tuition ranges from $9,984 to $64,800/year
Vermont State offers the most affordable option at $9,984/yr
Computer Engineering degree programs available: 2 associate's, 2 master's, 1 doctoral in Vermont
From community college pathways to advanced research degrees
Vermont community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs
2 associate's programs provide transfer pathways to bachelor's degrees
Education Commission of the States
Major employers: GlobalFoundries, Dealer.com, MyWebGrocer, Faraday
Tech hubs in Burlington and Montpelier
Hakia Research 2026
Computer Engineering degree programs near 17+ cities across Vermont
Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location
Updated June 28, 2026
How we ranked Vermont Computer Engineering programs
We rank 13 accredited computer engineering programs in Vermont using IPEDS 2024 institutional data, BLS OEWS 2024 state salary data, and College Scorecard outcomes. A 4-factor weighted composite is normalized to a 0–100 score. Schools cannot pay for placement; rankings are produced algorithmically.
Are Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Vermont Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Computer Engineering Degree Rankings in Vermont
Compare the top-ranked Computer Engineering programs in Vermont by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Computer Engineering Programs in Vermont
Program Landscape
Vermont offers 2 accredited associate's degree programs in computer engineering, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Vermont State, Landmark College, which combine rigorous technical curriculum with practical skills training.
Costs & Value
Community colleges in Vermont offer these two-year programs at an average cost of $37,137/yr, significantly less than four-year university tuition. Students completing associate's degrees can pursue entry-level technical positions and transfer opportunities, with entry-level salaries averaging $54,318 in Vermont.
Career Pathways
Many programs feature guaranteed transfer agreements with Vermont's public universities, allowing students to complete their first two years at reduced cost before transferring to complete a bachelor's degree. The Burlington, Montpelier, Rutland areas offer particularly strong job markets for associate's degree holders, with employers like GlobalFoundries, Dealer.com, MyWebGrocer hiring for technical support, junior development, and IT specialist positions.
Curriculum & Specializations
Programs typically include coursework in programming fundamentals, database management, networking basics, and software development. Among computer engineering schools in Vermont, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their computer engineering degrees in Vermont.
Best Bachelor's Computer Engineering Programs in Vermont
Program Landscape
Vermont ranks among the nation's top destinations for computer engineering education, with 8 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 2 public and 6 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are U of Vermont, Middlebury College, Champlain College, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.
Career Outcomes
Graduates from Vermont computer engineering programs earn a median salary of $83,946, 14% below the national average. The state's robust technology sector, anchored by the Burlington, Montpelier, Rutland metropolitan areas, provides abundant internship and employment opportunities with companies including GlobalFoundries, Dealer.com, MyWebGrocer.
Costs & Value
Tuition ranges from $9,984 to $64,800 annually, with an average of $44,845/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 91%, with the highest reaching 91%. Many programs hold ABET accreditation, the gold standard for computing education, ensuring curriculum meets rigorous industry standards.
Curriculum & Specializations
Students can choose from specializations including software engineering, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data science, and systems architecture. Strong industry partnerships provide access to co-op programs, capstone projects with real companies, and direct recruiting pipelines to Vermont's leading technology employers. For students seeking computer engineering degrees in Vermont, these top-ranked computer engineering schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.
Show all 8 ranked programs
| Rank | School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #6 | Norwich University | Northfield, VT | Private | $46,860 | — | 46.5 |
| #7 | Vermont State University | Randolph, VT | Public | $9,984 | — | 38.4 |
| #8 | Saint Michael's College | Colchester, VT | Private | $47,640 | — | 37.3 |
Best Master's Computer Engineering Programs in Vermont
Program Landscape
Vermont offers 2 master's degree programs in computer engineering, designed for professionals seeking to advance into senior engineering, technical leadership, and specialized roles. The top programs, U of Vermont, Vermont State, combine advanced technical training with research opportunities and leadership development.
Career Outcomes
Master's graduates in Vermont earn a median salary of $98,760, approximately 20-30% higher than bachelor's degree holders. The concentration of technology companies in Burlington, Montpelier, Rutland creates strong demand for graduate-level talent, with GlobalFoundries, Dealer.com, MyWebGrocer actively recruiting from these programs.
Costs & Value
Program formats include traditional full-time study (typically 2 years), part-time options for working professionals (2-3 years), and accelerated tracks. Tuition averages $13,132/yr, with many employers offering tuition reimbursement for graduate education. Some programs offer thesis and non-thesis tracks, allowing students to focus on research or professional development based on their career goals.
Curriculum & Specializations
Curriculum covers advanced topics including machine learning, distributed systems, software architecture, and technical management. Many programs include practicum experiences, industry capstone projects, or consulting engagements that provide real-world application of advanced concepts. Among Vermont's computer engineering schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Best Doctoral Computer Engineering Programs in Vermont
Program Landscape
Vermont is home to 1 doctoral programs in computer engineering, preparing students for research positions, faculty appointments, and executive technical roles. Leading programs at U of Vermont are recognized for cutting-edge research, strong faculty publications, and competitive funding packages.
Career Outcomes
Doctoral graduates command premium salaries, with Vermont PhD holders earning a median of $123,450, reflecting the advanced expertise required for research and executive positions. The Burlington, Montpelier, Rutland region's research universities and corporate R&D centers provide extensive collaboration opportunities with industry leaders like GlobalFoundries, Dealer.com, MyWebGrocer.
Costs & Value
PhD programs typically require 4-6 years of full-time study, including coursework, qualifying examinations, and original dissertation research. Many programs offer full funding through teaching or research assistantships, covering tuition and providing stipends of $25,000–$40,000 annually.
Curriculum & Specializations
Research strengths across Vermont programs include artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, systems, and theoretical computer science. For aspiring researchers pursuing computer engineering degrees in Vermont, graduates go on to careers as university faculty, industry research scientists, or technical executives, contributing to advances in technology that impact millions of users worldwide.
Computer Engineering Degree Costs & Tuition in Vermont
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average in-state tuition | $44,845/year |
| Average out-of-state tuition | $112,113/year |
| Community college tuition | $11,211/year |
| 4-year savings for residents | $269,072 |
| 2+2 transfer pathway savings | $67,268 |
Source: IPEDS 2024
Financial Aid & Scholarships for Computer Engineering Students in Vermont
State Aid Programs
Vermont residents pursuing computer engineering degrees have access to multiple financial aid pathways. The primary state-level support comes through the Vermont Incentive Grant, a need-based grant program designed to help qualifying Vermont residents attend approved institutions. This grant complements federal aid options available through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which opens access to Pell Grants, federal loans, and work-study opportunities. All Vermont institutions offering computer engineering programs participate in federal student aid programs, making the FAFSA the essential first step for any student seeking financial assistance.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state and federal grants, Vermont's public institutions and private colleges offer institutional scholarships and merit-based aid packages. The Vermont State Colleges System provides transparent tuition pricing and strong financial aid counseling for students attending community colleges and state universities. Private institutions like Middlebury College and Champlain College offer need-based aid alongside merit scholarships to qualified computer engineering applicants. Students should explore all three aid sources, federal (StudentAid.gov), state (Vermont Incentive Grant), and institutional, to maximize affordability. For related program comparisons, see Computer Science in Vermont and Software Engineering in Vermont for additional aid opportunities.
Computer Engineering Degree ROI Calculator, Vermont
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a computer engineering degree in Vermont. Enter your expected tuition costs, financial aid, and career goals to see projected payback periods and lifetime earnings. The calculator uses current salary data from BLS and tuition data from IPEDS to provide accurate estimates.
Computer Engineering Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a computer engineering degree
Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type
+907%
Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.
$1,677,254
Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.
5 years
Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.
$133,333
Your starting salary adjusted for local cost of living. This shows real purchasing power compared to a $100K national baseline.
Why does break-even change with program type? Your "total investment" includes both tuition AND opportunity cost (foregone earnings while in school). A 4-year full-time public university (in-state) means 4 years of not earning a salary ($140,000 in opportunity cost). Shorter full-time programs may have higher tuition but lower total investment because you return to the workforce sooner.
Detailed Breakdown
How we calculate your degree ROI using real salary data
Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)
Direct cost of the degree program
4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time
Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth
What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth
Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)
Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)
Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2024. Calculations use median salaries, 3% discount rate, and assume salary growth declines from 6% to 2% over career. Individual results will vary. | Powered by Hakia.com
Computer Engineering Salaries by Metro Area
Median annual salary in Vermont metro areas
View data table
| Category | Value |
|---|---|
| Burlington | $109K |
| Montpelier | $104K |
| Rutland | $99K |
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Hakia.com
Top Employers Hiring Computer Engineering Graduates in Vermont
Find computer engineering jobs in Vermont. These major employers across Vermont metro areas are actively hiring computer engineering degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Computer Engineering Jobs in Burlington
VTTransfer Pathways for Computer Engineering Degrees in Vermont
State Transfer System
Vermont provides structured pathways for students beginning their Computer Engineering studies at community colleges and transferring to four-year institutions. The state offers 2 Associate's degree programs through institutions like Community College of Vermont and Vermont State University, with tuition as low as $6,720 at CCV. The Vermont Transfer Agreements system facilitates seamless credit transfer from two-year to four-year public institutions, reducing barriers for students seeking affordable entry points. These articulation agreements ensure that coursework in mathematics, physics, programming, and general education credits transfers directly, allowing Associate's graduates to enter bachelor's programs as junior-level students without losing academic progress or incurring additional costs.
How Transfers Work
Students using transfer pathways benefit from Vermont's coordinated higher education system, which includes 14 four-year institutions ready to accept transfer credits. Vermont State University offers both Associate's programs at $9,984 tuition and serves as a primary transfer destination. After earning an Associate's degree, students can transition to bachelor's programs at University of Vermont, Champlain College, Norwich University, or other institutions to complete their Computer Engineering education. Financial aid through the Vermont Incentive Grant provides need-based support for Vermont residents at approved institutions, further reducing transfer barriers. Students should consult Vermont Transfer Agreements documentation and institutional advisors to plan course sequences optimizing credit transfer and minimizing time-to-degree. Explore related programs including Network Administration in Vermont and Software Engineering in Vermont for complementary credentials.
Why Pursue a Computer Engineering Degree in Vermont?
Industry & Workforce
Vermont offers a strong Computer Engineering education landscape with 13 institutions offering programs across multiple degree levels (IPEDS). Students can pursue Associate's degrees at 2 institutions, Bachelor's degrees at 8 institutions, Master's degrees at 2 institutions, and Doctoral degrees at 1 institution. The state produced 221 Bachelor's completions in 2023, demonstrating strong undergraduate enrollment and graduation rates. This diversity of options allows students to select programs that align with their academic goals and career trajectories, from community college pathways to research-intensive doctoral programs.
Salary Outlook
Vermont's Computer Engineering programs are strategically located in vibrant tech hubs and educational centers. The Burlington-South Burlington metro area and surrounding regions like Chittenden County host major employers including GlobalFoundries and the University of Vermont Medical Center, creating internship and career opportunities for graduates. Top-ranked institutions such as the University of Vermont, Middlebury College, and Champlain College maintain strong industry partnerships. For affordability-conscious students, Vermont State University offers tuition at just $9,984, making it the most affordable option in the state. Students should also explore Computer Science in Vermont, Software Engineering in Vermont, and Information Technology in Vermont for complementary career paths.
Computer Engineering Program Availability in Vermont
Source: IPEDS 2024
Computer Engineering Job Market & Salary Data in Vermont
Employment Outlook
Vermont's computer engineering job market reflects the state's growing technology sector and strong educational institutions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Vermont offers competitive opportunities for computer engineering professionals across multiple regions. The state's major employment hubs are concentrated in the Burlington-South Burlington metro area and surrounding regions, where technology companies and healthcare systems actively recruit engineering talent. Vermont's educational pipeline produces 221 bachelor's degree completions annually in computer engineering (IPEDS), providing a steady stream of qualified professionals entering the workforce.
Salaries by Metro
The state's technology landscape extends beyond Burlington into Central Vermont, Southern Vermont, and the Northeast Kingdom, creating diverse career pathways. Major employers like the University of Vermont Medical Center and GlobalFoundries anchor the job market and drive demand for specialized engineering skills. Vermont's commitment to affordable public education, with average in-state tuition at four-year public institutions at $13,132 annually, helps develop local talent to meet regional employer needs. Students interested in exploring Vermont's broader tech ecosystem should also consider related fields like Computer Science in Vermont and Software Engineering in Vermont, which complement computer engineering career opportunities and provide additional career flexibility in the state's evolving technology sector.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Computer Engineering Programs in Vermont
Online Programs
0 available in Vermont
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Computer Engineering Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 13
- Median Tuition
- $15,500
- Total Programs
- 74
- Median Tuition
- $44,200
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- 129
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
- Total Programs
- 187
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 49
- Median Tuition
- $7,000
- Total Programs
- 98
- Median Tuition
- $8,000
- Total Programs
- 36
- Median Tuition
- $10,100
- Total Programs
- 24
- Median Tuition
- $12,100
Computer Engineering Degree Programs in Vermont: FAQ
What are the best computer engineering degree programs in Vermont?
How much do computer engineering degree programs cost in Vermont?
What salary can computer engineering degree graduates earn in Vermont?
Are there online computer engineering degree programs in Vermont?
What companies hire computer engineering degree graduates in Vermont?
Is a computer engineering degree program worth it in Vermont?
How long do computer engineering degree programs take in Vermont?
What financial aid is available for computer engineering degree students in Vermont?
Data Sources
Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
Vermont salary and employment data
Program details and admissions information
Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.

Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.
