Best Data Science Degree Programs in Vermont, 2026 Rankings

State Aid Programs

Vermont residents pursuing data science degrees have access to multiple financial aid pathways, starting with the Vermont Incentive Grant, a need-based grant program administered through the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation. This state-specific program supports eligible Vermont residents attending approved institutions, making it a critical resource for reducing out-of-pocket costs. In addition to state grants, students should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to access federal loans, Pell Grants, and work-study opportunities. For detailed information on federal aid options, visit the Federal Student Aid portal. The combination of state and federal aid can significantly offset tuition costs, particularly for students at public institutions.

Key Programs & Amounts

Beyond grants and federal aid, Vermont's data science students should explore institutional scholarships offered by schools like the University of Vermont and Champlain College, which often provide merit-based and need-based awards. The Vermont State Colleges System also participates in transfer agreements that can reduce overall education costs for students starting at community colleges. For current aid amounts and eligibility requirements, prospective students should visit the Vermont Incentive Grant page and consult with financial aid offices at their chosen institutions. Combining multiple aid sources, state grants, federal aid, and institutional scholarships, can make Vermont data science programs more affordable than the national average.

Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a data science 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.

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

State Transfer System

Vermont's strong transfer system supports student mobility and affordability. The Vermont Transfer Agreements, administered through the Vermont State Colleges System, help seamless transfers from Community College of Vermont and other two-year institutions into bachelor's degree programs at four-year universities. These agreements guarantee that credits earned at the associate's level transfer directly, streamlining degree completion and reducing time-to-graduation. Community College of Vermont, the state's primary two-year institution, awarded 5 completions in data science during 2023, positioning it as an accessible entry point for students seeking affordable foundational coursework before advancing to bachelor's programs.

How Transfers Work

Transfer-friendly institutions in Vermont include Vermont State University (tuition $9,984) and the University of Vermont, both of which actively recruit and support transfer students through dedicated advising and guaranteed course equivalency mappings. Students completing an associate's degree in data science or a related field at Community College of Vermont can directly enter junior-level coursework at four-year institutions, accelerating degree timelines. The Vermont Incentive Grant, available through the Vermont State Colleges System, provides need-based financial aid to Vermont residents at approved institutions, further reducing barriers to transfer. Prospective transfer students can also explore Data Analytics in Vermont, Machine Learning in Vermont, and Computer Science in Vermont for complementary or alternative transfer pathways aligned with career goals.

Industry & Workforce

Vermont offers a growing ecosystem for data science education with 11 institutions currently offering programs across all degree levels, from associate's through doctoral degrees (IPEDS). In 2023, Vermont institutions awarded 217 bachelor's degrees in data science, demonstrating strong undergraduate momentum in the field. The state's premier institution, the University of Vermont, leads the way with 123 completions, making it a clear hub for data science talent development in the region. Students can also explore related fields through programs in Data Analytics in Vermont, Machine Learning in Vermont, and Artificial Intelligence in Vermont.

Salary Outlook

Vermont's major employment centers, including Burlington, South Burlington, and the surrounding Chittenden County region, host significant employers in healthcare, technology, and advanced manufacturing. Organizations like the University of Vermont Medical Center and GlobalFoundries create local demand for data science professionals. The state's average public in-state tuition of $13,132 for four-year institutions positions Vermont competitively compared to national averages, while programs like Vermont State University offer even more affordable pathways at $9,984 annually. For career context, prospective students can review labor market data through the BLS State Data. Those interested in broader geographic options can compare opportunities across Data Science in California, Data Science in Texas, and Data Science in New York.

Employment Outlook

Vermont's data science job market is growing steadily, supported by a diverse employer base across multiple sectors. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Vermont's technology and healthcare sectors are driving demand for skilled data professionals. The state's major metro area, Burlington-South Burlington, serves as the primary hub for data science employment, with significant opportunities emerging in Central Vermont and the Chittenden County region. Students and professionals seeking data science careers in Vermont can leverage the state's growing tech infrastructure while maintaining the quality of life that draws talent to the region.

Salaries by Metro

The state hosts 11 institutions offering data science programs across multiple degree levels, from associate's through doctoral programs, producing 217 bachelor's degree completions annually according to IPEDS data. This strong educational pipeline ensures a steady supply of qualified graduates to meet employer demand. Vermont's affordable public higher education options, with average in-state tuition at $13,132 for four-year institutions, make data science education accessible to aspiring professionals. Those interested in comparing Vermont's opportunities with other states should explore national best bachelor's programs and affordable options nationwide. Additionally, related fields like data analytics in Vermont and machine learning in Vermont offer complementary career pathways.

Last Updated: June 26, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2024 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.