On this page
Key Takeaways
Best software 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
Software Engineering degree programs available: 3 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
3 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
Software 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 Software Engineering programs
We rank 14 accredited software 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 Software Engineering Degree Programs in Vermont Worth It?
Source: BLS OEWS May 2024
Software Engineering Degree Rankings in Vermont
Compare the top-ranked Software Engineering programs in Vermont by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.
Best Associate's Software Engineering Programs in Vermont
Program Landscape
Vermont offers 3 accredited associate's degree programs in software engineering, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Vermont State, Champlain College, 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 $39,791/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 software engineering schools in Vermont, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their software engineering degrees in Vermont.
Best Bachelor's Software Engineering Programs in Vermont
Program Landscape
Vermont ranks among the nation's top destinations for software 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 software 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 software engineering degrees in Vermont, these top-ranked software 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 | Bennington College | Bennington, VT | Private | $63,802 | — | 47.9 |
| #7 | Vermont State University | Randolph, VT | Public | $9,984 | — | 39.6 |
| #8 | Saint Michael's College | Colchester, VT | Private | $47,640 | — | 38.5 |
Best Master's Software Engineering Programs in Vermont
Program Landscape
Vermont offers 2 master's degree programs in software 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 software engineering schools at the graduate level, these programs stand out for both academic quality and career outcomes.
Best Doctoral Software Engineering Programs in Vermont
Program Landscape
Vermont is home to 1 doctoral programs in software 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 software 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.
Software 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 Software Engineering Students in Vermont
State Aid Programs
Vermont residents pursuing software engineering degrees have access to several state and federal financial aid options. The Vermont Incentive Grant is a need-based grant program administered through the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) that provides financial support to eligible Vermont residents attending approved institutions. This program complements federal aid programs, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which opens pathways to Pell Grants, Federal Direct Loans, and work-study opportunities. Students should complete the FAFSA at StudentAid.gov to access the full range of federal financial assistance available for undergraduate and graduate study.
Key Programs & Amounts
Beyond state grants, Vermont's higher education institutions offer institutional scholarships and merit-based aid to qualified software engineering students. The Vermont State Colleges System (VSC) coordinates transfer pathways that allow students to begin at affordable community colleges like Community College of Vermont before transferring to four-year programs, reducing overall education costs. Additionally, employers in Vermont's tech sector, including GlobalFoundries and Vermont Health Care organizations, sometimes partner with institutions to offer scholarships and internship funding. Students are encouraged to explore aid packages from their chosen institution, as tuition and aid vary significantly across Vermont's software engineering programs.
Software Engineering Degree ROI Calculator, Vermont
Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a software 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.
Software Engineering Degree ROI Calculator
Estimate your return on investment for a software 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
Software 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 Software Engineering Graduates in Vermont
Find software engineering jobs in Vermont. These major employers across Vermont metro areas are actively hiring software engineering degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.
Software Engineering Jobs in Burlington
VTTransfer Pathways for Software Engineering Degrees in Vermont
State Transfer System
Vermont's transfer system is designed to help smooth pathways from community colleges and two-year institutions to four-year degree programs. The state maintains Vermont Transfer Agreements (Vermont Transfer Agreements) that support student mobility, particularly from the Community College of Vermont to Vermont's public four-year institutions. These articulation agreements ensure that credits earned at the associate's level transfer seamlessly and count toward bachelor's degrees, reducing time to degree completion and total cost of education. With 3 institutions offering associate's degrees and 8 offering bachelor's degrees in software engineering, Vermont provides multiple entry and progression points for students seeking flexible pathways to a four-year degree.
How Transfers Work
Students beginning at Community College of Vermont (tuition $6,720) or Vermont State University ($9,984) can build foundational software engineering skills while maintaining affordability, then transfer to bachelor's programs at institutions like the University of Vermont ($16,280), Champlain College ($45,100), or Middlebury College ($64,800). The Vermont State Colleges System (Vermont State Colleges System) coordinates these pathways, ensuring that prerequisite courses and general education requirements align across institutions. Transfer agreements specify which courses satisfy major requirements, allowing students to progress without redundancy. Financial aid also transfers smoothly for eligible students, and Federal Student Aid applies regardless of institution type, making the transition financially transparent.
Transfer Planning Tips
Students considering transfer should research specific course equivalencies and major requirements with both their current and target institutions. Complementary programs like Computer Programming and Web Development may also support transfer pathways. For broader context, students can compare Vermont's transfer system with national programs and explore affordability considerations through most affordable national options.
Why Pursue a Software Engineering Degree in Vermont?
Industry & Workforce
Vermont offers a strong software engineering education landscape with 14 institutions delivering programs across multiple degree levels, from associate's to doctoral degrees (IPEDS). In 2023, Vermont institutions awarded 214 bachelor's degrees, 22 associate's degrees, 9 master's degrees, and 1 doctoral degree in software engineering, demonstrating strong educational pathways for students at every level. The University of Vermont leads the state with 93 completions, followed by Champlain College with 46 completions and Middlebury College with 45 completions, establishing Vermont as a meaningful hub for software engineering talent development.
Salary Outlook
Students choosing Vermont benefit from affordability and quality. Public in-state tuition averages just $13,132 annually at four-year institutions, compared to $30,636 for out-of-state students (IPEDS). Vermont State University offers the most affordable option at $9,984, making quality education accessible to diverse students. The state's tech economy centers around Burlington and South Burlington in Chittenden County, where major employers like GlobalFoundries and the University of Vermont Medical Center drive innovation and create internship and career opportunities. Vermont Incentive Grant programs provide need-based financial aid for residents attending approved institutions (Vermont Incentive Grant), reducing barriers to degree completion.
Regional Tech Hubs
For those exploring related fields, Vermont also offers strong programs in Computer Science, Web Development, and Mobile Development. Prospective students can compare Vermont's offerings against national best programs and explore most affordable national options to contextualize the value Vermont schools provide.
Software Engineering Program Availability in Vermont
Source: IPEDS 2024
Software Engineering Job Market & Salary Data in Vermont
Employment Outlook
Vermont's software engineering job market is supported by a growing tech presence across the state, with 214 bachelor's degree completions annually and 14 institutions offering software engineering programs (IPEDS). The state's major employment hubs are concentrated in the Burlington-South Burlington metro area and regional centers including Rutland, Montpelier, and Bennington. Key employers driving demand include the University of Vermont Medical Center, GlobalFoundries, and Vermont Health Care, which actively recruit software engineering graduates for healthcare technology, semiconductor engineering, and enterprise software roles. For current salary benchmarks and employment trends in Vermont's tech sector, the BLS Occupational Employment Statistics provides detailed wage and employment data by region and occupation.
Salaries by Metro
Vermont offers competitive advantages for software engineering professionals seeking regional opportunity combined with quality of life. The state's emphasis on technology infrastructure and healthcare innovation creates diverse career pathways beyond traditional software companies. Public in-state tuition at four-year institutions averages $13,132, making education investment manageable for those planning to build careers within Vermont (IPEDS). Students graduating from top programs like University of Vermont's software engineering program or Champlain College benefit from proximity to these employers and established alumni networks. For broader context on national trends and how Vermont opportunities compare nationally, see our best bachelor's programs guide and most affordable programs ranking.
Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)
New graduates and career changers
Senior (8+ yrs)
Technical leads and architects
Online vs On-Campus Software Engineering Programs in Vermont
Online Programs
0 available in Vermont
On-Campus Programs
Traditional classroom experience
Compare Software Engineering Programs in Other States
- Total Programs
- 11
- Median Tuition
- $15,500
- Total Programs
- 72
- Median Tuition
- $44,200
- Total Programs
- 119
- Median Tuition
- $7,100
- Total Programs
- 200
- Median Tuition
- $5,700
- Total Programs
- 52
- Median Tuition
- $5,100
- Total Programs
- 90
- Median Tuition
- $7,600
- Total Programs
- 34
- Median Tuition
- $12,700
- Total Programs
- 22
- Median Tuition
- $12,100
Software Engineering Degree Programs in Vermont: FAQ
What are the best software engineering degree programs in Vermont?
How much do software engineering degree programs cost in Vermont?
What salary can software engineering degree graduates earn in Vermont?
Are there online software engineering degree programs in Vermont?
What companies hire software engineering degree graduates in Vermont?
Is a software engineering degree program worth it in Vermont?
How long do software engineering degree programs take in Vermont?
What financial aid is available for software 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.