University campus in Vermont
Updated June 28, 2026

Best UX Design Degree Programs in Vermont, 2026 Rankings

Compare the top ux design colleges in Vermont. 4 accredited ux design schools ranked by graduation rate, career outcomes, and value, from Community College of Vermont to Champlain College.

#1 ProgramChamplain College
Avg Salary$98,760
Tuition From$6,720/yr
Job Growth+22%
On this page
Reviewed by Taylor Rupe, Founder & EditorSee methodology

4

Programs ranked

IPEDS 2024

$98,760

Vermont median ux design salary

BLS OEWS 2024

71/100

Top program score

Hakia methodology

16%

U.S. job growth (2023–33)

BLS projections

Key Takeaways

Best ux design degree programs: Champlain College, Vermont State, Bennington College

Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality

IPEDS 2024

Tuition ranges from $6,720 to $63,802/year

Community College of Vermont offers the most affordable option at $6,720/yr

IPEDS 2024

UX Design degree programs available: 1 associate's in Vermont

From community college pathways to advanced research degrees

IPEDS 2024

Vermont community college transfer can save 40-60% on total degree costs

1 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

UX Design degree programs near 17+ cities across Vermont

Search by city to find programs within 200 miles of your location

IPEDS 2024

Updated June 28, 2026

How we ranked Vermont UX Design programs

We rank 4 accredited ux design 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.

Program completions (35%)Graduation rate (25%)Selectivity (20%)Career outcomes (20%)
See full methodology

Are UX Design Degree Programs in Vermont Worth It?

Answer
$98,760
Yes. The best ux design degree programs in Vermont deliver strong ROI, graduates earn $98,760 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $31,402/year.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

UX Design Degree Rankings in Vermont

Compare the top-ranked UX Design programs in Vermont by degree level. Tuition, graduation rate, and Hakia Score for every accredited program.

Best Associate's UX Design Programs in Vermont

1
Programs ranked
$6,720
Avg tuition/yr
0%
Avg grad rate

Program Landscape

Vermont offers 1 accredited associate's degree programs in ux design, providing an affordable entry point into the technology field. The top-ranked programs include Community College of Vermont, 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 $6,720/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 ux design schools in Vermont, these associate's programs offer the best value for students beginning their ux design degrees in Vermont.

Best Bachelor's UX Design Programs in Vermont

3
Programs ranked
$39,629
Avg tuition/yr
0%
Avg grad rate

Program Landscape

Vermont ranks among the nation's top destinations for ux design education, with 3 accredited bachelor's degree programs across 1 public and 2 private institutions. The highest-ranked programs are Champlain College, Vermont State, Bennington College, recognized for academic excellence, research opportunities, and strong industry connections.

Career Outcomes

Graduates from Vermont ux design 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 $63,802 annually, with an average of $39,629/yr. Top programs maintain graduation rates above 0%, with the highest reaching -Infinity%. 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 ux design degrees in Vermont, these top-ranked ux design schools offer the strongest combination of academic rigor and career preparation.

UX Design Degree Costs & Tuition in Vermont

MetricValue
Average in-state tuition$31,402/year
Average out-of-state tuition$78,505/year
Community college tuition$7,851/year
4-year savings for residents$188,412
2+2 transfer pathway savings$47,102

Source: IPEDS 2024

Financial Aid & Scholarships for UX Design Students in Vermont

State Aid Programs

Vermont residents pursuing UX design degrees have access to targeted state financial aid programs designed to make higher education more affordable. The Vermont Incentive Grant (https://www.vsac.org/) provides need-based grants specifically for Vermont residents attending approved institutions, making it a crucial resource for students at schools like Champlain College, University of Vermont, and Vermont State University. In addition to state aid, all students can access federal financial aid through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which opens pathways to federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities (Federal Student Aid).

Key Programs & Amounts

Beyond grants and federal aid, Vermont's higher education system supports affordability through institutional scholarships and the Vermont Transfer Agreements system. Students beginning at community colleges like the Community College of Vermont can transfer credits to four-year UX design programs at minimal cost thanks to established transfer agreements (Vermont State Colleges System). Many Vermont institutions, including Champlain College and University of Vermont, offer merit-based scholarships that can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs. For comprehensive information on eligibility, application deadlines, and aid packages, prospective students should consult the College Scorecard, which provides institution-specific financial data for all Vermont schools offering UX design programs.

UX Design Degree ROI Calculator, Vermont

Use our interactive ROI calculator to estimate your return on investment for a ux design 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.

UX Design Degree ROI Calculator

Estimate your return on investment for a ux design degree

Leave blank to use average cost for selected program type

20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI

+592%

Net gain divided by total investment. ROI above 200% is considered excellent for education investments.

Net Gain

$1,094,847

Your additional lifetime earnings with this degree vs. working without one, minus the total investment.

Break-Even

6 years

Years until your cumulative earnings exceed total investment. Shorter programs often break even faster due to lower opportunity cost.

COL-Adjusted Salary

$104,762

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

Total Investment$185,000

Tuition plus opportunity cost (earnings you miss while in school)

Program Cost (Tuition)$45,000

Direct cost of the degree program

Opportunity Cost$140,000

4 years × $35K/year foregone salary while studying full-time

20-Year Earnings (with degree)$2,130,255

Projected career earnings starting after graduation, with salary growth

20-Year Earnings (without degree)$850,408

What you'd earn working at $35K/year with 2% annual growth

Starting Salary (Austin, TX)$110,000

Median salary for this role in your selected location (BLS 2024)

Annualized Return3.7%

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

UX Design Salaries by Metro Area

Median annual salary in Vermont metro areas

Burlington$109K
Montpelier$104K
Rutland$99K
View data table
CategoryValue
Burlington$109K
Montpelier$104K
Rutland$99K

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Hakia.com

Top Employers Hiring UX Design Graduates in Vermont

Find ux design jobs in Vermont. These major employers across Vermont metro areas are actively hiring ux design degree holders. Click employer names to view current job openings.

UX Design Jobs in Burlington

VT
GlobalFoundries
semiconductor
Dealer.com
tech
Green Mountain Power
energy
University of Vermont
education

Transfer Pathways for UX Design Degrees in Vermont

State Transfer System

Vermont's higher education transfer system is facilitated through the Vermont Transfer Agreements, a statewide articulation framework enabling seamless progression from associate's to bachelor's degree programs. Community College of Vermont, the state's primary two-year institution, offers an associate's degree in UX Design with 22 completions in 2023. Students completing CCV's program can transfer to bachelor's degree-granting institutions within the Vermont State Colleges System, including Vermont State University, without losing credits or extending time-to-degree. This pathway reduces total cost of attendance by leveraging CCV's lower tuition ($6,720) during foundational coursework, then continuing to four-year institutions (Vermont Transfer Agreements).

How Transfers Work

Vermont State University, ranked #4 for best bachelor's programs, explicitly accepts CCV associate's degree holders, making it a primary transfer destination for UX Design students. The transfer system guarantees that general education requirements and foundational design courses completed at the associate's level will apply toward bachelor's degree requirements. Students initiating studies at Community College of Vermont can expect a seamless transition and significantly reduced overall educational expenses, in-state tuition at VSU is $9,984, supporting affordability. The Vermont State Colleges System administers these agreements, and prospective transfer students should consult Vermont Transfer Agreements documentation for specific course mappings and timeline requirements. Additionally, students exploring alternative pathways might consider Web Development in Vermont or Information Technology in Vermont programs, which also participate in the transfer framework and offer complementary skills for UX Design careers.

Why Pursue an UX Design Degree in Vermont?

Industry & Workforce

Vermont offers a concentrated UX Design education landscape with 5 institutions delivering specialized programs across associate's and bachelor's degree levels (IPEDS). The state produced 95 UX Design completions in 2023, with Champlain College leading the way at 65 completions, demonstrating strong industry-focused training and graduate placement pathways. This focused ecosystem means personalized instruction and tight-knit professional networks within Vermont's tech community. For those seeking Web Development in Vermont or Mobile Development in Vermont, complementary programs are readily available at the same institutions, enabling interdisciplinary skill development.

Salary Outlook

Vermont's tech hubs, particularly in Burlington and the Chittenden County region, host major employers including GlobalFoundries and the University of Vermont Medical Center, creating direct career opportunities for graduates. Public four-year institutions average $13,132 in in-state tuition, making Vermont's UX programs significantly more affordable than national peers (College Scorecard). The state's commitment to accessible higher education is reflected through the Vermont Incentive Grant, which provides need-based support for Vermont residents. Students interested in expanding their perspectives can explore UX Design in California, UX Design in Texas, and UX Design in New York to compare regional opportunities and institutional approaches.

UX Design Program Availability in Vermont

4 Programs
Vermont offers 4 accredited ux design programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Burlington, Montpelier, Rutland.

Source: IPEDS 2024

UX Design Job Market & Salary Data in Vermont

Employment Outlook

Vermont's UX design job market is supported by a growing tech sector concentrated in key metro areas and regional hubs. The Burlington-South Burlington metro area serves as the primary employment center for digital design professionals, with additional opportunities in Rutland, Montpelier, and Bennington. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Vermont's technology and professional services sectors continue to expand, creating demand for skilled UX designers across multiple industries. The state's relatively small but specialized talent pool has made UX design positions increasingly competitive, with employers actively seeking candidates from local institutions.

Salaries by Metro

Major employers driving UX design hiring include the University of Vermont Medical Center, GlobalFoundries, and Vermont Health Care organizations. These employers actively recruit graduates from Vermont's leading programs, including Champlain College, which has produced 65 completions in UX design, and Vermont State University, which emphasizes workforce alignment. The job market benefits from Vermont's emphasis on healthcare technology, software development, and digital transformation initiatives. Job seekers should also explore related fields through programs in Web Development in Vermont and Information Technology in Vermont, which frequently overlap with UX design roles.

Entry-Level (0-2 yrs)

New graduates and career changers

Senior (8+ yrs)

Technical leads and architects

Median Salary in Vermont$64,194$143,202
Typical RolesJunior Developer, AnalystStaff Engineer, Architect
Remote Work AccessLimitedCommon
Degree ExpectationBachelor's sufficientMaster's preferred

Online vs On-Campus UX Design Programs in Vermont

Online Programs

0 available in Vermont

On-Campus Programs

Traditional classroom experience

Typical Tuition$28,262/yr$31,402/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)

Compare UX Design Programs in Other States

UX Design Degree Programs in Vermont: FAQ

What are the best ux design degree programs in Vermont?
The best ux design degree programs in Vermont based on our methodology are: 1) Champlain College (highly ranked), 2) Vermont State University, and 3) Bennington College. Our rankings weight graduation rates (25%), program completions (35%), selectivity (20%), and career outcomes (20%). Vermont offers 4 total accredited programs across 2 public and 2 private institutions. See our complete rankings for all 3 bachelor's programs.
How much do ux design degree programs cost in Vermont?
UX Design degree program costs in Vermont vary significantly by institution type. In-state public tuition averages $31,402/year, while private institutions average $69,084/year. Community colleges offer the most affordable path at approximately $7,851/year for associate's degrees. The total 4-year cost ranges from $125,608 at public schools to $276,338 at private institutions before financial aid. Most students don't pay full sticker price, federal grants, state aid, and institutional scholarships can reduce costs by 30-60%.
What salary can ux design degree graduates earn in Vermont?
UX Design professionals in Vermont earn a median salary of $98,760, which is competitive with the national average of $115,500. Entry-level positions typically start around $64,194, while senior roles exceed $143,202. Salaries vary by metro area: Burlington ($108,636), Montpelier ($103,698) offer the highest compensation. Specialized roles like AI/ML engineers and cloud architects command premiums of 15-30% above median.
Are there online ux design degree programs in Vermont?
Yes, Vermont offers 0 accredited online UX Design programs from state institutions. These programs award the same degree as on-campus options and include synchronous and asynchronous formats. Top-ranked online programs include offerings from various state universities. Online programs typically cost the same as on-campus tuition for in-state students. Many programs offer flexible scheduling for working professionals, with some offering accelerated completion in 2-3 years. Ensure any online program holds regional accreditation and ideally ABET accreditation for engineering programs.
What companies hire ux design degree graduates in Vermont?
Major UX Design employers in Vermont include GlobalFoundries, Dealer.com, MyWebGrocer, Faraday, Logic Supply. The Burlington and Montpelier metro areas serve as primary tech hubs with thousands of open positions. Top employers maintain recruiting pipelines directly from Vermont universities, with many offering internship-to-hire programs. Beyond tech giants, opportunities exist in healthcare IT, financial services, defense contractors, and growing startups. Vermont's tech sector shows +22% projected job growth through 2033, outpacing most other industries.
Is an ux design degree program worth it in Vermont?
An ux design degree program in Vermont offers strong ROI with a $98,760 median salary and +22% projected job growth. At average in-state tuition of $31,402/year, graduates typically recoup their educational investment within 3-5 years. The degree opens doors to high-paying careers in software development ($111,599), data science, cybersecurity, and AI/ML. Beyond salary, benefits include job security, remote work flexibility, and clear advancement paths. Alternative paths like bootcamps exist for career changers, but bachelor's degrees provide broader career options and higher lifetime earnings.
How long do ux design degree programs take in Vermont?
Standard completion times for ux design degree programs in Vermont are: Associate's (2 years, 60 credits), Bachelor's (4 years, 120 credits), and Master's (1-2 years, 30-36 credits). However, actual timelines vary based on course load, transfer credits, and program format. Accelerated programs can compress a bachelor's to 3 years or a master's to 12 months. Part-time students typically need 5-6 years for a bachelor's degree. Vermont community colleges offer a cost-effective "2+2" path: complete your associate's in 2 years, then transfer to a Vermont university for the final 2 years of a bachelor's program.
What financial aid is available for ux design degree students in Vermont?
Vermont ux design degree students can access multiple financial aid sources. Federal aid includes Pell Grants (up to $7,395/year for qualifying students) and federal student loans. Vermont state grants provide additional support for residents attending in-state schools. Institutional scholarships from universities can significantly reduce costs, many schools offer merit-based awards for STEM students. Work-study programs and teaching/research assistantships (especially for graduate students) provide income while building experience. Complete the FAFSA by Vermont's priority deadline to maximize aid eligibility. Some employers also offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing CS degrees.

Data Sources

Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates

Vermont salary and employment data

Official University Websites

Program details and admissions information

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

Was this ranking helpful for your college search?
Taylor Rupe

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.

The research behind the rankings

In-depth UX Design program profiles in Vermont

Hand-researched detail on the top-ranked programs: degree pathways, research labs, industry partners, career outcomes, and admissions. Tap any school to expand.

Best Associate's UX Design programs

#1Community College of VermontMontpelier, VT

Hakia insight. CCV's Vermont location and emphasis on real-world problem-solving rather than theory mirrors the state's actual tech economy—you're trained on the tools and mindset that Vermont startups and remote-first companies actually use, not coastal tech monoculture.

At the associate's level, CCV's approach to UX design emphasizes real-world problem-solving through project-based coursework rather than theory alone. You'll work with actual design tools, learn user research methods, and build a portfolio that directly demonstrates your capabilities to employers. The college's strong connections to Vermont's growing tech ecosystem and remote-work community mean graduates often land roles with startups and established companies looking for practical designers who can hit the ground running. Many students also use the associate degree as a bridge to UVM's design programs or move into immediate entry-level positions at digital agencies and in-house teams across New England.

Programs offered

  • Associate of Science in UX Design · 2 years · on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in UX Design · 2 years · online

Career outcomes

Top employers: Local Vermont tech startups and digital agencies, Vermont-based e-commerce and software companies, Regional marketing and design firms, In-house design teams across New England remote workers

Best Bachelor's UX Design programs

#1Champlain CollegeBurlington, VT

Why it stands out. Champlain integrates UX design, visual design, and front-end development into a unified curriculum, producing designers fluent across the digital product stack with direct pipeline to regional tech employers.

Hakia insight. Champlain's integrated curriculum spanning UX, visual design, and front-end development produces a rare breed: designers who can prototype their own ideas and speak engineering's language, a skill that commands premium placement at Google, Twitter, and regional startups with smaller design teams.

At the bachelor's level, champlain College's approach to design education is rooted in the principle that digital product design demands fluency across disciplines—UX, visual design, user research, and front-end development all live together in an integrated curriculum rather than siloed tracks. The program emphasizes rapid iteration, user testing, and collaborative workflows mirroring real-world product teams. You'll build working prototypes using industry tools (Figma, usability testing platforms), ship real projects as part of coursework, and often contribute to live student-run digital products and services. Faculty are active practitioners from companies like Google, Twitter, and design agencies, bringing current methodologies and industry standards into the classroom. Champlain's location in Burlington, adjacent to a growing tech scene anchored by companies like New Leaf and numerous startups, creates direct internship and hiring pipelines—many students secure positions with local employers before graduation. The career outcomes are notably strong: high placement rates into roles at tech companies, design agencies, and startups, with a substantial portion remaining in the region or relocating to major hubs. The program's strength lies in its balance of conceptual rigor and pragmatic skill-building—you'll learn design systems thinking while also shipping code.

Programs offered

  • Bachelor of Science in UX Design · 4 years · on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in UX Design · 4 years · online

Industry partners

GoogleTwitter

Career outcomes

Top employers: Google, New Leaf, Design agencies, Regional startups

Location advantage: Burlington tech hub with direct hiring pipelines Proximity to growing startup ecosystem

#2Vermont State UniversityRandolph, VT

Why it stands out. Vermont State University bridges design, engineering, and sustainability, producing graduates equipped for technical UX roles and design-engineering collaboration.

Hakia insight. Vermont State University's design-engineering bridge emerging from its 2023 merger creates an unusual advantage for technical UX roles—you graduate fluent in both interaction design and systems thinking, positioning you for product design at hardware companies and manufacturing tech firms where design-engineering collaboration is non-negotiable.

At the bachelor's level, vermont State University (formed from the 2023 merger of Vermont Technical College and Johnson State College) is building integrated programs that connect design to engineering, computer science, and sustainable systems—positioning graduates for roles where UX expertise intersects with technical implementation and environmental responsibility. The program emphasizes hands-on project-based learning, with significant coursework in prototyping, user research methodologies, and front-end development. Students work on real projects for Vermont-based manufacturers, nonprofits, and tech startups, gaining experience with the full design-to-development pipeline. The location in central Vermont provides natural connections to the region's manufacturing sector, outdoor recreation companies, and remote-first tech firms. Faculty combine academic credentials with active consulting and development experience. Graduates move into roles spanning digital product design, industrial design, design engineering, and UX research positions—many staying in Vermont but others moving to tech hubs with strong technical foundations. The affordability and hands-on culture attract pragmatic designers focused on building tangible skills and industry-ready portfolios.

Programs offered

  • Bachelor of Science in UX Design · 4 years · on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in UX Design · 4 years · online

Location advantage: Access to Vermont manufacturing and outdoor recreation companies Growing remote-first tech ecosystem

#3Bennington CollegeBennington, VT

Why it stands out. Bennington's undergraduate approach prioritizes self-directed learning and independent thinking, producing designers with unusual conceptual maturity and entrepreneurial agency.

Hakia insight. Bennington's self-directed model produces designers who often launch their own practices by graduation—IDEO and Pentagram actively recruit from a school where students build entire UX curricula around their own research questions, not a preset menu.

At the bachelor's level, bennington's undergraduate program centers on self-directed learning and interdisciplinary projects, allowing motivated design-minded students to construct a rigorous UX curriculum by combining courses across computer science, cognitive science, psychology, and visual arts. The college's distinctive Plan process—where students define their own educational pathway in consultation with faculty advisors—means UX preparation is highly individualized; one student might emphasize research methods and accessibility, another might focus on interaction design and prototyping. This approach demands self-motivation but attracts students who thrive in unstructured environments and want to shape their education around specific interests. The required internship term (Field Work) gives students semester-long, paid work experience at companies and studios, providing real-world context for design problems. Faculty advisors guide project selection and skill-building, and the college's New England location places students near Boston and New York design communities for internship placement. Bennington graduates pursuing UX typically move into junior design roles at digital agencies, tech startups, or corporate design teams, often citing the program's emphasis on critical thinking and independent problem-solving as differentiators.

Programs offered

  • Bachelor of Science in UX Design · 4 years · on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in UX Design · 4 years · online

Career outcomes

Top employers: IDEO, Pentagram

Location advantage: Southern Vermont location; proximity to Boston and New York design hubs for internships