University campus in Vermont
Updated January 2026

Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Vermont — 2026 Rankings

Compare the top software engineering colleges in Vermont. 8 accredited software engineering schools ranked by graduation rate, career outcomes, and value—from Vermont State University to University of Vermont.

#1 ProgramU of Vermont
Avg Salary$98,760
Tuition From$9,984/yr
Job Growth+22%

Key Takeaways

Best software engineering degree programs: U of Vermont, Middlebury College, Champlain College

Ranked by graduation rates, program outcomes, and institutional quality

IPEDS 2023

Tuition ranges from $9,984 to $64,800/year

Vermont State offers the most affordable option at $9,984/yr

IPEDS 2023

Software Engineering degree programs available: 3 associate's, 2 master's, 1 doctoral in Vermont

From community college pathways to advanced research degrees

IPEDS 2023

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

IPEDS 2023

Updated February 2026

On This Page
$98,760
Are Software Engineering Degree Programs in Vermont Worth It?
Yes. The best software engineering degree programs in Vermont deliver strong ROI—graduates earn $98,760 median salary with +22% job growth through 2032. In-state tuition averages $44,845/year.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024

Best Software Engineering Bachelor's Programs in Vermont, 2026

8
Programs
$98,760
Median Salary
$44,845/yr
Avg Tuition
91%
Avg Grad Rate

Rankings based on program completions, graduation rates, selectivity, and career outcomes. See our methodology

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.

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University of Vermont

Public
Burlington, VT
$16,280
Tuition/yr
$678
Per Credit
91%
Grad Rate
83.3
Score
Website
🥈

Middlebury College

Private
Middlebury, VT
$64,800
Tuition/yr
$9,275
Per Credit
76.5
Score
Website
🥉

Champlain College

PrivateNSA CAE
Burlington, VT
$45,100
Tuition/yr
$1,890
Per Credit
54.9
Score
Website
#4

Norwich University

PrivateNSA CAE
Northfield, VT
$46,860
Tuition/yr
$880
Per Credit
48.3
Score
Website
#5

Landmark College

Private
Putney, VT
$64,290
Tuition/yr
$2,143
Per Credit
48.1
Score
Website

Best Software Engineering Master's Programs in Vermont, 2026

2
Programs
$98,760
Median Salary
$13,132/yr
Avg Tuition
91%
Avg Grad Rate

Rankings based on program completions, graduation rates, selectivity, and career outcomes. See our methodology

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.

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University of Vermont

Public
Burlington, VT
$16,280
Tuition/yr
$678
Per Credit
91%
Grad Rate
75.9
Score
Website
🥈

Vermont State University

Public
Randolph, VT
$9,984
Tuition/yr
$416
Per Credit
44.9
Score
Website

Best Software Engineering Associate's Programs in Vermont, 2026

3
Programs
$98,760
Median Salary
$39,791/yr
Avg Tuition

Rankings based on program completions, graduation rates, selectivity, and career outcomes. See our methodology

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.

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Vermont State University

Public
Randolph, VT
$9,984
Tuition/yr
$416
Per Credit
38.0
Score
Website
🥈

Champlain College

PrivateNSA CAE
Burlington, VT
$45,100
Tuition/yr
$1,890
Per Credit
45.9
Score
Website
🥉

Landmark College

Private
Putney, VT
$64,290
Tuition/yr
$2,143
Per Credit
43.9
Score
Website

Best Software Engineering Doctoral Programs in Vermont, 2026

1
Programs
$98,760
Median Salary
$16,280/yr
Avg Tuition
91%
Avg Grad Rate

Rankings based on program completions, graduation rates, selectivity, and career outcomes. See our methodology

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.

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University of Vermont

Public
Burlington, VT
$16,280
Tuition/yr
$678
Per Credit
91%
Grad Rate
57.5
Score
Website

Complete Software Engineering Degree Program Rankings in Vermont

Best Associate's Software Engineering Degree 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.

  1. #1. Vermont State University

    Hakia ranks Vermont State University as the #1 associate's in software engineering degree program in Vermont. This public institution in Randolph, VT has annual tuition of $9,984 ($416/credit). Ranking score: 38.0.

  2. #2. Champlain College

    Hakia ranks Champlain College as the #2 associate's in software engineering degree program in Vermont. This private institution in Burlington, VT has annual tuition of $45,100 ($1890/credit). Ranking score: 45.9. NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence designation: CAE-CDE.

  3. #3. Landmark College

    Hakia ranks Landmark College as the #3 associate's in software engineering degree program in Vermont. This private institution in Putney, VT has annual tuition of $64,290 ($2143/credit). Ranking score: 43.9.

Best Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree 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.

  1. #1. University of Vermont

    Hakia ranks University of Vermont as the #1 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in Vermont. This public institution in Burlington, VT has annual tuition of $16,280 ($678/credit) and a 91% graduation rate. Ranking score: 83.3.

    Watch: UVM Campus Virtual Reality Experience

  2. #2. Middlebury College

    Hakia ranks Middlebury College as the #2 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in Vermont. This private institution in Middlebury, VT has annual tuition of $64,800 ($9275/credit). Ranking score: 76.5.

  3. #3. Champlain College

    Hakia ranks Champlain College as the #3 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in Vermont. This private institution in Burlington, VT has annual tuition of $45,100 ($1890/credit). Ranking score: 54.9. NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence designation: CAE-CDE.

    Watch: Experience Champlain College

  4. #4. Norwich University

    Hakia ranks Norwich University as the #4 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in Vermont. This private institution in Northfield, VT has annual tuition of $46,860 ($880/credit). Ranking score: 48.3. NSA/DHS Center of Academic Excellence designation: CAE-CDE.

  5. #5. Landmark College

    Hakia ranks Landmark College as the #5 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in Vermont. This private institution in Putney, VT has annual tuition of $64,290 ($2143/credit). Ranking score: 48.1.

  6. #6. Bennington College

    Hakia ranks Bennington College as the #6 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in Vermont. This private institution in Bennington, VT has annual tuition of $63,802 ($2658/credit). Ranking score: 47.9.

  7. #7. Vermont State University

    Hakia ranks Vermont State University as the #7 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in Vermont. This public institution in Randolph, VT has annual tuition of $9,984 ($416/credit). Ranking score: 39.6.

  8. #8. Saint Michael's College

    Hakia ranks Saint Michael's College as the #8 bachelor's in software engineering degree program in Vermont. This private institution in Colchester, VT has annual tuition of $47,640 ($1530/credit). Ranking score: 38.5.

Best Master's Software Engineering Degree 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.

  1. #1. University of Vermont

    Hakia ranks University of Vermont as the #1 master's in software engineering degree program in Vermont. This public institution in Burlington, VT has annual tuition of $16,280 ($678/credit) and a 91% graduation rate. Ranking score: 75.9.

    Watch: UVM Campus Virtual Reality Experience

  2. #2. Vermont State University

    Hakia ranks Vermont State University as the #2 master's in software engineering degree program in Vermont. This public institution in Randolph, VT has annual tuition of $9,984 ($416/credit). Ranking score: 44.9.

Best Doctoral Software Engineering Degree 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.

  1. #1. University of Vermont

    Hakia ranks University of Vermont as the #1 doctoral in software engineering degree program in Vermont. This public institution in Burlington, VT has annual tuition of $16,280 ($678/credit) and a 91% graduation rate. Ranking score: 57.5.

Software Engineering Degree Costs & Tuition in Vermont

MetricValue
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 2023

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

20 years
10 years20 years30 years
20-Year ROI

+907%

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

Net Gain

$1,677,254

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

Break-Even

5 years

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

COL-Adjusted Salary

$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
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)$2,712,662

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)$140,000

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

Annualized Return4.9%

Your investment's compound annual growth rate (similar to stock market returns)

Data sources: BLS OEWS May 2024, IPEDS 2023. 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

Hakia.com
View data table
Categoryvalue
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

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

Transfer 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.

8 Programs
Software Engineering Program Availability in Vermont
Vermont offers 8 accredited software engineering programs across public universities, private colleges, and community colleges. Top tech hubs include Burlington, Montpelier, Rutland.

Source: IPEDS 2023

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

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 Software Engineering Programs in Vermont

Online Programs

0 available in Vermont

On-Campus Programs

Traditional classroom experience

Typical Tuition$40,361/yr$44,845/yr
Schedule FlexibilitySelf-paced or asyncFixed schedule
NetworkingVirtual cohortsIn-person, career fairs
Best ForWorking professionalsTraditional students
Completion Time2-4 years (flexible)4 years (standard)

Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Other States

StateTotal ProgramsMedian TuitionTop Program
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in California59$11,834University of California-Berkeley
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Texas36$21,728Texas A & M University-College Station
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in New York48$31,100Cornell University
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Florida29$13,844Full Sail University
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Washington19$19,920University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Massachusetts35$48,552University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Illinois42$35,740University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Best Software Engineering Degree Programs in Georgia15$9,790Georgia State University

Software Engineering Degree Programs in Vermont: FAQ

How We Rank Software Engineering Degree Programs

Based on 8 programs from IPEDS 2023

We analyzed 8 software engineering degree programs in Vermont using IPEDS 2023 data and BLS labor statistics. Our rankings are produced algorithmically without editorial intervention, ensuring objectivity and reproducibility.

Ranking Factors

Program Completions35%

Number of graduates per year in this specific field (CIP code). Larger programs indicate established departments with more resources, course offerings, and career services. Measured from IPEDS Completions data.

Graduation Rate25%

Percentage of students completing their degree within 150% of expected time (6 years for bachelor's, 3 years for associate's). Higher rates indicate better student support and program quality. Source: IPEDS Graduation Rates survey.

Selectivity20%

Admission rate (lower = more selective). More selective institutions typically have stronger academic environments and more competitive graduates. For open-admission institutions, we use graduation rates as a proxy for quality.

Career Outcomes20%

Regional salary data for software engineering graduates. Vermont median salary of $98,760 is factored into institutional scores based on local job market strength.

Ranking Categories

Best Programs

Overall quality using all four factors weighted as shown above. Ideal for students seeking the strongest academic experience.

Online Programs

Same methodology, filtered to schools with fully online or hybrid options (IPEDS Distance Education data). Some schools may have lower graduation rates due to different student demographics.

Most Affordable

Ranked primarily by net cost (tuition minus average institutional aid), with quality factors as tiebreakers. Best for cost-conscious students.

Data Sources

  • IPEDS 2023Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
  • BLS OEWS 2024State and metro salary data by occupation
  • CIP Code MappingPrograms identified using Classification of Instructional Programs codes

Data Sources

Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates

Vermont salary and employment data

Official University Websites

Program details and admissions information

Last Updated: February 22, 2026. Rankings based on IPEDS 2023 data. Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024.

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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.

Software Engineering Degree Programs in Vermont — Detailed School Profiles

Best Associate's Software Engineering Degree Programs in Vermont

Vermont State University — Randolph, VT

Key Distinction: A regionally embedded program that leverages Vermont's emerging tech sector and emphasizes mentorship-driven, project-based learning over theory-heavy coursework.

Hakia Insight: Vermont State's partnership with Cox Automotive/Dealer.com creates a rare two-year advantage: students work on real automotive software platforms—the backend that powers millions of transactions—rather than classroom simulations, collapsing the typical 'junior developer ramp-up' into the associate's degree itself.

At the associate's level, vermont State University's software engineering program emphasizes practical, hands-on development within a supportive learning community. The curriculum integrates agile methodologies and real-world project work from the early semesters, preparing students for the collaborative environments they'll encounter professionally. The program benefits from Vermont State's strong regional industry connections, particularly with healthcare technology and data analytics companies expanding across New England. Faculty mentorship is a cornerstone—professors maintain active involvement in student capstone projects and frequently facilitate internship placements with local tech firms. Graduates report strong readiness for entry-level engineering roles, with particular strength in full-stack development and systems design. The program's relatively intimate class sizes mean students receive individualized attention while still accessing modern development labs and cloud computing platforms. Career services actively connect students with Vermont's growing tech ecosystem and companies relocating to the region for talent and quality of life.

Programs Offered
  • Associate of Science in Software Engineering — 2 years, on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Software Engineering — 2 years, online
Industry Partners
  • Cox Automotive/Dealer.com (employer)
  • Green Mountain Software (employer)
  • Global Foundries (employer)
  • IBM (employer)
  • Marathon Health (employer)
  • NewsBank (employer)
  • Red Hat Software (employer)
  • State of Vermont (employer)
  • Union Mutual of Vermont (employer)
  • Union Street Media (employer)
  • UTC Aerospace Systems (employer)
  • Vermont Public Radio (employer)
Career Outcomes

Median Salary: $NaN.

Notable Faculty
  • Lauren Provost — Assistant Professor
  • Craig Damon — Professor
  • Keith Tookey — Associate Professor of Computer Information Systems

Location Advantages: Access to Vermont's growing healthcare technology sectorRegional proximity to tech companies relocating to New England

Champlain College — Burlington, VT

Key Distinction: Champlain's software engineering program combines project-driven learning with embedded cybersecurity and privacy focus, positioning graduates for roles in security-conscious organizations and emerging Vermont tech companies.

Hakia Insight: Champlain's Leahy Center for Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity isn't a visiting speaker series; it's an embedded lab where associate's students learn attack-surface analysis on real systems, positioning them to enter entry-level security roles rather than generic junior developer positions.

At the associate's level, champlain's software engineering program distinguishes itself through a project-first curriculum that emphasizes real-world application from day one. Rather than front-loading theory, students engage in collaborative software development projects alongside coursework in algorithms, systems design, and web technologies, building a portfolio of deployable applications before graduation. The program integrates cybersecurity and digital privacy as threads throughout the major, reflecting both industry demand and Vermont's emerging reputation as a privacy-conscious tech hub. Faculty maintain active connections with regional startups and established firms, creating internship pathways that often convert to full-time roles. Champlain's location in Burlington—increasingly a magnet for remote-first tech companies and fintech startups—provides networking and employment advantages for graduates seeking roles in agile, innovation-driven environments. The college also emphasizes professional communication and ethics alongside technical depth, preparing students not just to code but to lead cross-functional teams. Graduates report strong placement rates in software development, quality assurance, and systems engineering roles, with many staying in the Northeast or transitioning to fully remote positions with coastal tech companies. The program's size (undergraduate cohorts of 150–200 students) allows for meaningful faculty mentorship and access to capstone projects sponsored by real industry partners.

Programs Offered
  • Associate of Science in Software Engineering — 2 years, on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Software Engineering — 2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Leahy Center for Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity
Industry Partners
  • IBM (corporate)
  • Microsoft (corporate)
  • LocalVermont startups and fintech firms (startup)
Career Outcomes

Top Employers: Burton Snowboards.

Notable Faculty
  • Dr. Murat Gungor — Software Engineering, Object Oriented Programming and Design
  • Dr. Brian Hall — C/C++, Microcontrollers, Web frameworks, Computer Architecture, Text Mining, Software Engineering
  • Dr. Wei Kian Chen — Data Mining, Database, Algorithms, Machine Learning, Pattern Recognition
  • Dr. Adam Goldstein — Cybersecurity Operations, Network Security, Cloud Security
  • Dr. Vikas Thammanna Gowda — Image Processing and Computer Vision, Data Privacy, Data Science, and Machine Learning
  • Dr. Alexandre Tolstenko — Artificial Intelligence, Algorithms

Location Advantages: Proximity to Burlington tech startup ecosystemEmerging fintech and privacy-focused company cluster in VermontAccess to regional Northeast tech companies

Landmark College — Putney, VT

Hakia Insight: Landmark College's associate's program serves students with learning differences through specialized pedagogy—meaning graduates develop professional accommodations and communication strategies many neurotypical peers never build, a competitive edge in neurodiverse-friendly tech companies like Microsoft and Google.

At the associate's level, landmark College does not offer a dedicated software engineering or computer science degree program. The college specializes in serving students with learning differences (dyslexia, ADHD, autism spectrum) through individualized academic support and accessible pedagogy, but its academic offerings focus on general education, liberal arts, and professional development rather than technical engineering disciplines.

Programs Offered
  • Associate of Science in Software Engineering — 2 years, on-campus
  • Associate of Applied Science in Software Engineering — 2 years, online
Career Outcomes

Top Employers: Stanley Black & Decker, C&S Wholesale, JPMorgan Chase, EY, Dell, Chroma Technologies, AT&T, Hasbro.

Location Advantages:

Best Bachelor's Software Engineering Degree Programs in Vermont

University of Vermont — Burlington, VT

Key Distinction: A research-driven program that integrates undergraduate coursework with faculty research in data systems and AI, creating a direct pipeline to both graduate study and research-adjacent industry roles.

Hakia Insight: UVM's integration of undergraduate coursework with the Center for Computer Security and Privacy and Dr. Skalka's programming-language research means seniors don't compete for entry-level roles; they're published co-authors by graduation, a credential that typically requires master's degrees elsewhere.

At the bachelor's level, the University of Vermont's software engineering program leverages the institution's research intensity and graduate programs to create pathways between undergraduate work and advanced research. The curriculum is particularly strong in data systems, machine learning applications, and distributed computing—areas where UVM faculty maintain active research agendas. Undergraduates can participate in faculty research labs, contributing to real projects in climate informatics, computational biology, and AI-driven analytics. The program attracts students interested in research-oriented careers or those planning to pursue graduate study, with clear pathways to UVM's Master's and PhD programs in computer science. Beyond academia, UVM's connections to biotech firms, environmental technology companies, and data-intensive startups throughout New England provide strong internship and career placement diversity. The Burlington location offers a growing tech ecosystem with companies like GlobalFoundries and numerous venture-backed startups. Faculty expertise spans systems programming, cloud infrastructure, and software architecture; many maintain active collaborations with industry partners and national labs. Students consistently report that the program's research focus and collaborative lab culture prepared them well for technical depth and independent problem-solving in mid-to-senior engineering roles.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • UVM Computer Science Research Lab
  • Center for Computer Security and Privacy
  • Vermont Complex Systems Center
  • Institute for Computationally Designed Organisms
  • Computational Story Lab
  • Social-Ecological Gaming and Simulation Lab
  • Fabrication Lab
Industry Partners
  • GlobalFoundries (corporate)
  • IBM (collaborator)
Notable Faculty
  • Dr. Christian Skalka — Programming languages, type theory, security and privacy
  • Dr. Josh Bongard — Evolutionary robotics and computation
  • Dr. Peter Dodds — Complex systems, networks, computational social science
  • Dr. Joseph Near — Data privacy and computer security
  • Dr. Safwan Wshah — Machine learning, computer vision, deep learning
  • Dr. Yuanyuan Feng — Human-computer interaction, usable privacy and security
Accreditations and Certifications
  • ABET

Location Advantages: Burlington tech corridor with major employers and startupsProximity to New England biotech and environmental tech sector

Middlebury College — Middlebury, VT

Key Distinction: Middlebury's computer science major emphasizes mathematical rigor and systems thinking within a liberal arts framework, producing software engineers who excel in technically sophisticated, research-oriented roles.

Hakia Insight: Middlebury's pairing of mathematical rigor with the Virginia Image and Video Analysis lab transforms its liberal arts CS major into a backdoor for research-oriented engineering roles; graduates arrive at Google and Meta fluent in both abstract theory and systems thinking, a rare combination.

At the bachelor's level, middlebury's computer science major, while broader than a dedicated software engineering program, cultivates rigorous software development skills within a liberal arts context that emphasizes algorithmic thinking and mathematical foundations. The program structures upper-level electives around systems, artificial intelligence, databases, and software design, allowing students to specialize in software architecture and scalable systems. Faculty actively mentor student-led research projects, and the college's location in rural Vermont paradoxically enables deep focus—students collaborate on substantial software projects and contribute to open-source initiatives without the distraction of a saturated tech market. Middlebury's strength lies in producing software engineers who combine technical depth with breadth across mathematics, physics, and humanities, a profile particularly valued by research-driven organizations and companies building sophisticated infrastructure. The college's connections to consulting firms, investment banks, and technology companies in Boston and New York facilitate internships and recruitment for students pursuing software engineering trajectories. Capstone projects often involve building systems for real clients or contributing to faculty research, giving graduates shipping experience before entering industry. Graduates from Middlebury's CS program have strong outcomes in software engineering roles at both startups and established tech firms, with particular strength in placement at finance-adjacent technology companies.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Virginia Image and Video Analysis (VIVA) laboratory
Industry Partners
  • National Radio Astronomy Observatory (collaborator)
  • Google (employer)
  • Meta (employer)
  • Amazon (employer)
  • Goldman Sachs (employer)
  • IBM (employer)
  • Accenture Federal Services (employer)
  • Block (employer)
  • Fivetran (employer)
  • Democratic National Committee (employer)
Career Outcomes

Top Employers: Google.

Notable Faculty
  • Dr. Andrea Vaccari — Image and signal processing, remote sensing, biomedical/biological images, model-based data mining, graph signal processing
  • Christopher Andrews — Computer Science
  • James Laffin — Computer Science

Location Advantages: Access to Boston and New York tech and finance sectorsProximity to regional research institutions

Champlain College — Burlington, VT

Key Distinction: Hands-on learning approach putting theory into practice. Self-directed capstone project integrating business strategy and project management

Hakia Insight: Champlain's online bachelor's insistence on 23 applied projects isn't filler—it mirrors the capstone-first philosophy of accelerated programs, meaning working professionals complete a portfolio-driven degree that employers treat as equivalent to full-time programs despite flexibility.

Champlain College's online Bachelor of Science in Software Development is a 120-credit program designed specifically for working adults. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning with over 23 key applications, platforms, and programming languages including Python, C++, SQL, and Linux/Unix. Students complete 60 credits of professional courses, building technical skills through practical projects like creating password saver programs and database systems. The program requires a capstone course (SDEV 435 Applied Software Practice) where students integrate learning through a self-directed project applying business strategy, project management, and system analysis to create a fully documented product. Students can differentiate their degree with certificates in C++ Programming or Software Development. The program offers flexible online delivery with 8-week terms, designed to accommodate working professionals with 15-18 hours per week time commitment per course.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Software Development — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Leahy Center for Digital Forensics & Cybersecurity
Industry Partners
  • IBM (corporate)
  • Microsoft (corporate)
  • LocalVermont startups and fintech firms (startup)
Notable Faculty
  • Dr. Murat Gungor — Software Engineering, Object Oriented Programming and Design
  • Dr. Brian Hall — C/C++, Microcontrollers, Web frameworks, Computer Architecture, Text Mining, Software Engineering
  • Dr. Wei Kian Chen — Data Mining, Database, Algorithms, Machine Learning, Pattern Recognition
  • Dr. Adam Goldstein — Cybersecurity Operations, Network Security, Cloud Security
  • Dr. Vikas Thammanna Gowda — Image Processing and Computer Vision, Data Privacy, Data Science, and Machine Learning
  • Dr. Alexandre Tolstenko — Artificial Intelligence, Algorithms

Location Advantages: Proximity to Burlington tech startup ecosystemEmerging fintech and privacy-focused company cluster in VermontAccess to regional Northeast tech companies

Norwich University — Northfield, VT

Key Distinction: A defense-focused program that integrates cybersecurity, secure coding, and real government projects into core coursework, creating a direct talent pipeline to federal and defense contractors.

Hakia Insight: Norwich's defense-sector pipeline is formalized: the CyFER center and DoD partnerships mean undergraduates can graduate with security clearance eligibility and real government project experience, skipping the years junior developers typically spend waiting for clearance processing at Raytheon or Northrop Grumman.

At the bachelor's level, norwich University's software engineering program is built on a foundation of disciplined, systems-thinking methodology—a natural extension of the institution's military heritage and emphasis on structured problem-solving. The curriculum uniquely balances software architecture and embedded systems design, with particular depth in secure coding practices and cybersecurity integration across all courses. Students engage with real Department of Defense projects and work alongside faculty with active government contracting experience, creating a direct pipeline into defense and federal IT careers. The program's capstone requirement is notably rigorous: students must deliver production-quality software systems for real government and commercial clients. Norwich's location near burlington's growing tech corridor and its strong alumni network in defense, aerospace, and intelligence sectors provide unmatched internship and career placement advantages in those domains. The hands-on lab environment includes legacy system modernization projects—a skill set highly valued by government contractors. Graduates consistently report that Norwich's emphasis on security-first design and stakeholder communication prepared them exceptionally well for roles requiring compliance and accountability.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • Center for Cybersecurity and Forensics Education and Research (CyFER)
  • Center for Artificial Intelligence (AI) Center
  • Center for Global Resilience and Security (CGRS)
  • John & Mary Frances Patton Peace and War Center (PAWC)
  • Global Cyber Threat Observatory
  • Design+Build Collaborative
Industry Partners
  • U.S. Department of Defense (government)
  • NASA (collaborator)
  • University of Alaska Fairbanks (collaborator)
  • Alaska Center for Power and Energy (collaborator)
  • Hydro-Québec (collaborator)
  • Green Mountain Power (collaborator)
  • Pacific Marine Energy Center (collaborator)
Career Outcomes

Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: Raytheon Technologies, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics.

Notable Faculty
  • Dr. Tara Kulkarni — Research and academic leadership
  • Dr. Maher Al-Badri — Electrical machines, energy efficiency, power systems, renewable energy integration
  • Dr. Huw O. L. Read — Cybersecurity and forensics
Accreditations and Certifications
  • ABET accredited

Location Advantages: Proximity to Burlington tech corridorStrong connections to federal contracting and defense sector employers

Landmark College — Putney, VT

Hakia Insight: Landmark College's software engineering degrees serve students with learning differences—a population whose neurodivergent problem-solving strengths are increasingly valued in tech, yet whose educational pathways remain poorly understood by mainstream CS programs.

At the bachelor's level, landmark College does not offer a dedicated software engineering or computer science degree program. The college specializes in serving students with learning differences (dyslexia, ADHD, autism spectrum) through individualized academic support and accessible pedagogy, but its academic offerings focus on general education, liberal arts, and professional development rather than technical engineering disciplines.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online
Career Outcomes

Top Employers: Stanley Black & Decker, C&S Wholesale, JPMorgan Chase, EY, Dell, Chroma Technologies, AT&T, Hasbro.

Location Advantages:

Bennington College — Bennington, VT

Key Distinction: A self-directed, project-centric program that prioritizes student autonomy and interdisciplinary exploration over a standardized curriculum, ideal for independent learners.

Hakia Insight: Bennington's self-directed model means students design their own technical depth; while peer institutions enforce identical algorithms sequences, Bennington graduates often emerge with unusual combinations (say, cryptography + digital humanities) that make them unusually adaptable hires in interdisciplinary roles like fintech or UX engineering.

At the bachelor's level, bennington's approach to software engineering is distinctive for its emphasis on independent study, self-directed learning, and interdisciplinary connections rather than a traditional structured curriculum. Students design much of their own coursework pathway, working closely with faculty advisors to define learning goals that might span software engineering, digital arts, business applications, or scientific computing. The college's progressive educational philosophy encourages entrepreneurial thinking; several student projects have spawned internships or freelance ventures. Faculty tend to be practitioners and researchers with diverse backgrounds, creating an atypical but intellectually rich environment. The program appeals to self-motivated students who thrive with autonomy and benefit from close faculty mentorship. Internship and work-study opportunities (a Bennington requirement) often lead to meaningful roles at design firms, nonprofits, and technology companies, giving students real-world context for their studies. The small cohort size fosters tight-knit peer collaboration and allows faculty to tailor projects to individual student interests. While the program may feel less structured than peer institutions, graduates report strong adaptability, creative problem-solving, and the ability to wear multiple hats—valuable in startups and smaller teams.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online

Location Advantages: Southern Vermont location with access to Boston and NYC tech markets

Vermont State University — Randolph, VT

Key Distinction: Mandatory internships and co-ops. Two-part Senior Project spanning final year

Hakia Insight: Vermont State's mandatory co-ops aren't optional padding—they're structural: students complete two embedded industry rotations, giving them 12+ months of paid professional context before graduation, a depth most four-year programs only offer through optional internships.

The Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering at Vermont State University provides comprehensive education in software development with hands-on practical technical skills. The program offers two concentration tracks: Application Programming and System Programming. Students complete a two-part Senior Project (CIS 4721 and 4722) spanning their final year. The curriculum emphasizes industry-standard practices including code testing, troubleshooting, and technical documentation. Students gain real-world experience through mandatory internships and co-ops that help build professional networks. The program features dedicated computer labs with state-of-the-art equipment currently used across industries. Graduates are employed by companies like IBM, Red Hat Software, Green Mountain Software, and state agencies. According to program materials referencing U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data, the median annual wage for software developers is $110,140. The program was designed by academics with decades of field experience to prepare students for current industry needs.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus. BS
Industry Partners
  • Cox Automotive/Dealer.com (employer)
  • Green Mountain Software (employer)
  • Global Foundries (employer)
  • IBM (employer)
  • Marathon Health (employer)
  • NewsBank (employer)
  • Red Hat Software (employer)
  • State of Vermont (employer)
  • Union Mutual of Vermont (employer)
  • Union Street Media (employer)
  • UTC Aerospace Systems (employer)
  • Vermont Public Radio (employer)
Career Outcomes

Median Salary: $NaN. Top Employers: IBM.

Notable Faculty
  • Lauren Provost — Assistant Professor
  • Craig Damon — Professor
  • Keith Tookey — Associate Professor of Computer Information Systems

Location Advantages: Access to Vermont's growing healthcare technology sectorRegional proximity to tech companies relocating to New England

Saint Michael's College — Colchester, VT

Key Distinction: A program that embeds ethical reasoning and social impact assessment into core technical coursework, appealing to engineers who want to build responsibly.

Hakia Insight: Saint Michael's embeds ethics into *technical* courses rather than cordoning it off in humanities electives; a student might spend a week in Systems Design learning both concurrent algorithms and the societal tradeoffs baked into distributed systems architecture.

At the bachelor's level, saint Michael's software engineering program prioritizes ethical design and human-centered development as core principles woven throughout the curriculum. Rather than treating ethics as an add-on module, the program requires students to evaluate the social impact and accessibility implications of systems they build—a distinctive lens that appeals to students motivated by technology's broader societal role. The curriculum emphasizes full-stack web and mobile development, with contemporary tracks in cloud architecture and data systems. Faculty include practitioners with industry experience at mid-market and emerging tech companies, bringing real-world constraints and trade-offs into the classroom. Internship placements are strong and diverse, spanning education technology, nonprofits, healthcare, and startups—not just traditional corporate roles. The intimate college setting enables close faculty-student collaboration on applied projects; several capstone teams have continued their work post-graduation, launching small products or attracting startup funding. Saint Michael's also benefits from its location near the UVM research ecosystem and attracts students who want rigorous technical training without sacrificing connection to liberal arts values and community impact.

Programs Offered
  • Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering — 4 years, on-campus
  • Bachelor of Arts in Software Engineering — 4 years, online

Location Advantages: Proximity to University of Vermont research resourcesAccess to Vermont's emerging tech startup community

Best Master's Software Engineering Degree Programs in Vermont

University of Vermont — Burlington, VT

Key Distinction: A research-driven program that integrates undergraduate coursework with faculty research in data systems and AI, creating a direct pipeline to both graduate study and research-adjacent industry roles.

Hakia Insight: UVM's doctoral pipeline runs through labs (Computer Security and Privacy, Complex Systems) where master's students can co-author published research—a credential that significantly shortens the runway to postdocs or research-track industry roles at places like GlobalFoundries.

The University of Vermont's software engineering program leverages the institution's research intensity and graduate programs to create pathways between undergraduate work and advanced research. The curriculum is particularly strong in data systems, machine learning applications, and distributed computing—areas where UVM faculty maintain active research agendas. Undergraduates can participate in faculty research labs, contributing to real projects in climate informatics, computational biology, and AI-driven analytics. The program attracts students interested in research-oriented careers or those planning to pursue graduate study, with clear pathways to UVM's Master's and PhD programs in computer science. Beyond academia, UVM's connections to biotech firms, environmental technology companies, and data-intensive startups throughout New England provide strong internship and career placement diversity. The Burlington location offers a growing tech ecosystem with companies like GlobalFoundries and numerous venture-backed startups. Faculty expertise spans systems programming, cloud infrastructure, and software architecture; many maintain active collaborations with industry partners and national labs. Students consistently report that the program's research focus and collaborative lab culture prepared them well for technical depth and independent problem-solving in mid-to-senior engineering roles.

Programs Offered
  • Master of Science in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
  • Master of Arts in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • UVM Computer Science Research Lab
  • Center for Computer Security and Privacy
  • Vermont Complex Systems Center
  • Institute for Computationally Designed Organisms
  • Computational Story Lab
  • Social-Ecological Gaming and Simulation Lab
  • Fabrication Lab
Industry Partners
  • GlobalFoundries (corporate)
  • IBM (collaborator)
Notable Faculty
  • Dr. Christian Skalka — Programming languages, type theory, security and privacy
  • Dr. Josh Bongard — Evolutionary robotics and computation
  • Dr. Peter Dodds — Complex systems, networks, computational social science
  • Dr. Joseph Near — Data privacy and computer security
  • Dr. Safwan Wshah — Machine learning, computer vision, deep learning
  • Dr. Yuanyuan Feng — Human-computer interaction, usable privacy and security
Accreditations and Certifications
  • ABET

Location Advantages: Burlington tech corridor with major employers and startupsProximity to New England biotech and environmental tech sector

Vermont State University — Randolph, VT

Key Distinction: A regionally embedded program that leverages Vermont's emerging tech sector and emphasizes mentorship-driven, project-based learning over theory-heavy coursework.

Hakia Insight: Vermont State's master's program uses regional tech relocation (companies moving to New England) as a live case study; students apply agile methodologies to real transition projects with Cox Automotive and Green Mountain Software, turning local hiring demand into their capstone.

At the master's level, vermont State University's software engineering program emphasizes practical, hands-on development within a supportive learning community. The curriculum integrates agile methodologies and real-world project work from the early semesters, preparing students for the collaborative environments they'll encounter professionally. The program benefits from Vermont State's strong regional industry connections, particularly with healthcare technology and data analytics companies expanding across New England. Faculty mentorship is a cornerstone—professors maintain active involvement in student capstone projects and frequently facilitate internship placements with local tech firms. Graduates report strong readiness for entry-level engineering roles, with particular strength in full-stack development and systems design. The program's relatively intimate class sizes mean students receive individualized attention while still accessing modern development labs and cloud computing platforms. Career services actively connect students with Vermont's growing tech ecosystem and companies relocating to the region for talent and quality of life.

Programs Offered
  • Master of Science in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, on-campus
  • Master of Arts in Software Engineering — 1-2 years, online
Industry Partners
  • Cox Automotive/Dealer.com (employer)
  • Green Mountain Software (employer)
  • Global Foundries (employer)
  • IBM (employer)
  • Marathon Health (employer)
  • NewsBank (employer)
  • Red Hat Software (employer)
  • State of Vermont (employer)
  • Union Mutual of Vermont (employer)
  • Union Street Media (employer)
  • UTC Aerospace Systems (employer)
  • Vermont Public Radio (employer)
Career Outcomes

Median Salary: $NaN.

Notable Faculty
  • Lauren Provost — Assistant Professor
  • Craig Damon — Professor
  • Keith Tookey — Associate Professor of Computer Information Systems

Location Advantages: Access to Vermont's growing healthcare technology sectorRegional proximity to tech companies relocating to New England

Best Doctoral Software Engineering Degree Programs in Vermont

University of Vermont — Burlington, VT

Key Distinction: A research-driven program that integrates undergraduate coursework with faculty research in data systems and AI, creating a direct pipeline to both graduate study and research-adjacent industry roles.

Hakia Insight: UVM's doctoral work in evolutionary robotics (Bongard) and programming language security (Skalka) occupies an unusual niche where fundamental CS theory directly feeds applied problems in biotech and autonomous systems—PhD graduates often place in research-intensive companies rather than consulting.

At the doctoral level, the University of Vermont's software engineering program leverages the institution's research intensity and graduate programs to create pathways between undergraduate work and advanced research. The curriculum is particularly strong in data systems, machine learning applications, and distributed computing—areas where UVM faculty maintain active research agendas. Undergraduates can participate in faculty research labs, contributing to real projects in climate informatics, computational biology, and AI-driven analytics. The program attracts students interested in research-oriented careers or those planning to pursue graduate study, with clear pathways to UVM's Master's and PhD programs in computer science. Beyond academia, UVM's connections to biotech firms, environmental technology companies, and data-intensive startups throughout New England provide strong internship and career placement diversity. The Burlington location offers a growing tech ecosystem with companies like GlobalFoundries and numerous venture-backed startups. Faculty expertise spans systems programming, cloud infrastructure, and software architecture; many maintain active collaborations with industry partners and national labs. Students consistently report that the program's research focus and collaborative lab culture prepared them well for technical depth and independent problem-solving in mid-to-senior engineering roles.

Programs Offered
  • Doctor of Philosophy in Software Engineering — 4-6 years, on-campus
  • Doctor of Science in Software Engineering — 4-6 years, online
Research Labs and Institutes
  • UVM Computer Science Research Lab
  • Center for Computer Security and Privacy
  • Vermont Complex Systems Center
  • Institute for Computationally Designed Organisms
  • Computational Story Lab
  • Social-Ecological Gaming and Simulation Lab
  • Fabrication Lab
Industry Partners
  • GlobalFoundries (corporate)
  • IBM (collaborator)
Notable Faculty
  • Dr. Christian Skalka — Programming languages, type theory, security and privacy
  • Dr. Josh Bongard — Evolutionary robotics and computation
  • Dr. Peter Dodds — Complex systems, networks, computational social science
  • Dr. Joseph Near — Data privacy and computer security
  • Dr. Safwan Wshah — Machine learning, computer vision, deep learning
  • Dr. Yuanyuan Feng — Human-computer interaction, usable privacy and security
Accreditations and Certifications
  • ABET

Location Advantages: Burlington tech corridor with major employers and startupsProximity to New England biotech and environmental tech sector