Computer Science at University of Vermont

University of Vermont's computer science program lands squarely in the middle of Vermont's limited tech education landscape—ranking in the 60th percentile statewide—but lags behind the national field where it falls to just the 31st percentile. With first-year earnings of $63,000, graduates earn about $8,000 less than the national CS median, though the debt load of $21,500 is manageable with a 0.34 debt-to-earnings ratio. The 15% earnings growth to $72,000 by year four suggests solid career progression, even if the starting point trails peer programs.

The real question is opportunity cost. Within Vermont, UVM splits the difference between Middlebury's $80,000 outcomes and Champlain's $54,000 results. But nationally, hundreds of CS programs deliver stronger starting salaries while maintaining similar or lower debt levels. For Vermont residents paying in-state tuition, the value proposition holds—you're getting respectable outcomes without crushing debt. For out-of-state families paying premium tuition, the below-average national performance becomes harder to justify when peer flagship universities often deliver better tech recruiting pipelines and higher starting salaries.

If your child is committed to staying in Vermont or values UVM's broader college experience, this program works fine and won't burden them with problematic debt. But if maximizing CS career outcomes is the priority, acknowledge that this program underperforms the national field significantly.