Location: Randolph, VT•In-State Tuition: $11,400•Out-of-State Tuition: $21,408•Admission Rate: 83%
Median Earnings (1yr)
$43,810
5th percentile
Est. Median Debt
$24,105
Est. from national median (280 programs)
Sample: 18 graduates Limited data

Analysis

A Computer and Information Sciences degree from Vermont State University presents a difficult picture for tech-aspiring students. First-year earnings of $43,810 land at just the 5th percentile nationally for this degree—meaning 95% of computer science bachelor's programs across the country produce substantially higher starting salaries. Nationally, the median graduate in this field earns $61,322, nearly $18,000 more. While Vermont's small tech sector may explain some of this gap, similar programs elsewhere in the state show comparable outcomes, suggesting this is more about regional market constraints than institutional performance.

The estimated debt of $24,105—derived from peer programs at similar schools since Vermont State's specific figures aren't reported—appears manageable at first glance, with a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.55. However, this calculation assumes graduates stay in Vermont's limited tech market. Computer science degrees typically command premium salaries precisely because tech skills travel well, yet starting at $43,810 puts graduates at a severe disadvantage whether they stay local or compete nationally.

For families considering this program, the core question is whether the Vermont State degree opens enough doors to justify the investment. The earnings gap suggests graduates either face a steeper climb in the job market or need to relocate to realize typical computer science returns—potentially without the alumni network advantages of larger programs.

Where Vermont State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer and information sciences bachelors's programs nationally

Vermont State University (estimated ±10%)Other computer and information sciences programs

Dashed lines show national medians. Upper-left = best value.

Earnings Distribution

How Vermont State University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Vermont State University earns $44k — 5th percentile among computer and information sciences bachelors programs.

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Computer and Information Sciences bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

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SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Vermont State UniversityRandolph$11,400$43,810—$24,105*—
University of PennsylvaniaPhiladelphia$66,104$146,204$246,946$15,000*0.10
University of California-Los AngelesLos Angeles$13,747$136,099$164,612$15,248*0.11
Yale UniversityNew Haven$64,700$133,293$203,685$12,750*0.10
Rice UniversityHouston$58,128$131,154$172,391$12,381*0.09
Northeastern UniversityBoston$63,141$115,587$132,227$23,001*0.20
National Median—$61,322—$25,000*0.41
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer and information sciences graduates

Computer and Information Systems Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as electronic data processing, information systems, systems analysis, and computer programming.

$171,200/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer and Information Research Scientists

Conduct research into fundamental computer and information science as theorists, designers, or inventors. Develop solutions to problems in the field of computer hardware and software.

$140,910/yrJobs growth:Master's degree

Software Developers

Research, design, and develop computer and network software or specialized utility programs. Analyze user needs and develop software solutions, applying principles and techniques of computer science, engineering, and mathematical analysis. Update software or enhance existing software capabilities. May work with computer hardware engineers to integrate hardware and software systems, and develop specifications and performance requirements. May maintain databases within an application area, working individually or coordinating database development as part of a team.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers

Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.

$131,450/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Network Architects

Design and implement computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. Perform network modeling, analysis, and planning, including analysis of capacity needs for network infrastructures. May also design network and computer security measures. May research and recommend network and data communications hardware and software.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Telecommunications Engineering Specialists

Design or configure wired, wireless, and satellite communications systems for voice, video, and data services. Supervise installation, service, and maintenance.

$130,390/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Information Security Analysts

Plan, implement, upgrade, or monitor security measures for the protection of computer networks and information. Assess system vulnerabilities for security risks and propose and implement risk mitigation strategies. May ensure appropriate security controls are in place that will safeguard digital files and vital electronic infrastructure. May respond to computer security breaches and viruses.

$124,910/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Administrators

Administer, test, and implement computer databases, applying knowledge of database management systems. Coordinate changes to computer databases. Identify, investigate, and resolve database performance issues, database capacity, and database scalability. May plan, coordinate, and implement security measures to safeguard computer databases.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Database Architects

Design strategies for enterprise databases, data warehouse systems, and multidimensional networks. Set standards for database operations, programming, query processes, and security. Model, design, and construct large relational databases or data warehouses. Create and optimize data models for warehouse infrastructure and workflow. Integrate new systems with existing warehouse structure and refine system performance and functionality.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Warehousing Specialists

Design, model, or implement corporate data warehousing activities. Program and configure warehouses of database information and provide support to warehouse users.

$123,100/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Data Scientists

Develop and implement a set of techniques or analytics applications to transform raw data into meaningful information using data-oriented programming languages and visualization software. Apply data mining, data modeling, natural language processing, and machine learning to extract and analyze information from large structured and unstructured datasets. Visualize, interpret, and report data findings. May create dynamic data reports.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Business Intelligence Analysts

Produce financial and market intelligence by querying data repositories and generating periodic reports. Devise methods for identifying data patterns and trends in available information sources.

$112,590/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree
About This Data

Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)

Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Vermont State University, approximately 31% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.

Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.

Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.