Location: Randolph, VT•In-State Tuition: $11,400•Out-of-State Tuition: $21,408•Admission Rate: 83%
Est. Earnings (1yr)
$78,953
Est. from national median (174 programs)
Est. Median Debt
$23,125
Est. from national median (129 programs)

Analysis

A debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.29 is enviable for any bachelor's degree, and Computer Engineering at Vermont State appears positioned to deliver solid returns—though the caveat here is significant. Both the $78,953 first-year salary and $23,125 debt load come from national medians for similar programs, not tracked outcomes from this specific school. With only one other institution in Vermont offering this major and no reported state data for comparison, you're essentially betting that Vermont State's outcomes mirror the broader national landscape for computer engineering programs.

That national picture is encouraging: computer engineering graduates typically command strong starting salaries that dwarf their debt obligations. The estimated figures here suggest manageable monthly loan payments of around $260 against a gross monthly income exceeding $6,500. For context, Vermont State serves a meaningful population of Pell-eligible students (31%), suggesting some families attending aren't affluent, yet the debt burden appears reasonable even for those without family financial backup.

The real question is whether this particular program can match national norms. Vermont State is a recently consolidated institution with an 83% admission rate, and small cohort sizes (hence the suppressed data) may mean fewer industry connections or less robust placement infrastructure than larger programs. If your student has been admitted to computer engineering programs at schools with actual reported outcomes, compare those figures directly rather than relying on these estimates.

Where Vermont State University Stands

Earnings vs. debt across all computer engineering bachelors's programs nationally

Vermont State University (estimated ±10%)Other computer engineering programs

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

Compare to Similar Programs Nationally

Computer Engineering bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally

Scroll to see more →

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)*Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Vermont State UniversityRandolph$11,400$78,953*—$23,125*—
University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle$12,643$141,588*$168,957$16,127*0.11
University of Washington-Bothell CampusBothell$12,559$141,588*$168,957$16,127*0.11
University of Virginia-Main CampusCharlottesville$20,986$118,232*$135,287$16,875*0.14
California Polytechnic State University-San Luis ObispoSan Luis Obispo$11,075$111,560*$122,307$20,556*0.18
Duke UniversityDurham$65,805$111,145*$137,144$14,500*0.13
National Median—$78,952*—$24,500*0.31
* Estimated from similar programs

Career Paths

Occupations commonly associated with computer engineering graduates

Architectural and Engineering Managers

Plan, direct, or coordinate activities in such fields as architecture and engineering or research and development in these fields.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers

Define, plan, or execute biofuels/biodiesel research programs that evaluate alternative feedstock and process technologies with near-term commercial potential.

$167,740/yrJobs growth:Bachelor's degree

Computer Hardware Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.

$155,020/yrJobs growth:Bachelor'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

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

Engineering Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses pertaining to the application of physical laws and principles of engineering for the development of machines, materials, instruments, processes, and services. Includes teachers of subjects such as chemical, civil, electrical, industrial, mechanical, mineral, and petroleum engineering. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

$83,980/yrJobs growth:
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.

Estimated Earnings: Actual earnings data is not available for this program (typically due to privacy thresholds when fewer than 30 graduates reported earnings). The estimate shown is based on the national median of 174 similar programs. Actual outcomes may vary.