Vermont, America’s second smallest state by population, is known for its beautiful natural landscape. Not to mention, it also has world-famous maple syrup. The rugged hiking trails, stunning fall foliage, and traditional New England architecture make it a vibrant place to study. If you want to study at a picturesque college, you should explore the best universities in Vermont.
In this article, you will learn about the best colleges in Vermont. We’ve included a thorough review of the top 10 universities in Vermont and listed the most prestigious universities in Vermont. You will also learn about the various fields of study, financial aid options, and other university student services available at the best colleges in Vermont.
What Are the Best Universities in Vermont?
The best universities in Vermont are the University of Vermont, Middlebury College, Bennington College, Saint Michael’s College, and Castleton University. These universities have the highest student retention and graduation rate. Additionally, they offer quality student services and various financial aid options.
Other universities that provide good education are Vermont Technical College, Norwich University, Champlain College, Marlboro College, and Northern Vermont University. These universities also offer a great learning experience and are among regionally ranked universities.
How Many Universities Are in Vermont?
There are 22 universities and colleges and four out-of-state colleges with campuses based in the state of Vermont. This includes an art school, a research university, five master’s universities, and several four-year institutions.
Vermont consists of four public institutions under the Vermont State Colleges system. Further, it has 12 private colleges. Each of these institutions holds national or regional accreditation.
What Are the Biggest Universities in Vermont?
The biggest universities in Vermont are the University of Vermont, Norwich University, Middlebury College, Northern Vermont University, and Saint Michael’s College. The University of Vermont is the largest school, with 13,292 students enrolling each year.
These universities don’t only have the largest enrollment in the state but also offer a great student community. Some advantages of attending these universities are honored faculty, excellent student-faculty ratio, and various athletic clubs and student organizations.
Largest Vermont Universities by Enrollment
- University of Vermont | 13,292
- Norwich University | 3,975
- Middlebury College | 2,669
- Northern Vermont University | 1,999
- Saint Michael’s College | 1,724
Vermont University Rankings: What Are the Top 10 Universities in Vermont?
| Ranking | School | City | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Middlebury College | Middlebury | 91% |
| 2 | Saint Michael’s College | Colchester | 78% |
| 3 | University of Vermont | Burlington | 77% |
| 4 | Bennington College | Bennington | 68% |
| 5 | Champlain College | Burlington | 68% |
| 6 | Norwich University | Northfield | 62% |
| 7 | Castleton University | Castleton | 55% |
| 8 | Vermont Technical College | Randolph | 54% |
| 9 | Goddard College | Plainfield | 50% |
| 10 | Northern Vermont University | Johnson | 38% |
How We Defined Vermont University Rankings
Our ranking of the 10 best Vermont universities is based on the graduation rates of top schools in the state, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). In coming up with our list of 10 Vermont universities, we also consulted rankings conducted by US News & World Report and Times Higher Education, which you can reference in the expanded list below.
The Best Colleges and Universities in Vermont, Explained
Vermont has a wide range of educational institutions that offer abundant choices of programs to students. Whether looking for a private school, a public college, or a community college, our best college rankings can be a good resource to use.
Our list of schools is based on graduation rates and US News & World Report rankings. Here are the 10 best universities in Vermont, with useful information about the top programs.
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Vermont University Admission Requirements
The admission requirements for universities in Vermont vary from school to school and between programs. Although there are specific requirements for some, they share some common requirements like submitting an application online, a minimum GPA requirement, attaching endorsements, and paying the application fee. A more detailed list can be found below.
Admission Requirements for Universities in Vermont
- Complete the admission application by the due date.
- Pay the application fee.
- There is a variable GPA requirement for each university ranging from a minimum of 2.0 to 3.6 on a 4.0 scale.
- Attach supplemental docs to your application, including a personal essay.
- Attach recommendation letters and an overall evaluation report from your high school counselor. This might be optional, depending on the school.
- Some universities have an additional requirement to submit SAT, ACT, or ACCUPLACER test results.
- First-year applicants must submit high school transcripts or official scores from a high school equivalency exam (GED).
- Transfer students must submit official transcripts from all colleges they previously attended.
- International Students with a first language other than English must take either a TOEFL test, IELTS test, Pearson test, or a Duolingo English proficiency test.
- Some universities have their own entrance exams. Applicants must receive satisfactory scores in the entrance tests to be considered for admission.
- For international students, an official financial statement from a bank indicating your ability to pay one full year of tuition, room, and board. A government scholarship letter would work as well.
How to Apply to Vermont Universities
The process of applying to Vermont universities is specific to each different school. However, the general process for applying is filling out the relevant application form online and attaching the supplemental documents along with it. The online form includes checkboxes and buttons to allow the applicant to upload relevant documents and provide personal information.
Your application may optionally require you to submit a personal essay or results from an admission test. The specific details around this are particular to the courses being applied to, and so the applicant should seek these requirements from the relevant college admissions consultants.
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Vermont Universities Admissions Process
- Complete the application form on the university’s website or through the Common App service. Be sure to do this before the deadline to apply for an academic term.
- Attach required supplemental documents to your application. These may include a personal essay, an overall evaluation from the previous school counselor, and recommendation letters from non-relatives.
- Pay the application fee. You may also request a fee waiver if you’re eligible.
- Standardized test scores are not mandatory for admission to most Vermont universities. However, if you wish to submit them, most universities expect to see a score of above 1,200 on the SAT and an ACT score of above 23.
- You should also provide your high school transcripts or official transcripts from other colleges you previously attended if you’re a transfer student.
- The GPA requirement varies from school to school, but it’s best to have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a scale of 4.0 to be able to clear the bar for most Vermont universities.
- International students who don’t speak English as their first language are generally required to submit a standardized English proficiency test score. The test may include TOEFL, IELTS, Duolingo, or the Pearson test.
- You can also apply for financial aid by completing a FAFSA form.
- For some universities, you may be asked to take an entrance test or appear for an interview as part of the admission process.
- Keep tracking your application status on the school’s website.
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Why Study in Vermont?
You should consider studying in Vermont for a variety of reasons that attract people to stay here. Vermont ranks fairly high in natural environment, public safety, and infrastructure. If you’re wondering how these will affect your education and your stay, read on below.
Natural Environment
Vermont has a rich natural environment. Its clean air and water are cherished, resulting in a pristine environment that captivates visitors and residents alike. Vermont is also the least polluted state in the US, according to US News & World Report rankings.
When a student decides to study in Vermont, they are sure to have their academic experiences complimented by the beautiful natural surroundings and traditional New England architecture in the history-rich towns and cities of Vermont. Needless to say, The Green Mountain State has earned its name.
Public Safety
Vermont is consistently rated one of the safest places to live in the USA and is appreciated for its quality of life and accessibility to public resources. This, in turn, attracts international businesses to the state, boosting the economy and creating more employment.
As a student looking for career development, Vermont’s reputation of being a safe state with a plethora of economic opportunities will benefit you.
Good Infrastructure
Vermont boasts a good infrastructure with its unique blend of nature and industry. The Green Mountain State is rated the best state for public transportation, which is beneficial for a student opting to study in Vermont. With its stable renewable energy supply, you are assured of having a pleasant stay for your education.
More Vermont University Rankings: What Other Universities Are the Best in Vermont?
Vermont is the second least populated state in the US, and hence there are fewer options for universities than in other states like Washington or California. We’ve listed below the best colleges in Vermont by subject to help you determine the right college for you.
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Top Vermont Universities by Major
Not all programs at every university offer great curriculum or career outcomes. Some schools offer better programs than others. When choosing a school, you should ensure that the program it’s offering is best suited for you. Below is a list of the top Vermont universities according to major.
Tuition Costs for Vermont Universities
In a 2019-20 report by the National Center for Education Statistics, Vermont residents who enrolled in four-year public university courses paid an average tuition and fee total of $17,083. In contrast, non-residents paid a higher total of $41,057. On the other hand, students attending a four-year private university paid an average tuition of $46,445.
Most Affordable Universities in Vermont
- Northern Vermont University-Lyndon | Tuition: $483/Credit (Resident); $1,070/Credit (Non-Resident). These rates are fall/spring undergraduate rates for the 2022-23 academic year. There are additional fees for room and board, meal plans, and other facilities.
- Castleton State College | Tuition: $493/Credit (Resident); $1,200/Credit (Non-Resident): The given rates are undergraduate rates for the 2022-23 academic year. The tuition fee for graduate students is $662/credit for both residents and non-residents. Students also have to pay additional costs such as student association fees, student resources fees, and mandatory student health insurance.
- Goddard College | Tuition: $9,106/15 Credits ($607.06/Credit): 2022-23 courses at Goddard College are very affordable for both residents and non-residents. There are additional costs that may not apply to all students. These include costs for room and board, a tech fee for the virtual residency, and more.
- Vermont Technical College | Tuition: $613/Credit (Resident); $1,172/Credit (Non-Resident); $1,348/Credit (International): Graduate courses are billed at the rate of $745/credit for residents and $1,475/credit for non-residents. This figure does not include additional costs such as registration and facilities fees.
- University of Vermont | Tuition: $678/Credit (Resident); $1,720/Credit (Non-Resident): The University of Vermont is another affordable public university. Additional costs include $1,305 per semester of comprehensive fees and $6,677 per semester for housing and meals.
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Financial Aid Options for the Best Universities in Vermont
There are a variety of financial aid options for the best universities in Vermont like student loans provided by the Vermont Student Achievement Council. Students can opt for a loan or apply for grants and scholarships.
Financial Aid for Vermont Universities: A Summary
- Scholarships. Scholarship opportunities are a huge help to students as they don’t have to be repaid. These are awarded by the school itself or an external individual or organization. Scholarship distribution varies but is mostly awarded on the basis of financial situation, academic excellence, and community involvement activities.
- Grants. Grants are given by the school or government typically for an ongoing research program. This is the government’s way of encouraging student involvement in research. There are several federal grants offered for the universities in Vermont. Eligible students can receive from $1,000 to $14,000 through a Vermont Grant via FAFSA.
- Loans. Although the previous options didn’t require you to pay any money back, you will have to pay back loans with interest. This is the most common form of financial aid for students. College students can apply for low-interest loans from VSAC or opt for a loan from private providers.
- Work-study programs. You can apply for work-study programs to fund your college education. These jobs, coordinated by the university, may include positions within the school or off-campus employment with approved employers and non-profit organizations. This way, students can strike a balance between work and study hours.
Vermont University Eligibility Requirements: Who Qualifies for Financial Aid at Vermont Universities?
The following eligibility criteria are sourced from StudentAid. You must have a valid social security number to qualify for financial aid. Below is a list of students who qualify for any type of financial aid.
- Students with financial needs
- Students with a record of academic achievements
- US citizens and some eligible noncitizens according to StudentAid
- Students who have secured admission to a university in Vermont
- Students with a parent who died in Iraq or Afghanistan
- Students with intellectual disabilities
- Students who are homeless
- Students who were in foster care
Private Vermont Universities With Good Financial Aid
- Middlebury College. Middlebury College offers a variety of financial aid options to students who have secured admission. Some financial aid options include a tuition waiver, 100 percent need-based aid, and reduced loans. The university offers grants to talented students. Students can also participate in federal work-study jobs.
- Champlain College. Champlain College offers scholarships, grants, and loans to talented students with excellent academic backgrounds. Students can also work at the university. The college offered scholarship funds to about 95 percent of its students in the past. Students have used these funds to pay their educational costs.
- Norwich University. Norwich University offers several merit scholarships, including Presidential Scholarships of up to $120,000, Provost Scholarships of up to $108,000, and Trustee Scholarships of up to $104,000. The university also offers grants and legacy awards of up to $20,000.
Universities in Vermont That Provide Financial Aid to Out-of-State Students
- University of Vermont. UVM offers aid dependent on your financial need. The aid is given in the form of scholarships, loans, or work-study. The university also offers aid that isn’t need-based, including federal or private loans. Exceptionally talented students are also eligible for merit-based aid.
- Northern Vermont University. NVU offers scholarships for residents of Vermont and out-of-state students alike. If your family member or sibling is already attending NVU, then you are also eligible for a discount. Students can also apply for Federal Direct PLUS Loan Programs to pay for college.
- Castleton University. Almost 80 percent of students at Castleton receive financial aid. Some of the scholarship programs include the Welcome Home and Critical Occupations Scholarships.
How to Apply For Financial Aid and Scholarships for Vermont State Universities
- The first step to securing financial aid is to apply to your chosen program.
- While filling out the application, fill out the form for financial aid.
- Many universities offer financial aid after they admit you.
- Before applying, make sure you sign up for an FSA ID and start a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Submit your FAFSA application. Don’t forget to include the schools you want to receive financial aid from.
- Early application may increase your chances of receiving financial aid.
- Speak with the financial aid office to understand your options.
- Review your student aid report and keep in touch with the university.
- The university will notify you of the awarded financial aid options.
- Accept the award letter.
- If you don’t get your desired financial aid, speak to the university counselor to talk about your options.
Demographics of Universities in Vermont
White students make up most of the student population at universities in Vermont, according to NCES. In contrast, Hispanic students constitute less than 6 percent, and African American students make up less than 4 percent of the student population. Pacific Islanders and Native Americans have the least representation. Here’s detailed demographic data from NCES.
Diversity Statistics for Universities in Vermont
- White: 83.1%
- Black: 3.8%
- Hispanic: 5.9%
- Asian: 3.0%
- Pacific Islander: 0.1%
- American Indian: 0.3%
- Two or More Races: 3.8%
Vermont Employment Outlook for University Students
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Vermont has reported an increase in civilian labor force. This means it is an ideal place to work. Further, Vermont has an unemployment rate of 3.1 percent as of June 2022, according to household data. The rate is less than the national average in the US and suggests a positive employment outlook in Vermont.
Most Vermont residents are employed in construction, financial activities, information technology, hospitality, business services, and manufacturing, as per a BLS estimate. A degree from any university in Vermont can also prepare you for an advanced degree from a prestigious university in the US.
5 In-Demand Vermont Jobs
According to the latest data from the Vermont government, industries that are hiring the most in the state include construction, healthcare, and manufacturing. However, a degree from Vermont universities can help you land a job in any state.
Here’s a list of the best jobs you can get after you graduate. We’ve detailed the job outlook and the best degree program for each job.
Is a University in Vermont Right for You?
Yes, a university in Vermont is right for you if you want to study at a small college. Vermont has some amazing universities for liberal arts, nursing, and engineering. Most universities offer financial aid options and many other student career services to help you land a job.
Many universities, like Middlebury College and the University of Vermont, also offer 100 percent online programs. However, universities in Vermont aren’t best suited for someone who’s looking to get a degree from a prestigious institution in the US. Further, many universities in Vermont do not have doctoral degree programs.
How to Get Into the Best Colleges and Universities
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Best Universities in Vermont FAQ
The most prestigious college in Vermont is Middlebury College. It can be hard to get into, but if you do, Middlebury guarantees you a high-quality education with some of the best faculty in the state. It is called the Harvard of Vermont due to its good facilities for research and a high potential for personal growth.
No, Vermont does not have any Ivy League schools. However, the University of Vermont is considered a Public Ivy institution, meaning it has an Ivy League-quality education. It is a top research institution that offers several high-quality programs.
The University of Vermont is known for being a Public Ivy institution and enjoys a stature similar to the revered Ivy League schools in terms of education, faculty, and research facilities. It now ranks among the top 100 public research universities.
Yes, Champlain College is good. It ranks highly on the Regional Universities North and 11 on the Best Undergraduate Teaching list in US News & World Report. Champlain College has state-of-the-art labs and Centers of Experience, which are built for innovation, collaboration, and experiential learning. It is a good university to consider for your studies.
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