Best
Value Colleges in Vermont in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Vermont combines coursework with opportunities to connect with regional employers and small businesses. Courses often include accounting, economics, marketing, management, finance, business law, analytics, and entrepreneurship. Graduates may pursue roles such as marketing coordinator, human resources specialist, financial analyst, operations manager, or business owner. Vermont options include the University of Vermont, Champlain College, Norwich University, Saint Michael's College, and Vermont State University, whose campuses offer business administration programs and related study.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Vermont combines classroom learning with research. Programs cover developmental psychology, cognitive processes, social behavior, statistics, research methods, abnormal psychology, and counseling foundations. Students may gain laboratory experience and explore local mental health services. Popular options include the University of Vermont, Middlebury College, Champlain College, Saint Michael's College, and Bennington College. Graduates pursue roles in case management, human services, research assistance, or behavioral health support, while advanced clinical positions generally require graduate study.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Vermont combines programming fundamentals with hands-on problem-solving and close-knit campus communities. Typical coursework includes algorithms, data structures, software engineering, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Students build projects and gain experience through internships or research. Popular Vermont options include the University of Vermont, Middlebury College, Champlain College, and Norwich University. Graduates pursue roles as software developers, systems analysts, data scientists, cybersecurity analysts, or web developers across technology and business sectors.

Counseling

Studying counseling in Vermont typically combines psychology, human development, counseling theories, ethics, assessment, and supervised practice. Students may also study group counseling, multicultural issues, and substance use treatment. University of Vermont and Vermont State University are popular options for counseling study. Graduates commonly pursue work as licensed clinical mental health counselors, school counselors, substance-use counselors, or behavioral health specialists in schools, clinics, hospitals, and community agencies throughout the state, depending on their credentials and specialization.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Vermont offers pathways from associate and bachelor's programs to advanced degrees. Courses commonly cover anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, health assessment, nursing fundamentals, pediatrics, mental health, and community health, alongside clinical practice. Graduates may work as registered nurses in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, schools, or public health settings; others pursue specialty or graduate study. Vermont options include the University of Vermont, Norwich University, and Vermont State University, with program levels varying.

Best Colleges in Vermont Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is 47,130, compared with 66,596 at schools in the top 10%, a difference of 19,466.
• An average of 100% of students receive financial aid overall, versus 62.33% at top 10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 62.33%. Schools receive an average of 6,517.22 applicants, compared with 15,459.6 applicants at top 10% schools.
• The median number of applicants is 1,561 men and 1,854 women.
• The average SAT score is 1,390, and the average ACT score is 32.
• The average number of enrolled students is 3,360.67, including averages of 281.78 enrolled men and 330.89 enrolled women.
• The average graduation rate is 62.33%, compared with 81.4% at top 10% schools. Median graduation rates are 64% for men and 68% for women.
• Five institutions offer associate's degrees, nine offer bachelor's degrees, 10 offer master's degrees, and three offer doctor's degrees.
• Nine schools are coeducational; zero schools are for men and zero are for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost and financial aid alongside admissions measures such as acceptance rates and applicant numbers. Also consider test scores, enrollment and graduation figures, and whether the institution offers the degree level you want. The overall and top 10% figures differ for cost, aid, applicant volume, and graduation rate, so weigh those factors against your own priorities.

How much does studying at a college in Vermont cost?

The average reported total cost of studying in Vermont is $46,695.40, a useful benchmark when planning for a degree. The figures do not specify whether this represents one academic year or an entire program, so confirm the time period and your chosen college's bill before budgeting.

• Average tuition and fees: $45,268.80
• Average room and board: $17,026.50
• Average books and supplies: $1,342.86

These costs are reported as separate averages, so they should not be added to the total as though they necessarily describe the same student or cost period. Vermont students can compare well-known options such as the University of Vermont and Champlain College in Burlington, or Middlebury College. Ask each school for an estimate covering housing, books, financial aid, and program-specific charges. Your actual degree cost depends on your college, course load, living arrangement, and aid, so treat $46,695.40 as a planning reference, not a guaranteed bill for your degree in Vermont today.

How long does it take to finish college in Vermont?

Most full-time students can plan on about four years for a bachelor's degree and about two years for an associate degree, though lab-intensive majors, clinical placements, or changing programs can extend the timeline. In Vermont, prospective students at the University of Vermont, Middlebury College, or Vermont State University should compare degree maps and required course schedules early.

The average graduation rate is 62.33%, compared with 81.4% at schools in the top 10%; finishing is achievable, but not automatic. Rates average 59.89% for men and 64.67% for women, underscoring the value of advising, financial planning, and steady credit progress.

You may finish sooner by bringing AP or dual-enrollment credits, transferring eligible coursework, taking summer classes, or choosing an accelerated sequence. Ask Vermont colleges how credits apply to your major, and confirm required courses run often enough to keep you on track. A plan can save time while making college feel manageable and rewarding.

Salary

Graduates of colleges and universities in Vermont have a median alumni salary of about $48,097. For graduates of schools in the top 10% by alumni salary, the median is about $54,206 - a promising benchmark as you plan your next step after college.

These figures are broad benchmarks, not guaranteed starting salaries or school-specific estimates. What you earn can vary with your field, experience, and location. Whether you study at the University of Vermont, Middlebury College, or Champlain College, comparing programs and career opportunities in your intended field can help you make the most of your degree.

People also ask

What college in Vermont has the lowest tuition?

For Vermont residents seeking undergraduate study, Community College of Vermont (CCV) is a strong candidate for the lowest-cost option. Its community-college tuition is charged by credit, so your total depends on how many courses you take; fees and financial aid also affect the final bill. Check CCV's current rates and compare your full costs before enrolling.

What are Tier 1 schools in Vermont?

"Tier 1" does not have one universal definition for colleges. If you mean universities classified as R1 for very high research activity under the Carnegie system, the University of Vermont is Vermont's Tier 1 example. If you mean a ranking or admissions tier, the answer may differ, so check how that source defines its categories.

Top 5 Colleges in the Best Value Colleges Ranking in Vermont Ranking in 2026-2027

University of Vermont is Vermont's flagship public research university, based in Burlington, offering a broad range of undergraduate study in a lively college-city setting. Its 14,425 enrolled students create the largest campus community among these five choices. The reported graduation rate is 79%, and acceptance rate is 65%. Total study cost is $42,724, with median alumni salary of $44,986. For Vermont residents seeking research opportunities, outdoor access, and a substantial campus network, UVM is a prominent in-state option for degree-seekers.

Bennington College is a private liberal arts college in southern Vermont, known for an individualized, student-directed approach to learning and faculty engagement. Its 873 enrolled students make it the smallest institution in this group, which appeals to students seeking a close-knit campus. The graduation rate is 71%, while the acceptance rate is 45%. Total study cost is $65,398, and median alumni salary is $25,815. Vermont students considering creative, interdisciplinary study should weigh its intimate setting against its comparatively high cost.

Vermont State University is a public institution serving students across Vermont, with campuses and learning sites that offer a more regionally connected alternative to Burlington or a small residential college. Its 5,136 enrolled students provide a mid-sized community. The reported graduation rate is 47%, and acceptance rate is 82%. Total study cost is $20,688, the lowest among these five schools, while median alumni salary is $50,196. For Vermont degree-seekers prioritizing affordability and in-state access, it merits close consideration, especially locally.

Norwich University, located in Northfield, is a private institution with a distinctive military heritage and a structured campus culture; it also serves students through civilian academic pathways. Enrollment is 3,234. Its reported graduation rate is 60%, with a 74% acceptance rate. Total study cost is $46,860, and median alumni salary is $50,597. For Vermont students drawn to leadership, service, or a disciplined residential experience, Norwich offers an in-state choice with a strong identity and outcomes worth comparing with other colleges.

Middlebury College is a private liberal arts college in the town of Middlebury, known for rigorous academics, close faculty interaction, and a scenic rural Vermont setting. Its 2,691 enrolled students support a campus community. The reported graduation rate is 91%, the highest in this group, while acceptance is 11%, making admission highly selective. Total study cost is $67,100, and median alumni salary is $52,950. For students seeking an academically intensive Vermont experience, Middlebury pairs completion figures with the highest cost.