Best
Colleges in Vermont in 2027

Business Administration

Studying business administration in Vermont combines practical management skills with the state's close-knit academic setting. Typical courses include accounting, finance, marketing, economics, business law, organizational behavior, data analysis, and strategic management. Students can explore programs at the University of Vermont, Champlain College, Norwich University, and Vermont State University. Graduates commonly pursue roles such as business analyst, marketing coordinator, accountant, human resources specialist, sales representative, or operations manager in companies, nonprofits, government agencies, and entrepreneurial ventures.

Psychology

Studying psychology in Vermont combines classroom learning with research and community-based perspectives. Programs commonly cover developmental psychology, cognitive processes, social behavior, statistics, research methods, neuroscience, and abnormal psychology. Students may gain experience through laboratories, internships, or local service organizations. Popular options include the University of Vermont, Middlebury College, Bennington College, Champlain College, and Saint Michael's College. Graduates often pursue roles in human services, behavioral health support, research assistance, case management, or counseling after additional training.

Computer Science

Studying computer science in Vermont combines programming and theory with close-knit campus communities and access to recreation. Typical coursework includes programming languages, data structures, algorithms, databases, operating systems, cybersecurity, and artificial intelligence. Students build skills through projects, internships, and research. Popular Vermont options include the University of Vermont, Middlebury College, Champlain College, Norwich University, and Vermont State University. Graduates pursue careers as software developers, systems analysts, data analysts, cybersecurity specialists, or web developers.

Counseling

Studying a counseling program in Vermont can prepare students to support individuals, families, and communities. Typical coursework includes counseling theories, ethics, human development, assessment, multicultural counseling, group work, and supervised clinical practice. Graduates may pursue roles such as mental health counselor, school counselor, substance use counselor, or career counselor, depending on degree and licensure requirements. Vermont study options include the University of Vermont, Saint Michael's College, and Vermont State University, where program offerings and areas of focus may differ.

Nursing

Studying nursing in Vermont combines classroom learning with clinical experience in hospitals and community settings. Typical courses include anatomy and physiology, microbiology, pharmacology, nursing fundamentals, health assessment, mental health, and public health. Programs may also cover ethics and evidence-based practice. Popular options include the University of Vermont, Norwich University, and Vermont State University. Graduates commonly pursue registered nurse roles in hospitals, clinics, long-term care facilities, schools, or community health organizations, with opportunities to specialize later.

Best Colleges in Vermont Ranking Summary & Conclusions

• The median total cost of studying is $47,130 overall, compared with $66,596 at schools in the top 10%, a difference of $19,466.
• Financial aid reaches an average of 100% of students overall, compared with 62.33% at top-10% schools.
• The average acceptance rate is 62.33%. Schools receive an average of 6,517.22 applicants overall, while top-10% schools average 15,459.6 applicants. The median number of applicants is 1,561 men and 1,854 women.
• Average test scores are 1,390 on the SAT and 32 on the ACT.
• The average number of enrolled students is 3,360.67. Average enrollment is 281.78 men and 330.89 women.
• The average graduation rate is 62.33% overall and 81.4% at top-10% schools. The median graduation rate is 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 are schools for men and zero are schools for women.
• When choosing a college, compare total cost with financial-aid availability, and consider how admissions selectivity, test scores, enrollment, degree offerings, and graduation outcomes align with your needs. The higher costs and graduation rates at top-10% schools may be relevant, but weigh them alongside the financial-aid figures and your priorities.

How much does studying at a college in Vermont cost?

The average reported total cost of studying in Vermont is $46,695.40. For students considering the University of Vermont in Burlington, Middlebury College, or Norwich University, this statewide estimate is a practical first benchmark; your actual cost will depend on the institution, housing choice, and financial aid.

• Tuition and fees average $45,268.80.
• Room and board average $17,026.50.
• Books and supplies average $1,342.86.

Compare colleges before applying. At UVM in Burlington, on-campus housing can shape your budget; students living with family or sharing housing may spend differently. Vermont's close-knit campus communities are appealing, and financial aid may make a preferred school more attainable. Ask each financial-aid office for an estimate covering billed and indirect costs, and check whether grants or scholarships can lower what you pay. Treat these amounts as separate benchmarks: the category averages do not add up to the reported total, so they are not a single student's itemized bill.

How long does it take to finish college in Vermont?

In Vermont, a bachelor's degree typically takes four years of full-time study, while an associate degree usually takes two. At the University of Vermont in Burlington, Middlebury College, Champlain College, and Vermont State University, your timeline depends on major requirements, course availability, and whether you study full-time. The state's average graduation rate is 62.33%, indicating that many students complete their programs, though completion is not guaranteed; the average for the top 10% of schools is 81.4%. Rates average 59.89% for men and 64.67% for women. Students may finish sooner by bringing prior credits and planning courses early with an academic adviser early on.

• Bring AP, IB, or dual-enrollment credits to your Vermont college; accepted credits may shorten your degree.
• Take summer courses or heavier course loads when available, after checking prerequisites and financial aid effects.
• Ask about transfer pathways and accelerated programs, especially if you already have college or work-based credit.

Salary

After graduating from a college or university in Vermont, you can expect a median alumni salary of about $48,097. For graduates of schools in the top 10%, the median is about $54,206 - roughly $6,110 higher. These figures give you a useful starting point, though your earnings will depend on factors such as your field, experience, and location.

Vermont offers a range of college experiences, from the University of Vermont in Burlington and Middlebury College to Norwich University in Northfield and Champlain College in Burlington. As you compare schools, consider how each program fits your career goals and the opportunities it offers to build relevant experience.

• Your major and career path can make a meaningful difference in your earning potential.
• Internships, work experience, and professional connections can help you prepare for opportunities after graduation.
• Compare likely earnings with tuition and living costs to make a choice that feels financially manageable.

People also ask

What are the three biggest colleges in Vermont?

By overall student enrollment, the largest are generally the University of Vermont, Vermont State University, and Norwich University. Enrollment changes from year to year, and rankings can vary depending on whether online and graduate students are included.

1. University of Vermont in Burlington is the state's largest university, with a broad range of programs and a lively campus community.
2. Vermont State University serves students across several campuses and offers a wide mix of academic and career-focused programs.
3. Norwich University in Northfield is a private university known for its military and civilian student pathways.

How many colleges are there in Vermont?

Vermont has about 20 active colleges and universities. The exact count depends on what is included - for example, whether specialized schools, online institutions, or separate campuses within a university system are counted individually. For a prospective student, comparing programs and campus locations may be more useful than relying on a single statewide count.

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

University of Vermont is a public research university in Burlington, offering varied undergraduate programs and access to the cultural and outdoor life of Vermont. With 14,425 students, it is the largest school in this group. Its 79% graduation rate and 65% acceptance rate offer useful context. Total study cost is $42,724, while median alumni salary is $44,986. For in-state applicants comparing Vermont options, weigh those figures alongside program fit, housing, and personal expenses before choosing a degree path here.

Bennington College is a small private liberal arts college in Bennington, with a campus and an emphasis on individualized learning. Its enrollment of 873 means students may prefer a close-knit setting over a large university. The graduation rate is 71%, and acceptance rate is 45%. Total study cost is $65,398, the highest among these five schools, while median alumni salary is $25,815. Vermont residents should compare aid and living costs carefully, then consider whether its academic style suits their goals.

Norwich University is a private university in Northfield and the nation's oldest private military college, combining military traditions with civilian degree pathways. Its 3,234 students have access to a smaller campus environment than at UVM. Graduation is 60%, acceptance is 74%, total study cost is $46,860, and median alumni salary is $50,597. For Vermont applicants interested in leadership, service, or a structured campus culture, Norwich merits consideration. Compare program options, financial aid, and potential career outcomes before committing to this route.

Middlebury College is a private liberal arts college in Middlebury, offering a residential setting and a broad undergraduate education in a scenic Vermont town. Its enrollment is 2,691, making it a small option for students who value close campus community. The 91% graduation rate is the highest in this group, while its 11% acceptance rate signals strong selectivity. Total study cost is $67,100, and median alumni salary is $52,950. Applicants should assess affordability and admission fit carefully when considering Middlebury.

Vermont State University is a public university serving students across Vermont, with campus options that can support different academic and career interests. Its enrollment is 5,136, and the graduation rate is 47%. The acceptance rate is 82%, making admission more accessible than at several schools in this group. Total study cost is $20,688, lowest of the five, while median alumni salary is $50,196. Vermont students should confirm campus program availability, tuition residency rules, and aid details to estimate costs.