Best Online Colleges in Vermont
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Online learning gives students the opportunity to pursue postsecondary programs nationwide. There are many benefits to selecting an online college in a specific region or state.
Cost is one of the most significant factors that may draw students to a particular state. In Vermont, state residents have access to comparatively affordable in-state tuition and financial aid opportunities. In fact, select state residents can earn credits tuition-free.
Vermont's largest industries include hospitality, forestry, manufacturing, and agriculture. For this reason, Vermont-based institutions may be especially appealing for students pursuing hospitality management and agricultural or environmental science degrees.
Students have the chance to network with local industry leaders. They can also pursue in-demand internships or jobs in these specialized fields.
Top Degree Programs in Vermont
Vermont Employment Outlook
Vermont is a largely rural state with a comparatively small population and economy. In November 2021, Vermont's unemployment rate was 2.6%, significantly lower than the national average of 4.2%.
The state's largest employers include primary and secondary schools, healthcare facilities, postsecondary institutions, hospitality services, and services for older adults and patients with disabilities.
Job seekers in Vermont can pursue in-demand careers in medical fields as nurse practitioners, veterinary technicians, occupational therapy assistants, and respiratory therapists.
For those interested in technology-centered fields, they may apply for jobs as information security analysts and software developers. Data analysis occupations include roles as statisticians, actuaries, or market research analysts.
5 Vermont Jobs in Demand for 2022
Information Security Analysts
These professionals specialize in designing, installing, and repairing security software to protect files and networks. Often, they check systems for potential security breaches and eliminate viruses. According to the Vermont Department of Labor's 2018-2028 projections, this role is the state's fastest-growing tech occupation.
- U.S. Median Annual Salary (as of 2020): $85,530
- Job Growth Projection: 27% projected increase from 2018-2028
Nurse Practitioners
These medical professionals work alongside doctors, nurses, and nurses' aides to deliver preliminary medical care. They may administer diagnostic tests, interpret test results, record patients' health histories, promote good health practices, and prescribe medications. These individuals must typically supplement an undergraduate background in nursing with a graduate degree.
- U.S. Median Annual Salary: $105,930
- Job Growth Projection: 17% projected increase from 2018-2028
Veterinary Technologists and Technicians
These professionals assist veterinarians by performing diagnostic tests and various treatment procedures on animals. Typical duties may include preparing vaccines, taking blood samples, sterilizing equipment, maintaining patients' medical history, and handling animals during examinations or surgical procedures.
- U.S. Median Annual Salary (as of 2020): $35,090
- Job Growth Projection: 21% projected increase from 2018-2028
Software Developers, Applications
These professionals specialize in application development design and installing computer software and databases. In this role, they must account for consumers' needs and maximize program efficiency. They may collaborate with other developers during the design process or supervise assisting programmers.
- U.S. Median Annual Salary: $97,440
- Job Growth Projection: 25% projected increase from 2018-2028
Respiratory Therapists
These professionals treat patients with respiratory ailments, such as cystic fibrosis or emphysema. They may develop treatment strategies, administer therapies like chest physiotherapy, use specialized equipment, and examine blood samples to assess oxygen levels. They may supervise respiratory therapy technicians and update medical records.
- U.S. Median Annual Salary (as of 2020): $63,630
- Job Growth Projection: 20% projected increase from 2018-2028
Popular Career Paths in Vermont
Best Accredited Community Colleges in Vermont
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Best Community Colleges in Vermont
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Norwich UniversityLocation
Northfield, VT
Tuition$23801
Graduation Rate59%
Established in 1819, Norwich University is the oldest military college in the country. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense as the birthplace of the ROTC, Norwich has a long history of providing its students with military-science training and leadership development.
Norwich also stands out as one of the best online colleges in Vermont. The university offers asynchronous bachelor's completion programs, master's degrees, graduate-level certificates, and non-credit professional development certificates. Programs are available in a variety of disciplines, including national security studies, nursing, diplomacy, public administration, and criminal justice. Students enrolled in a bachelor's completion program can transfer up to 90 credits and graduate in as little as two years. Norwich offers several start dates each year.
Admission requirements vary by student status and program selection, but all students should be prepared to supply transcripts, a letter of intent, and a resume. Online tuition costs are not impacted by state residency. Active military personnel pay a discounted tuition rate.
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Champlain CollegeLocation
Burlington, VT
Tuition$37566
Graduation Rate60%
Champlain College is a private college located in Burlington, with satellite campuses in Canada and Ireland. Champlain offers an interdisciplinary, career-driven approach to education, serving more than 2,000 undergraduates each year.
Diverse program options, accelerated pacing, generous transfer policies, and individual support help make Champlain one of the best online colleges in Vermont for students seeking professional advancement. Asynchronous program options include more than 40 certificates as well as four associate, 12 bachelor's, and six master's degrees. Dozens of available fields of study include accounting, business management, web design, and healthcare administration.
Class sizes are kept small to maximize personal attention. Additionally, teams of instructors, academic counselors, and career advisors are available to every student.
A minimum 2.5 GPA is recommended for undergraduate and graduate applicants. All online students pay the same per-credit tuition rate, regardless of state residency. Active-duty military members can enroll at a reduced cost.
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Vermont Technical CollegeLocation
Randolph Center, VT
Tuition$19610
Graduation Rate52%
Headquartered on 554 acres in Randolph Center, Vermont Technical College serves approximately 1,500 students each year at 13 campus locations. The school is one of the best online colleges in Vermont. This public institution offers small class sizes, applied learning, and personal support.
Vermont Tech oversees two fully online degree completion programs, leading to a bachelor of science in dental hygiene or nursing. Designed for professionals who already hold an associate degree and/or RN licensure, each of these online programs can be completed in two years. In addition to coursework, BSN students must complete 225 hours of precepted clinical experiences in a local setting.
Prospective transfer students must complete an application and submit official transcripts and a 250-500-word personal essay. Out-of-state students enrolled exclusively in online courses pay the same per-credit tuition rate as Vermont residents.
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Northern Vermont UniversityLocation
Lyndonville, VT
Tuition$13304
Graduation Rate43%
Established in 2018 by the unification of Johnson State College and Lyndon State College, Northern Vermont University operates two major campuses with distinct identities. The school also serves as one of the best online colleges in Vermont. This public institution enrolls approximately 1,200 students each year.
Distance learners can choose from 12 fully online undergraduate programs, including two certificate tracks, three associate pathways, and seven bachelor's programs. Available areas of study include accounting, business administration, criminal justice, and psychology. Those looking for additional flexibility may select a bachelor's in interdisciplinary or professional studies, both of which allow for a self-designed curriculum. NVU also offers an online master's in leadership studies and a hybrid bachelor's in early childhood education.
NVU accepts applications on a rolling basis, with start dates in the fall, spring, and summer. Admission requires a minimum 2.0 GPA. All online students -- except those in the early childhood education program -- pay a flat, per-credit tuition rate.
Frequently Asked Questions About Community Colleges in Vermont
How many online colleges are in Vermont?
As in all states, options for online learning continue to grow at Vermont-based colleges. Online colleges in Vermont offer professional certificates, as well as associate, bachelor's, and graduate degree programs. Currently, more than 18 postsecondary institutions in this state offer fully remote and/or hybrid programs.
Does Vermont have good online colleges?
Vermont has a number of excellent colleges, and some of the state's best colleges offer fully remote and hybrid degree programs.
The best online colleges in Vermont offer flexible and affordable learning options and abundant student-support infrastructures. These student services can help deliver positive academic and career outcomes. Vermont's has ranked among the most educated states in the country.
How much does it cost to go to college online in Vermont?
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, in-state tuition and fees, including room and board, at Vermont's public colleges and universities averaged around $28,700 in 2018-2019. This is among the highest in the country. Tuition is usually significantly higher for out-of-state learners and students attending private colleges.
However, numerous online colleges in Vermont offer more affordable programs, especially for in-state learners. Remote learners are typically spared costs like room and board and student activity fees. Grants, scholarships, and financial aid can also help reduce costs for qualifying students.
What is the cheapest online college in Vermont?
Although the true cost of tuition can be expensive, several online colleges in Vermont offer comparatively inexpensive tuition, even for out-of-state students.
For the 2021-2022 academic year, tuition costs at the Community College of Vermont are $280 per credit for in-state students and $560 per credit for out-of-state students.
For 100% online undergraduate learners, Northern Vermont University charges $355 per credit. For tuition in its online degree programs, Vermont Technical College charges $613 per credit to both in-state undergraduate students and out-of-state undergraduates.
Who qualifies for free college in Vermont?
Select students can earn college credits or receive college degrees tuition-free in Vermont. For example, some colleges offer degree completion scholarship programs for state residents with unfinished degrees. Those with 40 or more existing credits may be able to earn up to 30 college credits for free.
Through the Critical Occupations Free Tuition Program, institutions like the Community College of Vermont offer select degrees and certificates that correspond with in-demand fields like nursing, graphic design, and early childhood education. Many of these degree programs can be completed entirely online, depending on the institution.