Best Online Colleges in Vermont

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.