10 Best Colleges in Vermont

Staff Writers
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Updated on October 30, 2024
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The higher education experts at BestColleges have reviewed the top 4-year colleges in Vermont. Start planning your future at BestColleges.

Compared to other U.S. states, Vermont is small in size and population. However, a low 2.2% unemployment rate (as of March 2024) makes it easier for residents to handle the cost of living, which is slightly higher than the national average. One way Vermonters can better afford their above-average housing and transportation costs is by pursuing a college degree. Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) shows a clear correlation between educational attainment and income level.

Best Colleges in Vermont

#1 10 Best Colleges in Vermont

Middlebury College

  • Location-markerMiddlebury, VT
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$62,000
  • Out-of-state$62,000
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$14,550
  • Out-of-state$14,550
  • Retention Rate95%
  • Acceptance Rate13%
  • Students Enrolled2,843
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment2%
  • AccreditationYes
#2 10 Best Colleges in Vermont

University of Vermont

  • Location-markerBurlington, VT
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$16,392
  • Out-of-state$41,280
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$12,204
  • Out-of-state$30,960
  • Retention Rate88%
  • Acceptance Rate60%
  • Students Enrolled14,320
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment27%
  • AccreditationYes
#3 10 Best Colleges in Vermont

Bennington College

  • Location-markerBennington, VT
  • 2 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$60,648
  • Out-of-state$60,648
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$24,617
  • Out-of-state$24,617
  • Retention Rate85%
  • Acceptance Rate48%
  • Students Enrolled873
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment32%
  • AccreditationYes
#4 10 Best Colleges in Vermont

Saint Michael's College

  • Location-markerColchester, VT
  • 2 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$47,640
  • Out-of-state$47,640
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,700
  • Out-of-state$11,700
  • Retention Rate84%
  • Acceptance Rate92%
  • Students Enrolled1,370
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment13%
  • AccreditationYes
#5 10 Best Colleges in Vermont

Norwich University

  • Location-markerNorthfield, VT
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$42,860
  • Out-of-state$42,860
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$20,280
  • Out-of-state$20,280
  • Retention Rate74%
  • Acceptance Rate83%
  • Students Enrolled3,363
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment37%
  • AccreditationYes
#6 10 Best Colleges in Vermont

Northern Vermont University

  • Location-markerJohnson, VT
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$11,592
  • Out-of-state$25,680
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,322
  • Out-of-state$16,488
  • Retention Rate68%
  • Acceptance Rate73%
  • Students Enrolled1,779
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment37%
  • AccreditationYes
#7 10 Best Colleges in Vermont

Landmark College

  • Location-markerPutney, VT
  • 4 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$62,720
  • Out-of-state$62,720
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-StateN/A
  • Out-of-stateN/A
  • Retention Rate57%
  • Acceptance Rate44%
  • Students Enrolled604
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment28%
  • AccreditationYes
#8 10 Best Colleges in Vermont

Castleton University

  • Location-markerCastleton, VT
  • 4 year
  • Campus
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$11,832
  • Out-of-state$28,800
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$11,916
  • Out-of-state$11,916
  • Retention Rate66%
  • Acceptance Rate81%
  • Students Enrolled2,363
  • Institution TypePublic
  • Percent Online Enrollment22%
  • AccreditationYes
#9 10 Best Colleges in Vermont

Champlain College

  • Location-markerBurlington, VT
  • 2 year
  • Campus + Online
Average Undergrad Tuition
  • In-State$43,800
  • Out-of-state$43,800
Average Graduate Tuition
  • In-State$14,310
  • Out-of-state$14,310
  • Retention Rate78%
  • Acceptance Rate66%
  • Students Enrolled2,228
  • Institution TypePrivate
  • Percent Online Enrollment57%
  • AccreditationYes

badge-checkHow We Rank Schools

At BestColleges, we believe a college education is one of the most important investments you can make. We help you navigate the college selection process by offering transparent, inclusive, and relevant school rankings.

We use datasets from trusted sources like the National Center for Education Statistics to inform the data for these schools and our methodologies. This ranking is from 2020. To learn more, check out our full ranking methodologies.

Vermont is home to respected public and private colleges, which offer degrees designed to support student’s personal and professional goals. According to the BLS, many college graduates in Vermont go on to find work as registered nurses, bookkeeping and accounting clerks, and elementary school teachers. Employment opportunities also abound in Vermont’s key industries, which include corporate services, information technology, life sciences, manufacturing, and supply chain management.

The following ranking provides a detailed look at each of the 10 best accredited colleges in the state. Topics covered include admission requirements; degree offerings; and notable, school-specific characteristics. Prospective students can use these summaries to help make better informed decisions about their school and program choices.

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