Best Colleges in Vermont 2024

Badge for BEST IN VERMONT COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES
By Dr. James Barham
Published:
Updated:

Here are the best colleges and universities in Vermont. Our list will help you find the right kind of school for you.

Best Community Colleges in Vermont 2024

  1. University of Vermont
    • Most Popular Degrees: Biology, History, and Political Science
  2. Bennington College
    • Most Popular Degrees: Literature, Sociology, and Philosophy
  3. Middlebury College
    • Most Popular Degrees: Literature, Political Science, and Education
  4. Norwich University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Engineering, Political Science, and Earth Sciences
  5. Saint Michael’s College
    • Most Popular Degrees: Biology, Mathematics, and Political Science
  6. Champlain College
    • Most Popular Degrees: Business, Computer Science, and Communications
  7. Vermont Technical College
    • Most Popular Degrees: Nursing, Engineering, and Medical
  8. Landmark College
    • Most Popular Degrees: Education, Communications, and Computer Science
  9. Sterling College
    • Most Popular Degrees: Education
  10. Castleton University
    • Most Popular Degrees: Nursing, Communications, and Earth Sciences

Best Colleges in Vermont 2023

  1. #1

    University of Vermont

    Burlington , VT
    #1 Best Public Colleges in Vermont 2024 #1 Best Research Universities in Vermont 2024 #1 Best Grad Schools in Vermont 2025 #1 Most Affordable Colleges in Vermont 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $19K

    Acceptance

    60%

    Graduation

    76%

    Student body

    16K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1345/30

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Vermont

    Cost of Degree: $18,890
    Expenses: $17,079
    Starting Salary: $55,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    University of Vermont (UVM), one of the original eight Public Ivies, is a research university that is large enough to offer a wide range of resources, ideas, and opportunities but scaled to allow for close faculty-student mentorship at all degree levels.

    What we love about UVM:

    As a public land-grant research institution, UVM is nationally recognized for its efforts in addressing ways to improve the world.

    UVM is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for universities with a great track record of student success - at least 94% of graduates were employed or accepted in graduate school within six months after completing their program at UVM.

    UVM might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are not comfortable in a small campus community and close faculty-student interaction.

    University of Vermont’s Online Degrees

    BS in Health Science
    • Required Credits: 120
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    Bennington College

    Bennington , VT
    #2 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #2 Best Small Colleges in Vermont 2024 #2 Best Private Colleges in Vermont 2024 #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Vermont 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $61K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    69%

    Student body

    <1K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1315/31

    Career Outlook for degree at Bennington College

    Cost of Degree: $61,448
    Expenses: $21,520
    Starting Salary: $38,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 24 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Bennington College, a private liberal arts college, is committed to providing student-led education that fosters long-term adaptability, personal fulfillment, and societal impact.

    What we love about Bennington College:

    Based on a five-year average, 93% of Bennington graduates were employed or accepted in graduate school within six months after their graduation.

    Bennington College is ideal for students who:

    Want to pursue a career in communications, public service, education, performing and visual arts, or healthcare.

    Bennington College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Find small class sizes too intimidating or intrusive, as faculty members can keep a close eye on the progress of each student.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    Middlebury College

    Middlebury , VT
    #1 Best Small Colleges in Vermont 2024 #1 Best Private Colleges in Vermont 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Vermont 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $62K

    Acceptance

    13%

    Graduation

    94%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1482/34

    Career Outlook for degree at Middlebury College

    Cost of Degree: $62,460
    Expenses: $19,800
    Starting Salary: $71,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Middlebury College is a private, residential liberal arts institution that prepares students for the world’s challenging problems by creating a academically strong campus community and fostering engaging discourse.

    What we love about Middlebury College:

    The institution is a well-recognized leader in global studies and language instruction.

    Middlebury College is ideal for students who:

    Intend to pursue a career in the field of international studies or environmental studies.

    Middlebury College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are not into sports, as 28% of UVM students participate in varsity sports.

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Norwich University

    Northfield , VT
    #4 Best Small Colleges in Vermont 2024 #4 Best Private Colleges in Vermont 2024 #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Vermont 2024 #1 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Vermont
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $45K

    Acceptance

    83%

    Graduation

    61%

    Student body

    5K

    Career Outlook for degree at Norwich University

    Cost of Degree: $45,340
    Expenses: $20,060
    Starting Salary: $57,100
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Founded in 1819, Norwich University is the country’s private senior military college and is recognized as the “Birthplace of ROTC” by the U.S. Department of Defense.

    What we love about Norwich University:

    With experiential learning as its core value, the University offers more than 250 internships complemented by hundreds of extracurricular opportunities with clubs, varsity teams, and volunteerism.

    Norwich University is ideal for students who:

    Want to pursue a career in the fields of military science or civil engineering.

    Norwich University might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer a laid-back approach to pursuing their academic goals without the strict discipline and constant challenges of a military-style learning environment.

    Compare school
  5. #5

    Saint Michael's College

    Colchester , VT
    #1 Best Christian Colleges in Vermont 2025 #5 Best Small Colleges in Vermont 2024 #5 Best Private Colleges in Vermont 2024 #5 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $50K

    Acceptance

    85%

    Graduation

    74%

    Student body

    2K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1237/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Saint Michael's College

    Cost of Degree: $49,840
    Expenses: $17,672
    Starting Salary: $57,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Saint Michael’s College is a private residential Roman Catholic institution and the only college in the world affiliated with the Society of Saint Edmund.

    What we love about Saint Michael’s College:

    As an Edmundite college, Saint Michael’s upholds “faith in action,” which essentially encourages students to participate in service.

    Saint Michael’s College is ideal for students who:

    Are seeking an academic environment that promotes inclusivity, care, hospitality, and social justice.

    Saint Michael’s College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are not as interested in a vibrant student life.

    Compare school
  7. #6

    Champlain College

    Burlington , VT
    #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #6 Best Small Colleges in Vermont 2024 #6 Best Private Colleges in Vermont 2024 #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Vermont 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $44K

    Acceptance

    56%

    Graduation

    64%

    Student body

    5K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1255/29

    Career Outlook for degree at Champlain College

    Cost of Degree: $44,220
    Expenses: $19,790
    Starting Salary: $54,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 18 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Champlain College is a non-profit, private institution that implements a career-driven approach in its curricula and teaching methods in order to equip students for success in their professional lives as early as their first semester.

    What we love about Champlain College:

    The College is consistently recognized as the Most Innovative School in the regional rankings of U.S. News & World Report and other relevant organizations.

    Champlain College is ideal for students who:

    Are looking for career-focused undergraduate academic programs that are updated to suit the needs of the modern workforce.

    Champlain College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Thrive on a larger class size of at least 30 students.

    Compare school
  8. #7

    Vermont Technical College

    Randolph , VT
    #2 Best Public Colleges in Vermont 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Vermont 2024 #7 Best Small Colleges in Vermont 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Vermont 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    50%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Vermont Technical College

    Cost of Degree: $15,546
    Expenses: $15,654
    Starting Salary: $45,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Vermont Technical College, now merged with other colleges into Vermont State University (VTSU), offers more than 105 academic programs in various fields that incorporate classroom and experiential education at affordable tuition rates.

    What we love about VTSU:

    The University has several campuses across the state that allow for online/hybrid options and cross-campus collaborations so that students can gain access to a network of learning opportunities wherever they are.

    VTSU is ideal for students who:

    Aspire to be student-athletes, as the university supports varsity sports programs on its campuses.

    VTSU might not be the best fit for students who:

    Find a low student-faculty ratio to be too intimidating or intrusive.

    Compare school
  9. #8

    Landmark College

    Putney , VT
    #7 Best Private Colleges in Vermont 2024 #10 Best Small Colleges in Vermont 2024 #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Vermont 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $63K

    Acceptance

    45%

    Graduation

    34%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Landmark College

    Cost of Degree: $62,720
    Expenses: $19,460
    Starting Salary: $31,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 27 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary

    Landmark College is a private institution of higher education for students who are differently-abled learners, such as those with ADHD, dyslexia, autism and executive function challenges. It offers a range of liberal arts and science academic programs at associate and bachelor’s degree levels with optional concentrations and minors. Online programs are also available.

    What we love about Landmark College:

    The College offers academic programs that allow students to engage in self- discovery and develop the learning skills/techniques to pursue career-oriented studies.

    Landmark College is ideal for students who:

    Are pursuing academic and professional goals while not letting their learning disability condition get in the way.

    Landmark College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Are looking for more affordable tuition rates.

    Compare school
  10. #9

    Sterling College

    Craftsbury Common , VT
    #8 Best Private Colleges in Vermont 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $39K

    Acceptance

    93%

    Graduation

    30%

    Student body

    <1K

    Sterling College in Craftsbury, Vermont, is a private work college offering environmentally-focused academic programs in the field of Environmental Studies.

    What we love about Sterling College:

    The College provides liberal arts education that utilizes the natural surroundings as classrooms, fostering sustainable and socially responsible living.

    Sterling College is ideal for students who:

    Love the outdoors with a passion for the fields of Environmental Humanities, Ecology, Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems, and Outdoor Education.

    Sterling College might not be the best fit for students who:

    Prefer the traditional post-secondary academic curriculum with minimal experiential learning opportunities.

    Compare school
  11. #10

    Castleton University

    Castleton , VT
    #4 Best Public Colleges in Vermont 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Vermont 2024 #9 Best Small Colleges in Vermont 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Vermont 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1090/24

    Career Outlook for degree at Castleton University

    Cost of Degree: $13,078
    Expenses: $14,808
    Starting Salary: $40,800
    Cost Recoup Time: 13 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Castleton University known for?

    Castleton University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  13. #11

    Goddard College

    Plainfield , VT
    #2 Most Affordable Colleges in Vermont 2024 #3 Best Small Colleges in Vermont 2024 #3 Best Private Colleges in Vermont 2024 #3 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Vermont 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $18K

    Acceptance

    86%

    Graduation

    57%

    Student body

    <1K

    Career Outlook for degree at Goddard College

    Cost of Degree: $18,477
    Expenses: $3,934
    Starting Salary: $39,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Goddard College known for?

    Goddard College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school
  14. #12

    Johnson State College

    Johnson , VT
    #3 Best Public Colleges in Vermont 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Vermont 2024 #8 Best Small Colleges in Vermont 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Vermont 2024
    Other Rankings

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    73%

    Graduation

    38%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Johnson State College

    Cost of Degree: $12,804
    Expenses: $15,154
    Starting Salary: $35,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 14 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Johnson State College known for?

    Johnson State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    Compare school

This list of the top colleges in Vermont focuses on schools that offer bachelor’s degrees. The ranking features fully accredited public and private colleges and universities in Vermont.

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Vermont’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest

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2021 Ranking Archive

Many of our 2024 undergraduate focused rankings look considerably different than 2023. That’s because we took a fundamentally different approach. For 2024 we utilized our Concentrated Influence algorithm, designed to take away the size advantage larger schools have when we rank their faculty and alumni’s academic influence. Concentrated influence highlights smaller schools that are proportionally as successful as larger universities at cultivating influential alumni and faculty.

  1. Bennington College
  2. Middlebury College
  3. Goddard College
  4. University of Vermont
  5. Saint Michael's College
  6. Norwich University
  7. Champlain College
  8. Sterling College

Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges

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