Best Colleges in Vermont 2024
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
- University of Vermont
- Most Popular Degrees: Biology, History, and Political Science
- Bennington College
- Most Popular Degrees: Literature, Sociology, and Philosophy
- Middlebury College
- Most Popular Degrees: Literature, Political Science, and Education
- Norwich University
- Most Popular Degrees: Engineering, Political Science, and Earth Sciences
- Saint Michael’s College
- Most Popular Degrees: Biology, Mathematics, and Political Science
- Champlain College
- Most Popular Degrees: Business, Computer Science, and Communications
- Vermont Technical College
- Most Popular Degrees: Nursing, Engineering, and Medical
- Landmark College
- Most Popular Degrees: Education, Communications, and Computer Science
- Sterling College
- Most Popular Degrees: Education
- Castleton University
- Most Popular Degrees: Nursing, Communications, and Earth Sciences
Best Colleges in Vermont 2023
- #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
- #2 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
- #1 Best Online Master's Programs in Vermont 2024
- #1 Best Online Colleges in Vermont 2024
- #3 Best Online Bachelor's in Cybersecurity in Vermont
- #4 Best Online Bachelor’s of Health Science Degree Programs Ranked for 2025
- #7 Best Online Master’s in Education
- #8 Best Online Master’s in Sustainability and Green Technologies 2025
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: $18,890Expenses: $17,079Starting Salary: $55,200Cost Recoup Time: 12 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryUniversity 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
- #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
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: $61,448Expenses: $21,520Starting Salary: $38,400Cost Recoup Time: 24 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryBennington 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.
- #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
- #2 Best Grad Schools in Vermont 2025
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #10 Best Colleges and Universities for Political Science Degrees
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degrees 2025
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #15 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees 2025
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees 2025
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2025
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees 2025
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #17 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees 2025
- #20 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees 2025
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: $62,460Expenses: $19,800Starting Salary: $71,900Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryMiddlebury 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.
- #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: $45,340Expenses: $20,060Starting Salary: $57,100Cost Recoup Time: 17 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryFounded 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.
- #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
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: $49,840Expenses: $17,672Starting Salary: $57,800Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salarySaint 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.
- #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: $44,220Expenses: $19,790Starting Salary: $54,400Cost Recoup Time: 18 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryChamplain 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.
- #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: $15,546Expenses: $15,654Starting Salary: $45,900Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryVermont 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.
- #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: $62,720Expenses: $19,460Starting Salary: $31,800Cost Recoup Time: 27 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryLandmark 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.
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.
- #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: $13,078Expenses: $14,808Starting Salary: $40,800Cost Recoup Time: 13 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Castleton University known for?
Castleton University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #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: $18,477Expenses: $3,934Starting Salary: $39,700Cost Recoup Time: 11 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Goddard College known for?
Goddard College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Most Influential Alumni
- #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: $12,804Expenses: $15,154Starting Salary: $35,600Cost Recoup Time: 14 yearsPaid back at 15% of annual salaryWhat is Johnson State College known for?
Johnson State College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Anthropology
- Communications
- Psychology
- Sociology
- History
- Education
- Political Science
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
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.
Vermont’s Best Colleges in Your Area of Interest
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.
Related: Differences between research universities and teaching colleges