Best Public Colleges in Vermont 2024

Badge for BEST IN VERMONT PUBLIC COLLEGES
By Dr. James Barham
Updated:

Public colleges and universities account for almost 75 percent of all undergraduate students in the U.S. The best public colleges in Vermont provide broad access to reputable degree programs, affordable tuition, and sprawling educational communities.

Best Public Colleges in Vermont

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  1. University of Vermont
  2. Vermont Technical College
  3. Johnson State College
  4. Castleton University
  1. University of Vermont
  2. Johnson State College
  3. Castleton University
  4. Vermont Technical College
  1. Castleton University 81%
  2. Johnson State College 73%
  3. University of Vermont 60%
  4. Vermont Technical College 50%
  1. University of Vermont 17 to 1
  2. Castleton University 16 to 1
  3. Johnson State College 13 to 1
  4. Vermont Technical College 10 to 1
  1. University of Vermont $16,280
  2. Vermont Technical College $14,172
  3. Castleton University $11,832
  4. Johnson State College $11,592
  1. Vermont Technical College $13,410
  2. University of Vermont $12,204
  3. Castleton University $11,916
  4. Johnson State College $11,322
  1. Castleton University
  2. Johnson State College
  3. Vermont Technical College
  4. University of Vermont
  1. Vermont Technical College
  2. Castleton University
  3. Johnson State College
  4. University of Vermont
  1. Vermont Technical College 50%
  2. University of Vermont 60%
  3. Johnson State College 73%
  4. Castleton University 81%
  1. Vermont Technical College 10 to 1
  2. Johnson State College 13 to 1
  3. Castleton University 16 to 1
  4. University of Vermont 17 to 1
  1. Johnson State College $11,592
  2. Castleton University $11,832
  3. Vermont Technical College $14,172
  4. University of Vermont $16,280
  1. Johnson State College $11,322
  2. Castleton University $11,916
  3. University of Vermont $12,204
  4. Vermont Technical College $13,410

Colleges and Universities in Vermont

Vermont is home to five public universities and colleges. Among these is the state’s largest school, the University of Vermont in Burlington. This college serves almost 13,000 students and boasts alumni like Ben Affleck and John Dewey. The majority of the higher education institutes in Vermont are private schools. Tuition at these schools ranges greatly, from $17,000 to $57,000. Though it is the most expensive private school in the state, Landmark College in Putney is especially unique as its student population is made up entirely of students diagnosed with learning disabilities, attention disorders, and autism. Students here can earn degrees in fields like psychology, studio art, and life science while participating in a more intimate, student-centered learning environment.

Find college admissions consultants in your state.

Almost all of Vermont’s schools could be considered small schools, serving student populations of 5,000 or less. Included on this list are three religiously affiliated schools, like Saint Michael’s College in Colchester. While tuition in Vermont tends to be costly, the state offers several loan forgiveness programs to qualifying dentists, physicians, nurses, and lawyers who work for nonprofits.

While many travelers come to Vermont for its famous maple syrup and stunning fall foliage, they’ll stay for the state’s bounteous farmers markets, wineries, and artisan foods. The magnificent green mountains, pristine skiing resorts, and rugged hiking trails are also major draws for visitors and residents alike. Students aiming to earn their degree while enjoying the outdoors and eating locally-sourced meals can attend one of Vermont’s 22 higher learning institutes.

Learn more about Vermont’s higher education opportunities by checking out the state’s array of picturesque colleges and universities.


What are Vermont’s Colleges & Universities?

Vermont’s Best Overall

What is the difference between public and private colleges?

Public and private colleges and universities operate under different business models. Public colleges and universities are owned by the state and receive both state and federal funding to operate. Private colleges and universities are private companies with private funding. If you’re looking at the pros and cons of private vs. public colleges, consider that many public colleges provide diverse course offerings, influential professors, and an excellent return on your investment.

Public colleges are schools that receive most of their funding from tax revenues. As a result, the cost of a bachelor’s degree at a public university is often lower than the equivalent cost at a private college — especially for students attending a public school in their home state. Attending a college in-state is usually the cheapest option. Private universities and colleges can be very competitive with their funding opportunities, so do not simply believe that private colleges are always going to be more expensive. According to National Center for Educational Statistics, the average annual cost (tuition, fees, room and board for full-time students) at a public university was slightly over $20,000. In contrast, private universities cost, on average, nearly $43,000 annually. But in the end, the cost of college comes down to each student’s academic and financial situation.

Vermont's Best Public Colleges Badge
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This list is composed entirely of public colleges and universities that offer bachelor’s degrees. We’ve identified 4 public universities in Vermont. To be included in our list of the best public colleges in Vermont, shcools must receive direct funding from the state, be fully accredited, and offer a broad range of bachelor’s degress.

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Best Public Colleges in Vermont 2023

  1. #1

    University of Vermont

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

    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: $16,908
    Starting Salary: $55,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 12 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is University of Vermont known for?

    University of Vermont’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Most Influential Alumni

    University of Vermont’s Online Degrees

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

    Vermont Technical College

    Randolph , VT
    #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Vermont 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Vermont 2025 #9 Best Small Colleges in Vermont 2025 #10 Best Colleges in Vermont 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $16K

    Acceptance

    50%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    2K

    Career Outlook for degree at Vermont Technical College

    Cost of Degree: $11,400
    Expenses: $15,548
    Starting Salary: $45,900
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    What is Vermont Technical College known for?

    Vermont Technical College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:

    Compare school
  4. #4

    Castleton University

    Castleton , VT
    #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Vermont 2024 #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Vermont 2025 #7 Best Small Colleges in Vermont 2025 #8 Best Colleges in Vermont 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $13K

    Acceptance

    81%

    Graduation

    54%

    Student body

    3K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1090/24

    What is Castleton University known for?

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

    Compare school
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Vermont’s Best Public College 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. University of Vermont
  2. Johnson State College
  3. Castleton University
  4. Vermont Technical College

Check out our directory of public colleges throughout the U.S. for a look at the top public colleges in every state.

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