Best Small Colleges in Vermont 2024
Small colleges in Vermont are a great option for students interested in a more intimate campus experience, more personal attention from excellent professors, and more immediate access to support services. Whether the focus is on the technical or on the liberal arts, small colleges give you the chance to pursue a well-rounded education while working closely with classmates and professors in a dynamic community atmosphere.
10 Best Small Colleges in Vermont 2024
- Middlebury College
- Bennington College
- Goddard College
- Norwich University
- Saint Michael's College
- Champlain College
- Vermont Technical College
- Johnson State College
- Castleton University
- Landmark College
- Bennington College
- Middlebury College
- Norwich University
- Goddard College
- Saint Michael's College
- Champlain College
- Johnson State College
- Castleton University
- Vermont Technical College
- Landmark College
- Sterling College 93%
- Goddard College 86%
- Saint Michael's College 85%
- Norwich University 83%
- Castleton University 81%
- Johnson State College 73%
- Champlain College 56%
- Vermont Technical College 50%
- Bennington College 45%
- Landmark College 45%
- Castleton University 16 to 1
- Champlain College 14 to 1
- Johnson State College 13 to 1
- Norwich University 11 to 1
- Saint Michael's College 10 to 1
- Vermont Technical College 10 to 1
- Middlebury College 9 to 1
- Bennington College 9 to 1
- Landmark College 8 to 1
- Goddard College 6 to 1
- Landmark College $62,720
- Middlebury College $62,460
- Bennington College $61,448
- Saint Michael's College $49,840
- Norwich University $45,340
- Champlain College $44,220
- Sterling College $39,200
- Goddard College $18,477
- Vermont Technical College $14,172
- Castleton University $11,832
- Bennington College $24,617
- Goddard College $22,246
- Norwich University $20,280
- Middlebury College $14,550
- Champlain College $14,310
- Vermont Technical College $13,410
- Castleton University $11,916
- Saint Michael's College $11,700
- Johnson State College $11,322
- Sterling College
- Landmark College
- Castleton University
- Johnson State College
- Vermont Technical College
- Champlain College
- Saint Michael's College
- Norwich University
- Goddard College
- Bennington College
- Sterling College
- Landmark College
- Vermont Technical College
- Castleton University
- Johnson State College
- Champlain College
- Saint Michael's College
- Goddard College
- Norwich University
- Middlebury College
- Middlebury College 13%
- Landmark College 45%
- Bennington College 45%
- Vermont Technical College 50%
- Champlain College 56%
- Johnson State College 73%
- Castleton University 81%
- Norwich University 83%
- Saint Michael's College 85%
- Goddard College 86%
- Goddard College 6 to 1
- Sterling College 6 to 1
- Landmark College 8 to 1
- Middlebury College 9 to 1
- Bennington College 9 to 1
- Saint Michael's College 10 to 1
- Vermont Technical College 10 to 1
- Norwich University 11 to 1
- Johnson State College 13 to 1
- Champlain College 14 to 1
- Johnson State College $11,592
- Castleton University $11,832
- Vermont Technical College $14,172
- Goddard College $18,477
- Sterling College $39,200
- Champlain College $44,220
- Norwich University $45,340
- Saint Michael's College $49,840
- Bennington College $61,448
- Middlebury College $62,460
- Johnson State College $11,322
- Saint Michael's College $11,700
- Castleton University $11,916
- Vermont Technical College $13,410
- Champlain College $14,310
- Middlebury College $14,550
- Norwich University $20,280
- Goddard College $22,246
- Bennington College $24,617
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?
- 1 Research University
- 11 Liberal Arts Colleges & Universities
- 2 Graduate Schools
- 4 Public Colleges & Universities
- 8 Private Colleges & Universities
- 1 Christian College
- 11 Small Colleges & Universities (fewer than 5,000 students)
- 5 Affordable Colleges (below $20,000/year)
- 1 Community College
- Best Online Colleges
Vermont’s Best Overall
The following list of the best small colleges and universities in Vermont is composed mainly of four-year undergraduate schools (though a handful also offer graduate programs). We’ve identified 11 small colleges in Vermont. The list below of the best small colleges in Vermont. To be included schools must fully accredited, and must have student body populations below 5,000 students.
Best Small Colleges in Vermont 2023
- #20 50 Best Small Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students in 2024 #23 50 Best Liberal Arts Colleges and Universities Ranked for Students #1 Best Private Colleges in Vermont 2024 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024
Other Rankings
- #1 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Vermont 2024
- #2 Best Grad Schools in Vermont 2024
- #3 Best Colleges in Vermont 2024
- #2 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earth Sciences Degree
- #4 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Education Degrees
- #5 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Political Science Degrees
- #6 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for English Degrees
- #7 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Anthropology Degrees
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Sociology Degrees
- #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Economics Degree
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Physics Degrees
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Religious Studies Degrees
- #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for History Degrees
- #10 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Chemistry Degrees
- #11 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Math Degrees
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Psychology Degrees
- #12 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for a Biology Degree
- #13 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Philosophy Degrees
- #16 Best Liberal Arts Colleges for Earning Computer Science Degrees 2024
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 salaryWhat is Middlebury College known for?
Middlebury College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Political Science
- Education
- Earth Sciences
- Economics
- Sociology
- Physics
- History
- Mathematics
- Biology
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Best Colleges and Universities by Academic Stewardship #2 Best 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 salaryWhat is Bennington College known for?
Bennington College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Literature
- Sociology
- Philosophy
- Communications
- Anthropology
- Psychology
- Education
- Political Science
- History
- Economics
Most Influential Alumni
- #2 Most Affordable 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
- #4 Best 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 salaryWhat is Norwich University known for?
Norwich University’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Engineering
- Political Science
- Earth Sciences
- History
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Communications
- Literature
- Mathematics
- Computer Science
Most Influential Alumni
- #1 Best Christian Colleges in Vermont 2024 #5 Best 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 salaryWhat is Saint Michael's College known for?
Saint Michael's College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- Biology
- Mathematics
- Political Science
- Communications
- Chemistry
- Sociology
- Economics
- Literature
- Psychology
- Religious Studies
Most Influential Alumni
- #4 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024 #6 Best 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 salaryWhat is Champlain College known for?
Champlain College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #2 Best Public Colleges in Vermont 2024 #3 Most Affordable Colleges in Vermont 2024 #7 Best 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 salaryWhat is Vermont Technical College known for?
Vermont Technical College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
- #3 Best Public Colleges in Vermont 2024 #4 Most Affordable Colleges in Vermont 2024 #8 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Vermont 2024 #2 Best Online Associate Degrees 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
- #4 Best Public Colleges in Vermont 2024 #5 Most Affordable Colleges in Vermont 2024 #9 Best Liberal Arts Colleges in Vermont 2024 #10 Best 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:
- #7 Best Private Colleges in Vermont 2024 #8 Best 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 salaryWhat is Landmark College known for?
Landmark College’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Tuition + fees
$39K
Acceptance
93%
Graduation
30%
Student body
<1K
What is Sterling College known for?
Sterling College ’s faculty and alumni have been influential in:
Vermont’s Best Small College 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.
Many states have great small colleges. If you’re interested in looking into what other states have to offer, check out the best small colleges in Nevada and Illinois.