Best Colleges in Vermont

Vermont’s nickname, “The Green Mountain State,” is an homage to the Green Mountains, which extend from one end of the state to the other. Located in the New England region of the US, Vermont experiences winters that are too cold for snow and early, mild summers punctuated by hot Augusts. There are 21 accredited colleges in Vermont, and two that are unaccredited. Middlebury College, Castleton University, and the University of Vermont all claim to be the oldest institution in the state, but Middlebury alone has the most selective admissions process. The leading producer of maple syrup in the state, agriculture is one of Vermont’s leading industries, along with livestock. Mining is also a leading industry, particularly of granite, marble, slate, and talc. Ben & Jerry’s is one of the primary tourist attractions in Vermont, along with the Green Mountain National Park, Stowe, and Lake Champlain.

How Were the Top Schools in Vermont Chosen?

Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.

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Middlebury College

Founded in 1800 as a ministry training school, Middlebury College is a 4-year liberal arts college in Vermont’s Champlain Valley and the first institution of higher learning established in the state. Middlebury offers bachelor’s degrees in over 45...

“…

The price of tuition is one of the most expensive in the country. Furthermore, Middlebury does not offer merit-based scholarships.

” – Ryan
Bennington College

Bennington College is a progressive liberal arts college, the hub at which global opportunities converge, and a launching pad for careers of meaning. Our campus prepares leaders, intellectual change-makers, and artists by empowering them to shape...

“…

I recently had a tour at Bennington College and I also attended an information session. The impression I got was that Bennington College offers students an amazing education for several reasons:
1. Students learn what they want to learn: Students...

” – A high school senior from northern VT
University of Vermont

Opened in 1791, the University of Vermont is a public university in Burlington and one of the oldest universities in the US. One of the schools designated a “Public Ivy” university, UVM is home to 12 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate...

“…

The sciences and mathematics at UVM are challenging and I learned a lot from the professors. Overall, the other classes were moderately challenging and the professors were knowledgeable.

” – Marc from Bethlehem, CT
Saint Michael's College

Saint Michael's College is a private liberal arts institution affiliated with the Roman Catholic Church. The campus is based in suburbian Colchester, Vermont, and has “selective” admissions. The college was named the first fair trade school in the...

“…

Being a Sophomore at St. Mikes I LOVE IT! Here I can be an athlete and still get a high level of academic achievement! Even if your schedule does not fit your sports schedule these teachers love their job soooo much that they will bend over to help...

” – Ashley from Shelburne, NH
Champlain College

Champlain College is a four-year private school with a beautiful campus in the heart of Burlington, Vermont, overlooking Lake Champlain and the Adirondack mountains. Champlain offers career-focused undergraduate degrees in 33 fields of study. Its...

“…

Champlain has a lot of great teachers that don't hesitate to take their personal time to make you the best you can be. Whenever people said that I'd always think they were being paid but honestly it's true. It's only been one year but I've improved a...

” – Amber from Warren, RI
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Marlboro College is a 4-year liberal arts college with a campus nestled in the heart of southern Vermont’s scenic Green Mountains. Marlboro offers a standard array of degree fields, but more than half of the student body opts to take an...

“…

There are a lot of intellectuals on campus, and everyone seems to be a self-created expert in something. Just a casual conversation with someone over lunch can be a stimulating experience.

” – wendalement
Norwich University

Ready to tackle real-world challenges and make an impact through your education? Norwich University is the oldest private military college in the U.S. and is in the heart of the Green Mountains of Northfield, Vermont.

Founded in 1819 by Captain...

“…

After adjusting to the new lifestyle (both the Corps of Cadets and the whole college life) I settled into my classes and found whole new sections of math and science to explore. New theories and rules keep coming as I go on in my classwork. I'm...

” – Jesse from Clinton, ME
Sterling College
Craftsbury Common, VT
Sterling College

Sterling College is an environmentally-focused college in northern Vermont and the only work college in New England. Sterling confers bachelor’s degrees in Ecology, Environmental Humanities, Sustainable Food Systems, Sustainable Agriculture, and...

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Northern Vermont University Johnson is a public, 4-year institution established on a rural, 350-acre campus in Lamoille County. NVU Johnson offers nearly 40 major and minor areas of study, four graduate areas of study, and a variety of licensure and...

Vermont Technical College

Vermont Technical College is a public institution with two campuses and nine distance learning facilities throughout the state. US News and World Report repeatedly lauds VTC, ranking the school number 19 for Best North Regional Colleges and number 17...

“…

Focused on getting you educated and getting you into the real world to start your career with all the skills and knowledge you need!

” – Cierra from Littleton, NH
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Landmark College is a private liberal arts and sciences college designed for students diagnosed with learning disabilities such as dyslexia, attention disorders such as ADHD, or autism spectrum disorder. The Vermont campus houses a research institute...

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I'd be a great experience for people with learning disabilities to be able to attend Landmark College. People wouldn't feel like they're alone because they have a disability. Honestly, everyone is unique by being who they are.

” – Kylie from Waipahu, HI
Vermont State University

At Vermont State we've combined the rich histories of Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, and Vermont Technical College to form one institution. You'll not only have access to nearly 100 top-quality academic programs and experiential...

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Castleton State College boasts about being a small college with a big heart, and I completely agree with this descriptor. Within the first month of attending, I could almost recognize every person on campus - staff or students - and each of them was...

” – Melissa
Goddard College

Located on the grounds of a former sheep farm, Goddard College is a nontraditional institution in Vermont and Washington offering an experimental education. Goddard offers six pre-structured undergraduate degrees, but faculty also collaborate with...

“…

Outstanding self-paced program.
More than helpful staff.
Great low residency school.

” – Wallace from New Rochelle, NY
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Vermont Law School is a legal institution in central Vermont with an emphasis on social and environmental justice. Vermont Law features JD, master’s degree, and master of laws programs and the school’s JD is available in 14 legal concentrations such...

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Originally established as a school for returning Peace Corps volunteers, the SIT Graduate Institute is a grad school focusing on environmental and social justice issues. SIT offers master’s degrees and graduate certifications in seven fields of study...

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Established in 1970, Community College of Vermont is a public, 2-year institution located in Montpelier, with several other campuses throughout the state. CCV offers 13 associate’s degree programs and eight certificate programs, the majority of which...

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Many of the degrees are offered solely through online courses. If you're worried about transportation, this will help!

” – Elizabeth from Rutland, VT
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The Marlboro College Graduate Academics program is a graduate school of Education and Business in southwest Vermont. Marlboro offers master’s degrees in Management, Business Administration, Teaching for Social Justice, and Teaching English to...

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From its hilltop campus overlooking Vermont’s capital city of Montpelier, the Vermont College of Fine Arts is the only graduate school in America exclusively focusing on arts education. VCFA’s master’s degrees encompass a wide array of artistic...