Best Colleges in Vermont for Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s

Vermont College Guide – What You Need to Know

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Get Matched With Vermont Programs

Attending an accredited college or university in Vermont is ideal for anyone looking to receive a quality education and wishing to be able to spend time outdoors. Vermont is consistently one of the best states in the US for the education of children; therefore, it should be no surprise that their college and university education standards are equally as impressive within some of their more prominent higher learning institutions.

Vermont has roughly 20 public and private colleges and universities with significantly fewer public higher learning institutions than private. The cost of both in-state and out-of-state tuition is higher than the national average. Keep in mind that private colleges and universities charge both Vermont residents and out-of-state enrollees the same; whereas, Vermont residents will pay significantly less than international students or students from another state if they attend a public college or university in Vermont.

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What are the most popular bachelor's degrees offered in Vermont?

The majors offered in any state are often reflective of the biggest industries within the state, such as agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, education, and government in Vermont. As a result, you will find many colleges and universities offer degrees in liberal arts, social sciences, engineering, teaching, and others. Other popular majors are similar to that of the rest of the country, including criminal justice, environmental studies, natural sciences, business information technology, nutrition, foods, and exercise.

Additionally, like most of the US, online degrees are becoming more commonplace and available to all. If you choose a college or university in Vermont from which to study online, be sure to select a reputable and accredited higher learning institution. It is important to note that not all degrees will be offered online, and some degrees require hands-on curriculum too.

The top five degrees in Vermont are:

How Much Can You Make by Having a Degree in Vermont

Degrees allow you to make more money. The higher the degree of completion you attain the more money you will earn. With a doctoral degree, you can earn more than three times the salary of someone with no formal education. As you complete each degree, you can expect to add up to $15,000 more to your annual pay. And if you specialize in a niche area, you are likely to earn even more money each year.

Education Level & National Average Median Compensation

NO FORMAL EDUCATION HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA ASSOCIATE DEGREE BACHELOR’S DEGREE MASTER’S DEGREE DOCTORAL DEGREE
$30,784* $38,792* $46,124* $64,896* $77,844* $96,772*
*National Average Earnings by Degree Level
arizona-National-Average-earning-by-educational-attainment

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Most Popular Degrees and Careers in Vermont

The unemployment rate in Vermont is 2.7% The highest employing industries vary greatly as Vermont continues to diversify, such as trade, transportation, utilities, education, manufacturing, professional and business services, government, and leisure and hospitality. Growth is expected in most industries for people with a bachelor’s degree, particularly in the areas of data and information analysis, finance, conservation, and food science.

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Top Business Careers and Salaries

Most higher learning institutions will offer some sort of business management degree. This general business degree is designed to help students learn the best ways to manage a business. You will also take courses in a variety of business fields before you choose a major on which to focus.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Management Analyst 970 $99,430
Buyer and Purchasing Agent 840 $56,630
Human Resource Specialist 1,240 $49,700
Training and Development Manager 50 $74,100
Medical and Health Services Manager 1,180 $104,950
  • Management Analyst:
    A management analyst works as a consultant to managers to find ways to improve operational efficiency and to cut costs.
  • Buyer and Purchasing Agent:
    A buyer/purchasing agent is responsible for purchasing the materials or products used to manufacture or resell goods.
  • Human Resource Specialist:
    A human resource specialist works to find, screen, and hire the ideal talent for each respective business.
  • Training and Development Manager:
    A training and development manager is responsible for the training and continued development of all employees.
  • Accountants:
    Accounting is the process of maintaining accurate and current financial records for a business. Accounting involves recording transactions and analyzing them to produce financial statements.
  • Medical and Health Services Managers:
    A medical and health services manager is also referred to as a healthcare administrator or a healthcare executive.
  • Business Administrators
  • Business Analysts
  • Business Managers
  • Marketing Managers
  • Entrepreneurs

Best Vermont Schools for Business Administration

  • University of Vermont
  • St. Michael’s College
  • Champlain College

Top Engineering Careers and Salaries

An engineering degree is still quite in demand and need for these professionals is expected to grow by roughly 4% through 2026, and mechanical engineering is expected to grow by 9% which is significantly higher than most careers. It is important to note that technology will also continue to be increasingly important within the engineering field.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Electrical Engineer 650 $73,600
Environmental Engineer 130 $85,570(N/A for 2021)
Health and Safety Engineer 60 $67,700(N/A for 2021)
Industrial Engineer 650 $75,630
Mechanical Engineer 250 $93,620
  • Electrical Engineer:
    An Electrical Engineer will work on electrical systems.
  • Environmental Engineer:
    An Environmental Engineer works to reduce pollution and waste.
  • Health and Safety Engineer:
    A Health and Safety Engineer inspects the working environments of companies.
  • Industrial Engineer:
    An Industrial Engineer is responsible for systems optimization.
  • Mechanical Engineer:
    A Mechanical Engineer designs parts for any and all products.

Best Vermont Schools for Engineering

  • University of Vermont
  • Norwich College
  • Saint Michael’s College

Top Marketing Careers and Salaries

Marketing careers are increasingly important as global competition is on the rise. All businesses require marketing experts to develop their brand and to increase their client base. The types of jobs will vary from data analysts to directors.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Market Research Analyst and Marketing Specialist 1,230 $59,140
Meeting, Convention and Event Planner 240 $49,210
Marketing Manager 670 $114,990
Advertising and Promotions Manager 50 $105,760
Public Relations Manager 260 $102,260
  • Market Research Analyst and Marketing Specialist:
    A Market Research Analyst and Marketing Specialist will evaluate all information acquired from campaigns, website traffic, purchasing trends, and more.
  • Meeting, Convention and Event Planner:
    A Meeting, Convention and Event Planner must coordinate all aspects of an event, including the budget and invites.
  • Marketing Manager:
    A Marketing Manager leads a team of marketing people and marketing efforts.
  • Advertising and Promotions Manager:
    An Advertising and Promotions Manager will create promotions, coupons, etc., and establish an advertising policy.
  • Public Relations Manager:
    A Public Relations Manager work to protect the image of the companies and projects for which they work.

Best Vermont Schools for Marketing

  • University of Vermont
  • Champlain College
  • Castleton University

Top Nursing Careers and Salaries

With the rapid rise of the aging population in the US, the demand for more nurses will continue well into the 2020s. You can specialize in a number of nursing areas, such as surgical and in-home care professionals. This is an ideal career to continue your education online while you gain invaluable and necessary work experience.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Registered Nurse 7,020 $70,240
Medical Assistant 1,110 $36,100
Nurse Midwife 50 $94,850
Nurse Practitioner 440 $105,840
Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse 1,210 $49,720
  • Registered Nurse:
    A Registered Nurse is a general nurse who can provide basic patient care with supervision.
  • Medical Assistant:
    A Medical Assistant will provide both clinical and administrative work within healthcare operations.
  • Nurse Midwife:
    A Nurse Midwife works directly with pregnant women to ensure safe and effective childbirth.
  • Nurse Practitioner:
    A Nurse Practitioner has the ability to diagnose and treat illnesses without the direct supervision of a doctor.
  • Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse:
    A Licensed Practical and Licensed Vocational Nurse reports to a registered nurse and has the least amount of nursing responsibilities of almost all nursing positions.

Best Vermont Schools for Nursing

  • Vermont Technical College
  • University of Vermont
  • Norwich University

Top psychology Careers and Salaries

Psychology is becoming more popular with each passing year as the country continues to embrace the importance of mental health. A degree in psychology can provide a career in a wide variety of professions. It can even lead to becoming a psychologist with a doctoral degree.

CAREER NAME CURRENTLY EMPLOYED AVERAGE ANNUAL WAGE
Psychiatric Technician 250 $37,780
Psychiatrist 80 $202,640
Occupational Therapist 210 $76,580
Clinical, Counseling and School Psychologist 450 $77,670
  • Psychiatrics:
    A Psychiatric Aide will be supervised by a psychiatric nurse or a psychiatrist.
  • Psychiatrist Technicians:
    A Psychiatric Technician works with people who have developmental disabilities or mental illnesses.
  • Psychiatrists:
    A Psychiatrist is essentially a highly educated and trained therapist with a medical degree who can prescribe medication.
  • Occupational Therapists:
    An Occupational Therapist might work individually or for a company to enhance the daily lives of their clients.
  • Clinical, Counseling and School Psychologists:
    A Clinical, Counseling, or School Psychologist will help guide people through difficult times in their life.
  • Substance Abuse Counselors
  • Counselors
  • Psychologists

Best Vermont Schools for Psychology

  • Middlebury College
  • University of Vermont
  • Saint Michael’s College

Additional Careers in Vermont

Want to See All the Vermont Occupational Wage Averages

The top occupations with the highest forecasted growth rate in Vermont

Occupation percentage growth rate
Operations Research Analysts 2.9%
Software Developers, Systems Software 2.3%
Computer Systems Analysts 2.1%
Market Research Analysts and Marketing Specialists 2.0%
Cartographers and Photogrammetrists 1.9%
Interpreters and Translators 1.8%
Personal Financial Advisors 1.6%
Conservation Scientists 1.6%

Best Associate Degrees in Vermont

Best Associate Degrees in Vermont
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Vermont is home to some of the best associate degrees available anywhere. No matter whether a student wishes to pursue medicine, mathematics, or marketing, Vermont's community colleges can support their ambition. In fact, some of the best colleges in Vermont offer two-year degrees at a low cost but a high educational value. Keep reading to learn more about associate programs in Vermont and how they can help launch your career.

Vermont Technical College
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,704		 Graduation Rate
64%		 Net Price
$21,279 		Grads Salary
$42,600
Community College of Vermont
College Type
2-year, Public		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
5,102		 Graduation Rate
24%		 Net Price
$10,287 		Grads Salary
$38,500
Landmark College
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
559		 Graduation Rate
34%		 Net Price
$58,297 		Grads Salary
$31,900

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Best Bachelor's Degrees in Vermont

Best Bachelor's Degrees in Vermont
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To ensure that a career launches from the best foundation, students should first complete one of Vermont's best bachelor's degrees. Bachelor’s programs in Vermont include fields such as business, engineering, education, criminal justice, and nursing. The best colleges in Vermont are discussed in the list below. Whether a student is starting fresh as a first-year scholar or is transferring from a community college, they will be able to find success via one of Vermont's bachelor's degree programs.

Middlebury College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,669		 Graduation Rate
94%		 Net Price
$24,517 		Grads Salary
$76,400
Norwich University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,933		 Graduation Rate
57%		 Net Price
$25,641 		Grads Salary
$84,600
University of Vermont
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
13,548		 Graduation Rate
76%		 Net Price
$20,235 		Grads Salary
$68,500
Saint Michael's College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,724		 Graduation Rate
75%		 Net Price
$31,096 		Grads Salary
$62,400
Castleton University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,211		 Graduation Rate
57%		 Net Price
$17,528 		Grads Salary
$56,000
Champlain College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
4,137		 Graduation Rate
66%		 Net Price
$35,870 		Grads Salary
$65,000
Bennington College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
799		 Graduation Rate
71%		 Net Price
$35,386 		Grads Salary
$58,500
Vermont Technical College
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,704		 Graduation Rate
64%		 Net Price
$21,279 		Grads Salary
$45,000
Northern Vermont University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,376		 Graduation Rate
44%		 Net Price
$16,800 		Grads Salary
$52,000
Sterling College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
653		 Graduation Rate
47%		 Net Price
$24,068 		Grads Salary
$54,000
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Best Master's Degrees in Vermont

Best Master's Degrees in Vermont
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After a student has completed their undergraduate degree program, a master's degree is in order for many. Professionals with master's degrees in Vermont find that they are able to take their careers to the next level. In fact, some may even pursue one of the many doctoral degree programs in Vermont, which will surely result in their ongoing success.

Middlebury College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,669		 Graduation Rate
94%		 Net Price
$24,517 		Grads Salary
$76,400
Norwich University
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
3,933		 Graduation Rate
57%		 Net Price
$25,641 		Grads Salary
$84,600
University of Vermont
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
13,548		 Graduation Rate
76%		 Net Price
$20,235 		Grads Salary
$68,500
Saint Michael's College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,724		 Graduation Rate
75%		 Net Price
$31,096 		Grads Salary
$62,400
Castleton University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,211		 Graduation Rate
57%		 Net Price
$17,528 		Grads Salary
$56,000
Champlain College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
4,137		 Graduation Rate
66%		 Net Price
$35,870 		Grads Salary
$65,000
Bennington College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
799		 Graduation Rate
71%		 Net Price
$35,386 		Grads Salary
$58,500
Vermont Technical College
College Type
4-year, primarily associate's, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
1,704		 Graduation Rate
64%		 Net Price
$21,279 		Grads Salary
$45,000
Northern Vermont University
College Type
4-year, Public		 Campus Housing
Yes		 Student Population
2,376		 Graduation Rate
44%		 Net Price
$16,800 		Grads Salary
$52,000
Goddard College
College Type
4-year, Private not-for-profit		 Campus Housing
No		 Student Population
366		 Graduation Rate
38%		 Net Price
$23,794 		Grads Salary
$57,400
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Learn about MBA's in Vermont

Cost of Vermont College Education & Salaries

It is important to consider a number of factors before you decide on a college or university. The educating body must be a regionally accredited higher learning institution for your best chance at employment upon completing your degree. It is also important to consider the cost of the college or university, the amount of money you will be required to take out in the form of a loan and, if you know what you plan to study, your expected salary for the next 30 years. If you choose a significantly expensive college or university and choose a major in a career that does not pay well, you might be in debt for the rest of your life if you are dependent upon financial aid.

Take all of these aspects into consideration before you make a final decision. The less debt you have at graduation the more disposable income you will have for the rest of your life to do with as you wish, such as to take vacations, buy new clothes or electronics, give back to your community, etc. Do not forget to pay attention to graduation rates. Higher learning institutions with high graduation rates will minimize the chance that you take more than 4 years to complete your program. Additionally, remember that in-state tuition at public schools is almost always significantly less expensive than out-of-state tuition.

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College Cost Analysis - Vermont vs National

Average Vermont Tuition & Fees at 4 Year Public Schools

In-State Tuition - $16,604

National Average – $9,580

Out-of-State Tuition – $39,947

National Average – $27,437

Percentage of Students Receiving Financial Aid

Vermont distributes financial aid packages to roughly 20,100 students each year. The financial aid provided averages around $11,149 per person for student loans. Of those who apply for financial assistance, 69% are approved for federal aid. The amount for financial aid is often higher than the national average while the percentage who receive aid is less than the national average.

Financial Aid Vermont Nationally
Received Federal Grants 33% 37.7%
Average $ per Recipient $11,841 $10,927

* Institutional aid represents grant and scholarship funds directly awarded by a postsecondary institution.

* Financial aid data represents 4-year public and private non-profit schools only.

Best Scholarships for Vermont

Vermont has an extensive network of scholarship and grants. Many are dedicated to Vermont residents; however, some are available to students from the Northeast or all US students. In rare cases, scholarships are available to people of any nationality. It is also possible to find scholarships for specific career paths and majors.

ELVOS

Emily Lester Vermont Opportunity Scholarship

https://www.vsac.org/pay/student-aid-options/scholarships/foster-care-youth
Amounts: $3,000
Deadline: Varies
The Emily Lester Vermont Opportunity Scholarship is dedicated to children who grew up in the foster care system. It is funded by the state of Vermont. Applicants must be in pursuit of an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree and currently be a part of the Vermont Commissioner of the Department for Children and Families (DCF). You might also qualify if you were a part of the Vermont Commissioner of the DCF for a minimum of six months between 16 and 18; however, you must be between 18 and 24 now. And you must demonstrate the need for financial assistance.

BMS

Bernice Murray Scholarship

https://www.vsac.org/pay/student-aid-options/scholarships
Amounts: $2,000
Deadline: Varies
The Bernice Murray Scholarship Foundation is dedicated to single parents. All applicants must attend an accredited college or university. The single parent applicant must be the primary custodial parent of one child minimum who is 12 or younger. And you must demonstrate your financial need.

CAHMS

Carol A. Hurley Memorial Scholarship

https://www.vsac.org/pay/student-aid-options/scholarships
Amounts: $1,000
Deadline: TBA
The Carol A. Hurley Memorial Scholarship is dedicated to Vermont high school students who attend specific schools, such as Woodstock Union High School, Randolph Area Vocational Center, Randolph Union High School, Whitcomb High School, Rochester Union High School and Windsor High School. All applicants must also demonstrate financial need and have at least a GPA of 2.5. Preference will be given to applicants who are first-generation college students.

HDS

Hildegard Durfee Scholarship

https://www.vsac.org/pay/student-aid-options/scholarships
Amounts: $1,500
Deadline: March 16
The Hildegard Durfee Scholarship is dedicated to individuals in pursuit of a graduate degree and career development or a career change. Vermont residents who live in the towns of Guilford, Dummerston, Bellows Falls, Newfane, Brattleboro, and Putney will be given scholarship preference. All applicants must also demonstrate financial need. Five scholarships will be awarded each year.

JANS

Jean Andrews Nursing Scholarship

https://www.vsac.org/pay/student-aid-options/scholarships
Amounts: $1,200
Deadline: Varies
The Jean Andrews Nursing Scholarship is offered by the Porter Hospital Women's Auxiliary for individuals interested in a career in nursing. To qualify, you must demonstrate your financial need, attend an accredited college or university and pursue a degree in nursing education or registered nursing. You must also be a resident of Addison County.

GETEC

Richard T. Gates Engineering and Technology Endowed Challenge Scholarship

https://www.vsac.org/pay/student-aid-options/scholarships
Amounts: $4,000
Deadline: Not Published
The Richard T. Gates Engineering and Technology Endowed Challenge Scholarship is dedicated to individuals who are interested in a bachelor’s degree in technology or engineering. To qualify, your place of birth must be in Vermont, your parent or parents must be current legal residents, and you must attend either Springfield High School or a high school within Windham County. You must also demonstrate the need for financial assistance.

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