Best Colleges in Vermont

Middlebury College is a private liberal arts college located on 350 acres in Addison County. The college also operates schools and graduate programs across the country and around the world, attracting a total enrollment of about 2,500 students each year. Middlebury competes in NCAA athletics, houses an on-campus art museum, and engages full-time students in its thriving residential community. Middlebury's liberal arts curriculum ensures every student receives an interdisciplinary education. Alongside an in-depth major, undergraduates complete several courses in writing, cultures and civilizations, and seven core academic categories. Available majors include anthropology, comparative literature, economics, global health, and physics. The school's independent scholar program provides a customizable curriculum to motivated students who have clearly defined goals that cannot be met by an existing major. Prospective undergraduate students must supply a completed application; official transcripts; and supplemental materials including an essay, two teacher recommendations, and standardized test scores.

Champlain College is a private college located in Burlington, with satellite campuses in Canada and Ireland. Champlain offers an interdisciplinary, career-driven approach to education, serving more than 2,000 undergraduates each year. Diverse program options, accelerated pacing, generous transfer policies, and individual support help make Champlain one of the best online colleges in Vermont for students seeking professional advancement. Asynchronous program options include more than 40 certificates as well as four associate, 12 bachelor's, and six master's degrees. Dozens of available fields of study include accounting, business management, web design, and healthcare administration. Class sizes are kept small to maximize personal attention. Additionally, teams of instructors, academic counselors, and career advisors are available to every student. A minimum 2.5 GPA is recommended for undergraduate and graduate applicants. All online students pay the same per-credit tuition rate, regardless of state residency. Active-duty military members can enroll at a reduced cost.

Founded in 1791, the University of Vermont is one of the oldest universities in the nation. This land-grant research university welcomes more than 11,000 students each year. Its campus in Burlington houses the primary facilities of the UVM Medical Center -- the largest hospital complex in Vermont. UVM academics encompass more than 100 undergraduate majors, four pre-professional programs, 54 master's degrees, and 26 doctoral degrees. More than 30 accelerated master's programs are available in fields including animal science, biostatistics, education, and historic preservation. The school emphasizes the importance of experience-based learning, encouraging participation in undergraduate research, study abroad, and internship opportunities. First-year applicants must satisfy minimum entrance requirements by showing completion of an appropriate high school curriculum. A completed application, standardized test scores, and transcripts are required. The application fee is waived for Early Action applicants.

Bennington College is a small, private institution that enrolls about 1,000 students each year, 94% of whom live on campus in 21 coeducational dorms. In this highly engaged community, students receive personal attention and mentorship from faculty and administration. Undergraduate majors are available in over 35 fields, including animation and production design, Earth science, history, and politics. Bennington's Plan System allows students to study and practice diverse interests under the one-on-one guidance of an academic advisor. Every Bennington student is also required to participate in an annual internship. For two months each winter, undergraduates work with an organization of their choice -- anywhere in the world. Prospective Bennington students may apply by submitting the Common Application or an open-form Dimensional Application, which allows applicants to choose the materials and format that best demonstrate their college readiness.

Located in Colchester, Saint Michael's College provides a Catholic, liberal arts education to about 2,000 students each year. On-site housing, dining, socializing, and study provide a close-knit community throughout the school's 440-acre campus. Students can engage in NCAA athletics, more than 40 clubs and organizations, and volunteer activities. Small class sizes and dedicated professors allow students to receive personal attention and mentorship. Students choose from more than 30 majors and minors, in fields like computer science, criminology, English, and religious studies. Blended and online learning options are also available. St. Mike's encourages participation in experiential learning through service, internships, and faculty-led research projects. Graduate students can pursue programs in education, clinical psychology, and teaching English as a second or foreign language. Admission to St. Mike's is selective. Prospective students must supply a completed application, high school transcripts, and one or two recommendation letters. ACT and SAT scores are optional.

Established in 1819, Norwich University is the oldest military college in the country. Recognized by the U.S. Department of Defense as the birthplace of the ROTC, Norwich has a long history of providing its students with military-science training and leadership development. Norwich also stands out as one of the best online colleges in Vermont. The university offers asynchronous bachelor's completion programs, master's degrees, graduate-level certificates, and non-credit professional development certificates. Programs are available in a variety of disciplines, including national security studies, nursing, diplomacy, public administration, and criminal justice. Students enrolled in a bachelor's completion program can transfer up to 90 credits and graduate in as little as two years. Norwich offers several start dates each year. Admission requirements vary by student status and program selection, but all students should be prepared to supply transcripts, a letter of intent, and a resume. Online tuition costs are not impacted by state residency. Active military personnel pay a discounted tuition rate.

Established in 2018 by the unification of Johnson State College and Lyndon State College, Northern Vermont University operates two major campuses with distinct identities. The school also serves as one of the best online colleges in Vermont. This public institution enrolls approximately 1,200 students each year. Distance learners can choose from 12 fully online undergraduate programs, including two certificate tracks, three associate pathways, and seven bachelor's programs. Available areas of study include accounting, business administration, criminal justice, and psychology. Those looking for additional flexibility may select a bachelor's in interdisciplinary or professional studies, both of which allow for a self-designed curriculum. NVU also offers an online master's in leadership studies and a hybrid bachelor's in early childhood education. NVU accepts applications on a rolling basis, with start dates in the fall, spring, and summer. Admission requires a minimum 2.0 GPA. All online students -- except those in the early childhood education program -- pay a flat, per-credit tuition rate.

Located in Putney, Landmark College exclusively serves students who learn differently, including individuals with learning disabilities, ADHD, and autism spectrum disorder. This fully-accredited, private college offers two- and four-year programs in the liberal arts and sciences. Approximately 500 students enroll at LC each year. The college boasts a low six-to-one student-to-faculty ratio, meaning everyone receives direct, comprehensive, and personalized support. Four associate programs and five bachelor's tracks award majors in liberal studies, psychology, studio art, computer science, business studies, and communication and entrepreneurial leadership. Students can take advantage of on-site housing, dining, events, athletics, and recreational activities. LD also employs a team of nine therapy dogs who regularly interact with students across campus. LC accepts applications on a rolling basis. Prospective students can apply online or by submitting a paper application. Requirements include official high school transcripts, teacher and/or counselor recommendations, and a personal interview.

Marlboro College is a private liberal arts college with an enrollment of approximately 200 students. Marlboro operates based on the idea that smart, motivated individuals can make decisions for themselves. The school's community-governance model gives everyone a say in matters like curriculum development, faculty hiring, and housing. Students are also given the freedom to craft their own curriculum, and Marlboro's unconventional academic approach does not lock learners into a major. Each student can pursue exactly what interests them as long as specific yearly milestones are met along the way. Available fields include art history, dance, chemistry, religion, and psychology. Marlboro's academic structure culminates in a Plan of Concentration: a major, self-designed research project completed during the third and fourth years of study. An accelerated, dual-degree master's track is also available. Application materials include two short essays, official transcripts, and two letters of recommendation. Interviews -- held in person, over the phone, or through Skype -- are strongly recommended.

With a history that dates back to 1787, Castleton University operates as a public liberal arts school, attracting more than 1,500 students each year. Castleton's 165-acre campus offers residence halls, dining facilities, athletics and intramurals, and student clubs. Students can choose from more than 75 certificate and degree programs designed to meet a variety of academic and professional goals. Undergraduate majors available at Castleton include ecological studies, English/literature, health science, music, and resort and hospitality management. Ten master's degrees are also available in subjects like athletic training, accounting, education, business administration, and school psychology. Students can pursue academic enrichment opportunities through internships, study abroad trips, and community engagement activities. Prospective first-year students must complete an application and provide high school transcripts, ACT or SAT scores, and a letter of recommendation. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.