Our Research
This list features some of the best online schools in Vermont. Each school featured is a nonprofit, accredited institution — either public or private — with a high standard of academic quality for post-secondary institutions. We included liberal arts colleges and research universities as well as small, midsize, and large institutions. Next, we compared this comprehensive list to a list of aggregated college rankings from reputable publications like the U.S. News & World Report among others to simplify a student’s college search. We pored through these rankings so students don’t have to.
We reviewed institutions accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), the six-state regional accreditation agency. This holds colleges and universities to rigorous quality standards, from academic quality to mission, organization, resources, and institutional effectiveness over time. One institution is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, which holds private institutions across the United States to these same high standards.
We evaluated each school on tuition costs, admission, retention and graduation rates, faculty, and reputation as well as the student resources provided for online students. Then we calculated the Intelligent Score on a scale of 0 to 100. Read more about our ranking methodology.
Online College Programs That Might Interest You
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
The Top 50 Online Colleges in Vermont
Discover More Options
Frequently Asked Questions: Online Colleges in Vermont
Does Vermont have good online colleges and universities?
Yes. The state offers a wealth of online educational opportunities, such as Champlain College’s Online Associate in Accounting. After you graduate, you may want to consider staying in Vermont to complete a master’s degree while you work in one of the state’s many growing fields, such as computing or social services. Vermont is rich in graduate school options, like the University of Vermont’s Online Master’s in Public Health and Norwich University’s Online Master’s of Business Administration (MBA).
That said, there are many excellent online college programs available in other states as well. If you’re open to attending a school that’s located in another state, check out our guide to the best accredited online colleges. In addition to showing you the top 30 options in the entire United States for remote learning, this guide offers expert advice on how to choose a college and complete the application process.
Do online college credits in Vermont cost more than in-person classes?
The answer to this question depends on which college you attend. Some schools offer discounted rates for online courses, while others charge an additional fee for online courses to help cover the cost of software licenses, technical support, etc. Vermont became a member of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) in 2015. This means out-of-state students who live in a SARA-participating state can take online courses from Vermont schools without incurring additional fees.
Why should you choose Vermont for online higher education?
From affordable community colleges to top public research universities, Vermont offers something for every type of online college student. One option that stands out as particularly appealing is Vermont State University, which offers online programs for a variety of different subject areas, including business, psychological science, and criminal justice.
The Cost of Online College in Vermont
How much does an online degree in Vermont cost?
The cost of an online degree in Vermont depends on which institution you attend as well as the type of degree you decide to pursue. For example, undergraduate degrees are usually more affordable than graduate degrees. Also, you’ll probably find yourself paying more for your degree if you major in a STEM field rather than the humanities.
Regardless of the cost per credit, you should also consider that you may be able to save money on indirect expenses, such as transportation and housing, by earning your college degree online.
Source: Education Data Initiative
How long do you have to live in Vermont to get in-state tuition rates?
Typically, you will be eligible for in-state tuition rates after you have lived in Vermont for 12 consecutive months. Some groups, such as military veterans, tribal members, and graduate fellows, are entitled to in-state tuition rates without meeting this one-year requirement.
Who qualifies for reduced tuition costs in Vermont?
Through the 802 Opportunity, Vermont offers free community college for residents whose annual family income is $75,000 or below. Funded by the Vermont Legislature, the program is open to new or returning students of any age. Recipients can choose from 33 associate degree programs at the Community College of Vermont. For Vermont residents attending four-year schools, the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) also offers grants based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA.
College Financial Aid, Scholarships, and Grant Programs in Vermont
If you don’t qualify for grants from the state of Vermont, there are many other sources of financial support available that can help you cover the cost of college. Some of these programs are based on income, while others are awarded based on factors such as demographics or academic merit. We’ve reviewed a few of the most prominent scholarship options for you below:
VSAC-Assisted Scholarships
VSAC administers 120 scholarships to Vermont residents. You only need to fill out one application to be considered for all scholarships you’re eligible for. Some scholarships have certain criteria, like specific majors or financial need.
Who’s eligible? These scholarships are available to Vermont residents only. You must also be a United States citizen or an eligible noncitizen. If you’re in the U.S. military, you must have Vermont listed as your “home of record.”
Contact information: [email protected] | 800-642-3177
The Curtis Fund
Annually, the Curtis Fund provides over $1 million in scholarships to mostly low-income, first-generation college students in Vermont. The fund has existed for over a century to level the playing field so every Vermonter has an opportunity to obtain higher education, regardless of family background, income level, or birthplace.
Who’s eligible? The Curtis Fund does not accept direct applications from students. Since 1995, it has worked with VSAC to identify recipients. You should fill out the FAFSA for consideration.
Contact information: [email protected] | 802-654-3798
Horatio Alger State Scholarship
This national scholarship program, funded by Francis T. Nichols and the Horatio Alger Endowment Fund in Vermont, is named after American author Horatio Alger. It’s offered to students who exhibit integrity and perseverance in overcoming personal adversity. Recipients may begin their studies at a two-year institution and later transfer to a four-year institution.
Who’s eligible? High school juniors who have at least a 2.0 GPA, financial need, and Vermont residency.
Contact information: [email protected] | 844-422-4200
Vermont Federal Credit Union Scholarships
For more than 20 years, this Vermont-based financial institution has been awarding scholarships to members. Recipients are chosen based on academic achievement, leadership activities, community service, and responses to an essay question.
Who’s eligible? Applicants must be members of the credit union. Scholarships are awarded to both high school seniors and current college students. You do not have to be attending college in the state of Vermont to receive an award.
Contact information: [email protected] | 802-658-0225
Top 5 Fast-Growing Industries in Vermont
If you still don’t know where you will attend college, you may be undecided on your major as well. In that case, one of the most important factors you should consider is which industries are growing the fastest in Vermont — this will make it easier to find a job, and more demand should also help you earn a higher salary.
By consulting the U.S. Department of Labor’s Long-Term Employment Projections (2020–2030), we’ve determined that the following five careers have some of the highest projected growth rates in Vermont:
Home Health and Personal Care Aides
As Vermont’s population ages, the state is in increasing need of personal care aides to assist patients, often older adults or disabled people, with tasks such as cooking, cleaning, and bathing. In Vermont, personal care aides make an average annual salary of $32,210.
- Growth: 32.7%
- Degree options: Certificate in Personal Care Aide, Associate in Medical Assisting
Physician Assistants
Physician assistants are one of the most in-demand health professionals. They work under physicians to support patient care and must complete extensive education and medical training. They are not as highly compensated as physicians, but they still tend to make six-figure salaries. The average annual physician assistant salary in Vermont is $132,860.
- Growth: 30.8%
- Degree options: Master’s in Physician Assistant Studies
Respiratory Therapists
Respiratory therapists are experts in the field of breathing assistance and monitoring. They assist doctors and other health professionals with patient treatment for diseases and conditions that impact breathing, such as asthma, bronchitis, and cystic fibrosis, to name a few. In Vermont, these professionals earn an average annual salary of $71,430.
- Growth: 29.4%
- Degree options: Associate in Respiratory Care, Bachelor of Health Science in Respiratory Care
Speech-Language Pathologists
Speech-language pathologists (SLPs) specialize in treating speech impediments and other issues that arise related to the mouth and throat area, including chewing and swallowing food. Demand for SLP services is expected to rise greatly in Vermont and across the country, largely due to the aging population and prevalence of health issues such as stroke and Alzheimer’s, which can impair speech and eating skills. In Vermont, SLPs make an average annual salary of $83,930.
- Growth: 22.6%
- Degree options: Master’s in Speech-Language Pathology
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
Vermont, like most states in the U.S., is experiencing a mental health and addiction epidemic. The state’s population is expected to grow substantially in the next decade, and with that growing population comes a growing need to provide more professional support around substance abuse, behavioral issues, and mental health. In Vermont, counselors in this field earn an average salary of $55,120.
- Growth: 21.7%
- Degree options: Bachelor’s in Clinical/Medical Social Work, Bachelor’s in Psychology, Bachelor’s in Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling, Master’s in Clinical/Medical Social Work, Master’s in Clinical Psychology, Master’s in Substance Abuse/Addiction Counseling