Students who choose to pursue a degree in Vermont unlock more job opportunities and higher earning potential. Today most careers require a bachelor’s degree, though many students pursue advanced degrees to qualify for even more career options and higher pay brackets. Students attending in-state programs in Vermont enjoy lower tuition costs granted to resident students and often build local networking connections whereas out-of-state students may struggle to network in a new area.
Featured Online Schools
Higher Learning Initiatives in Vermont
Vermont Virtual Learning Cooperative
The Vermont Virtual Learning Cooperative is a federal stimulus-funded program. It cooperates with public primary and secondary schools so students can take courses online. These online courses can be applied to a home school diploma. They can also help students prepare for the digital world after graduation or enroll in online schools in Vermont. The VVLC is also used as a training platform for educators to learn how to facilitate online courses.
Learning Network of Vermont
The Learning Network of Vermont is a video-based conferencing system that works with various public institutions to facilitate virtual field trips and expand opportunities for distance learning. The system also gives educators remote access to training facilities and digital meetings. The program was initiated with the help of Verizon Wireless. The mobile company helped set up T-1 internet bandwidth and donated hardware to the project.
Vermont E-Learning Project
The Vermont E-Learning Project is a collaborative effort of the Vermont Principals Association, the Tarrant Institute for Innovation Education, and VITA-Learn. It was launched to help sustain technology integration in the classroom in select public schools, as well as enhance professional opportunities. To help complete its mission, the project was awarded $200,000 by the Vermont Department of Education.
Popular Degree Programs in Vermont
Business Insider indicates the two most popular degree options in Vermont are environmental science and English language and literature. The top industries in the state include agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and services. Environmental science students develop a background in geology and physical geography, relative to both mining and agriculture.
- Environmental Science: Integrating biological, information, and physical sciences, the environmental science major covers a variety of topics including chemistry, zoology, soil science, physical geography, geology, oceanography, and atmospheric science. Students in these programs will gain a solid background in the varied disciplines of science and build upon their skills and knowledge.
- English Language and Literature: Students majoring in English language and literature can select a concentration to focus their degree on; this may include editing, creative writing, and poetry. Course topics cover subjects like literary theory, Shakespeare, Victorian literature, and studies in the novel.
Paying for College in Vermont
Price is often one of the main factors when it comes to choosing a college. Students can review tuition rates on each college’s website to determine what they can afford with their expected financial aid. Students should also keep the cost of living and rent prices for their chosen area in mind as they make their decision, ensuring they can afford to earn their degree.
Tuition Prices
Vermont boasts affordable tuition rates for students. On average, tuition at a public two-year institution in Vermont costs $8,190 with public four-year tuition averaging $16,610. These rates do not include expenses such as rent, books and class materials, transportation, or technology fees.
Average Price for In-State Tuition and Fees by Institution Type, 2017-18
| Public Two Year | Public Four Year | |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont | $8,190 | $16,610 |
| U.S. Average | $4,234 | $9,978 |
Source: College Board
Employment Outlook in Vermont
Graduates of online programs in Vermont can explore numerous career opportunities in the state. The annual mean wage for all occupations in Vermont is close to the average for the U.S., with professionals earning an annual mean wage of $48,840 compared to the U.S. average of $50,620. The state also boasts a low unemployment rate of 2.7%, which is lower than the U.S. average of 3.8%. Professionals can look to the agriculture, service, manufacturing, and mining fields for employment opportunities in Vermont.
| Vermont | 2.7% |
| United States | 3.8% |
Source: BLS
| Vermont | $48,840 |
| United States | $50,620 |
Source: BLS
Accreditation for Colleges in Vermont
Students interested in Vermont online colleges should pay attention to the accreditation the university or college boasts. Students should understand the differences between regional and national accreditation to make the best decision for their educational and professional goals. Nationally accredited institutions feature coursework heavily focused on career and technical preparation. Often, students at nationally accredited institutions experience self-taught curricula instead of instructor-led courses. Credits in these programs often get rejected in transfer situations and although they often feature lower tuition rates than regionally accredited institutions, they get excluded from most tuition reimbursement plans.
Regionally accredited institutions offer more liberal arts-based courses, unlike the career-focused approach at nationally accredited counterparts. Regionally accredited institutions highlight instructor-led courses and credits that get widely accepted in transfer situations. These students also enjoy eligibility for tuition reimbursement plans. Around 85% of schools in the U.S. feature regional accreditation since it is considered the most prestigious form of accreditation.
Scholarships for Vermont Online College Students
Students can explore Vermont online college opportunities at many universities. Numerous scholarships exist for students living and studying in Vermont, with options based both on merit and financial need.
Who Can Apply: Students who major in plant pathology, forestry, landscape design, agronomy, environmental studies, botany, biology, horticulture, or floriculture can earn the Mabel Mayforth Vermont Scholarship. Applicants must provide a personal statement and three letters of recommendation.
Amount: $1,000
Who Can Apply: The Katie Currier Memorial Scholarship Fund is awarded to two graduates of Essex High School who have been accepted to accredited colleges or universities in Vermont.
Amount: $1,000
Who Can Apply: The Jon Borowicz Memorial Student Music Scholarship provides financial assistance to Vermont high school seniors who participate in a state music program. Applicants must win an orchestra competition to earn the award.
Amount: $500
Who Can Apply: Available to qualified nursing students in Windham Country, Vermont, the Helen J. Switzer Nursing Scholarship requires applicants to enroll in a licensed practical nursing program at an accredited higher learning institution in Vermont.
Amount: $1,000
Who Can Apply: Created to provide financial support for students interested in helping rebuild Vermont’s water and wastewater management industry, the Green Mountain Water Environment Association Scholarship requires applicants to attend an accredited college or university in Vermont with a minimum 3.0 GPA.
Amount: $1,000
Who Can Apply: The Gordy and Gwen EMS Scholarship program awards $1,000 each year to outstanding students in emergency medical services. Applicants must hold a minimum of one year of active employment in EMS and reside in Addison or Chittenden County in Vermont.
Amount: $1,000
Who Can Apply: Granted by the Vermont Police Association, the Erwin Bugbee Memorial Scholarship grants financial assistance to current undergraduate students or graduating high school seniors who demonstrate financial need. Applicants must hold a minimum 2.5 GPA and pursue a career in law enforcement.
Amount: $1,000
Who Can Apply: Open to students between the ages of 18 and 24 who were in the Vermont foster care system for at least six months between the ages of 16 and 18, the Emily Lester Vermont Opportunity Scholarship requires students to demonstrate financial need and enroll in an accredited program in Vermont.
Amount: $3,000
Who Can Apply: Open to students living in central Vermont, the Central Vermont Medical Center Auxiliary Scholarships require students to attend an accredited institution in the state majoring in pharmacy, dental hygiene, practical nursing, radiology, physical/occupational therapy, or registered nursing.
Amount: $2,500
Who Can Apply: The Carol A. Hurley Scholarship awards $1,000 each year to high school seniors in Vermont heading to college. Applicants must be the first generation in their families to attend college, demonstrate financial need, and hold a 2.5 minimum GPA.
Amount: $1,000
Resources for Students in Vermont
- Vermont Higher Education Council: The Vermont Higher Education Council consists of public, independent, and proprietary colleges in the state working together to ensure higher education remains strong in Vermont. Students can access the website to learn about certification possibilities and review data like enrollment and demographics.
- Vermont Higher Education Collaborative: Students can use the Vermont Higher Education Collaborative to participate in various workshops, review the blog, and receive relevant news and updates regarding an array of disciplines.
- University of Vermont Career Center: The Career Center at the University of Vermont allows students to network to find career opportunities and build professional connections. Students can also use the center to schedule appointments with career coaches, get help with their resume or cover letter, and participate in workshops.
- Center for Health and Wellbeing at the University of Vermont: Students have access to the Center for Health and Wellbeing at the University of Vermont. Students can use the center for primary health care, counseling and support programs, or stress relief and connection. The resource offers a crisis text line that students can use any time.
- Prism Center at the University of Vermont: The University of Vermont features the Prism Center, serving the diverse LGBTQ+ student body. Students can visit the center to seek empowerment and advocacy. The center boasts resources on and off campus and hosts various events and programs.
Online Schools in Vermont
Champlain College
Burlington, VT
Green Mountain College
Poultney, VT
Johnson State College
Johnson, VT
Norwich University
Northfield, VT
University of Vermont
Burlington, VT