Accredited Online Colleges in Vermont
Did you know that Vermont ranks among the top five states in the country for its high percentage of adults who hold a bachelor’s degree or higher? And many of Vermont’s fastest-growing, highest-paying jobs require a college degree. By earning your degree online in Vermont, you can advance your career and increase your earning potential.
Our guide introduces the online colleges in Vermont that offer undergraduate and graduate degree programs. We also cover career and salary data, cost and financial aid information, and the importance of accreditation.
Vermont at a Glance
- There are 14 degree-granting institutions in Vermont.
- As of 2023, 43.7% of adults in the state hold a bachelor’s degree or higher.
- The average annual salary in Vermont across all occupations was $62,780 as of May 2023.
- Many of Vermont’s fastest-growing jobs require a college degree, including data scientists, nurse practitioners, and personal financial advisors.
- The Vermont Student Assistance Corporation connects Vermont college students with scholarship and grant opportunities.
Online Colleges and Universities in Vermont
The following table includes accredited, nonprofit, degree-granting institutions in Vermont that offer online degree programs. Compare details like location, average net price after aid, and degree offerings to determine the best school for your needs.
Explore More Schools in Vermont
Criminal Justice Schools in Vermont
Education Options, Employment Possibilities, and Resources for Students The 2009 United States census showed Vermont’s crime rates are the second-lowest in the nation, which is a positive reflection on the field of criminal justice in the state. Criminal justice schools in Vermont provide students with training that can lead to a variety of careers — …
Vocational Trade Schools in Vermont
Why Choose Trade School? Vocational schools offer associate degrees and certifications to learners studying a trade. Students confident in their future career choice who want to enter the workforce quickly typically benefit from trade schools. Anyone who wants to make a career switch can apply to trade school at any age. After earning their degrees, …
Who Accredits Online Schools in Vermont?
The New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) accredits online schools in Vermont. NECHE dates back to 1885 and applies the same high standards to Vermont’s in-person and online programs. That means online learners attending an NECHE-accredited institution know that its programs follow the best practices in higher education.
Accreditation matters for online students. In addition to signaling academic quality, accreditation also meets the requirements for more jobs, licenses, and certifications. And only students at accredited institutions qualify for federal financial aid.
When researching online colleges in Vermont, make sure to check their accreditation status. It’s also a good idea to research programmatic accreditation if you plan to pursue a professional license after graduation. For example, the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE) accredits social work programs in Vermont.
Why Attend a Vermont College Online?
- Earning a college degree prepares graduates for in-demand, high-paying careers in Vermont.
- Vermont college students benefit from affordable online tuition rates at many institutions.
- Online learners at accredited institutions qualify for many of the same financial aid opportunities as on-campus learners.
- Learning online gives students more flexibility to work while in college.
How Much Does College Cost in Vermont?
The cost of college in Vermont depends on the type of institution. While the state’s community colleges cost less than $7,000 per year for in-state students, private, four-year institutions cost over $50,000 annually.
In addition to tuition and fees, Vermont college students also need to budget for textbooks, transportation, technology, and living expenses. By choosing an online delivery format, you can potentially save on transportation and commuting costs. Online learners may also qualify for tuition discounts.
Financial Aid for Vermont Students
Vermont students qualify for many financial aid options to pay for college. Here are some of the most popular:
- FAFSA: Fill out the FAFSA annually to qualify for federal student aid programs, including the Pell Grant. The FAFSA can also help you get need-based aid.
- Vermont Grants: You don’t have to repay grants, making them a great option — and Vermont offers multiple grants for state residents.
- College Grants: In addition to state and federal grants, you can also receive grants through your college.
- Scholarships: You can find college scholarships for Vermont students offered by professional associations, private foundations, and other sources.
- Work-Study Programs: This need-based form of financial aid connects students with job opportunities, often on or near campus.
The Vermont Student Assistance Corporation, a nonprofit agency created by the Vermont Legislature, helps connect students with financial aid opportunities.
Popular Cities for Students and Professionals in Vermont
What are the best places to live and work in Vermont? While the state is largely rural, these are some of the most popular cities for college students and professionals.
- Burlington: Vermont’s largest city is also home to multiple colleges and the state’s largest employers, including IBM. Burlington is a great place to work in tech, professional services, healthcare, or education.
- Montpelier: Vermont’s capital offers many job opportunities in the public sector, including working for state agencies or companies that work closely with the state government. Large employers in the city include environmental groups and law firms.
- White River Junction: The location of Vermont’s Veterans Affairs hospital, White River Junction is a good place to work in healthcare. It’s also close to Dartmouth’s medical and surgical college in nearby Lebanon, New Hampshire.
- Brattleboro: Close to Vermont’s New Hampshire and Massachusetts borders, Brattleboro is also a center for trucking and transportation jobs. Brattleboro Retreat, which provides mental health and addiction treatment, also employs many healthcare workers.
Career Opportunities in Vermont
Home to Ben & Jerry’s, Green Mountain Power, and Marathon Health, Vermont workers benefit from diverse career opportunities. Some of the state’s largest employers include IBM and the University of Vermont. Vermont also boasts a low 2.2% unemployment rate, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
What industries offer the most opportunities for college graduates? Among the state’s highest-paying, fastest-growing jobs are careers in tech, healthcare, finance, and management. Earning a college degree in Vermont can open up new job opportunities and lead to a higher earning potential.
What are the fastest-growing jobs in Vermont?
Vermont reports many in-demand careers with over 30% projected growth from 2022-2032. In fact, several of Vermont’s fastest-growing jobs also offer high salaries and only require a bachelor’s degree. You can work as an information security analyst, data scientist, or software developer with a bachelor’s degree. The table below provides data on some of Vermont’s fast-growing career paths.
| Job | Growth Rate (2022-2032) | Median Annual Salary (2023) | Minimum Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Information Security Analysts | +47.4% | $84,860 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Data Scientists | +46.7% | $117,500 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Statisticians | +38.5% | $69,830 | Master’s degree |
| Nurse Practitioners | +35.8% | $123,920 | Master’s degree |
| Software Developers | +34.8% | $112,620 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Personal Financial Advisors | +31.9% | $102,240 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | +30.5% | $111,670 | Bachelor’s degree |
| Actuaries | +30% | No data | Bachelor’s degree |
What are the top-paying jobs in Vermont?
Not surprisingly, some of Vermont’s highest-paying jobs are in the medical field, with physicians topping the list. However, not every high-paying job requires a doctorate. Many of the top-paying roles only require a bachelor’s degree, including careers in business management and tech. Below are some of Vermont’s top-paying jobs.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (2023) | Growth Rate (2022-2032) | Minimum Education Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physicians | $225,170 | +7.1% | Doctoral or professional degree |
| Chief Executives | $157,370 | -1.6% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Architectural and Engineering Managers | $143,570 | +2.8% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Physician Assistants | $135,710 | +25.7% | Master’s degree |
| Database Architects | $129,950 | +12.5% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Sales Managers | $129,280 | +5.8% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Computer and Information Systems Managers | $128,660 | +20.2% | Bachelor’s degree |
| Computer Network Architects | $125,100 | +8.3% | Bachelor’s degree |
Frequently Asked Questions About Colleges in Vermont
Vermont is home to 14 accredited, degree-granting colleges, and many of them offer online degrees. Major institutions such as the University of Vermont and Vermont State University offer online degree programs with in-state tuition rates for Vermont residents. Vermont college students can also qualify for state grants.
Related Pages
Best Accredited Online Bachelor’s Programs 2025
Take the first step toward your career. Learn about the top online bachelor’s degrees, ranked by factors like academic quality, affordability, and reputation.
What Are the Easiest Bachelor’s Degrees?
Explore features of the easiest bachelor’s degrees and learn which degree types and majors are most accessible to students seeking to minimize challenges.
Best Accredited Online Colleges in Massachusetts
Online universities in Massachusetts offer flexible accredited programs. Learn about the top online schools in the state and how to pick an accredited degree.