Online Schools and Colleges in Vermont

About 25,000 students are currently enrolled in Vermont’s public colleges, and more than 18,000 attend private schools in the state. With more than a dozen schools to choose from, prospective students in Vermont may have trouble deciding which institution meets their needs. Especially designed for students looking for high-quality online programs that provide flexible learning, this page aims to aid aspiring students in their decision by answering their important questions regarding education standards, financial aid, and earning potential in Vermont.

About 25,000 students attended Vermont’s public colleges in 2017, according to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Additionally, NCES data shows that more than 18,500 learners attended Vermont private schools in 2017.

With more than a dozen higher education options in the state, Vermont students should carefully research options to choose the best school for their needs. The state’s institutions offer online programs that are ideal for recent high school graduates and busy adult learners. This guide provides information about online schools in colleges in Vermont, accreditation, education standards, financial aid opportunities, and earning potential for graduates.

Though a small state, Vermont houses many higher education institutions. Because of the number of options, learners may feel overwhelmed as they begin their college search. Students can access lists of Vermont schools through the Open Education Database and the Vermont Agency of Education. You can also click the icon below for details about online schools and colleges in Vermont.Search All Accredited Schools in Vermont

Explore programs of your interests with the high-quality standards and flexibility you need to take your career to the next level.

Higher educational attainment tends to lead to higher earning potential. The table below illustrates the correlation between increased education and median annual salaries for U.S. professionals. According to data from PayScale, the median annual salary in Vermont is $56,000, which is higher than the national median.

Vermont is home to sizable manufacturing, agriculture, service, and wine industries, all of which require skilled professionals and managers with advanced education.

Source: BLS

The average cost of in-state tuition at public schools in Vermont is nearly double the national average. Rates for out-of-state learners and students at private schools in Vermont are also well above the national averages. However, the state government offers grants and scholarships that can help reduce the financial burden of earning a degree. The tables below compare Vermont’s average tuition rates to the national averages.

Source: National Center for Education Statistics

The figures above do not include room and board or additional costs for out-of-state students. Because tuition rates and fees vary by school, learners should contact their prospective institution to ensure that they understand the total cost of earning a degree. Below are some cost considerations for students attending online schools and colleges in Vermont.

To qualify for in-state tuition rates at Vermont public institutions, learners must meet state-established criteria. Students must have a fixed and permanent home in Vermont and must have continuously resided in the state for one year prior to enrollment. Students younger than 18 can assume the residency status of their parent or guardian.

Circumstances may impact residency requirements. For example, students who have received legal emancipation from their parents or who serve in the armed forces typically receive special consideration. Learners should contact their school’s financial aid office for details about eligibility requirements.

Learners attending online schools and colleges in Vermont can qualify for public and private scholarships and grants. Some financial aid programs are only available to state residents, while others also support out-of-state students in Vermont. Below are some merit-based and need-based funding options for Vermont learners.

Accreditation refers to a private, voluntary process through which institutions demonstrate credibility and academic authority. Many types of financial aid are only available to students at accredited schools, and many employers and graduate schools only recognize degrees earned from accredited institutions.

U.S. institutions can hold regional or national accreditation, and specific programs may earn subject-specific accreditation. Online schools and colleges in Vermont can hold multiple types of accreditation. The information below can help you identify reputable schools and accrediting agencies.

Considered the most prestigious form of accreditation, regional accreditation typically applies to universities and liberal arts colleges. The New England Commission of Higher Education awards regional accreditation to Vermont institutions.

National accreditation often applies to career and vocational schools. Specialized Vermont institutions, including the New England Culinary Institute, generally hold national accreditation from associations such as the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology.

Learners in some fields, such as engineering and nursing, must attend an accredited program to qualify for licensure. Subject-specific accreditation demonstrates that a program helps learners gain the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the field. Field-specific accrediting agencies, such as the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education, comprise industry professionals and experts.

To ensure that you receive a quality education and that your degree holds value after graduation, you should only consider schools that hold proper accreditation. Accredited institutions and programs typically display their accreditation status on their website. Students can also review a list of approved accrediting agencies and accredited schools using the directory from the Council for Higher Education Accreditation.

Vermont residents can access basic education and industry training programs. Several state initiatives help residents earn their GED credential or high school diploma and qualify for postsecondary programs. The sections below include resources for adult learners in the state.

Of Vermont’s higher education students, 10,804 learners (24.6%) enrolled in at least one online course in 2015.

In 2015, 3,493 undergraduate students and 2,341 graduate students in Vermont took exclusively online courses.

Only 39.5% of Vermont’s fully online students resided in the state in 2015.

Source: The Distance Education State Almanac 2017

Prospective students in Vermont can access information about choosing a school, applying to college, and securing financial aid. The following resources can assist learners attending public and private institutions, both on campus and online.