Despite being the second-smallest state by population, Vermont punches above its weight in higher education, offering everything from a nationally ranked research university to some of the country’s most distinctive small liberal arts colleges. Most of the state’s top schools cluster around Burlington, home to the University of Vermont—the only research university in the state.
Middlebury College
Middlebury College is Vermont’s most nationally renowned liberal arts institution, consistently recognized among the top liberal arts colleges in the country. It draws students specifically for its rigorous academics, strong international and language programs, and close-knit residential campus culture in the town of Middlebury.
University of Vermont
The University of Vermont, founded in 1791 in Burlington, is ranked No. 132 in National Universities in the 2026 U.S. News rankings, and it’s the state’s only research university. It maintains a six-year graduation rate of 79%, with 92% of undergraduates engaging in research, an internship, or other experience-based learning, and 94% of graduates employed or continuing their education within six months of finishing their degree. In-state tuition and fees run around $19,058, while out-of-state students pay roughly $45,502. UVM ranks strongly across several specialty areas too, including agricultural sciences, biology, environmental science, and philosophy, and it’s notably recognized as the second most liberal-leaning college in the entire country according to Niche’s student surveys.
Saint Michael’s College
Saint Michael’s College, a private not-for-profit institution in Colchester, graduates 73% of its students within six years. Average in-state tuition and fees run about $51,450, with median early-career earnings for graduates reaching $42,240—making it one of the stronger private options in the state for students prioritizing outcomes alongside a smaller campus community.
Norwich University
Founded in 1819, Norwich University is a private institution known for its notably intimate class sizes—56% of classes have fewer than 20 students—and a student-faculty ratio of just 11:1, one of the most favorable in the state. Norwich also holds the distinction of being the oldest private senior military college in the United States, giving it a distinctive campus culture built around both traditional liberal arts and military training programs.
Champlain College
Champlain College, founded in 1878 in Burlington, is a private institution known particularly for its career-focused programs in areas like business, technology, and creative fields, with a curriculum built around practical, applied learning.
Vermont State University
Vermont State University, founded in 1828, is a public institution formed through the consolidation of several of Vermont’s regional state colleges, offering a more affordable public option for students across the state’s various campuses.
Landmark College
Landmark College, founded in 1985, holds a distinctive niche nationally as an institution specifically designed for students with learning differences such as dyslexia, ADHD, and autism, offering specialized academic support integrated directly into its curriculum.
Sterling College
Sterling College, founded in 1958, is a small private institution known for its focus on environmental and sustainability-oriented education, appealing to students specifically drawn to hands-on, ecologically focused learning in a rural Vermont setting.
Regional Tuition Benefits Worth Knowing About
Vermont residents have an extra option worth factoring into any college search: through the New England Regional Student Program, they can attend select public colleges and universities in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island at a significant tuition discount, provided they enroll in an approved degree program not offered by Vermont’s own public institutions.
How These Rankings Differ
As with other states, ranking methodology shapes the results considerably. U.S. News evaluates broad academic and outcome-based indicators, Niche leans heavily on extensive student and alumni reviews alongside government data, and outlets like College Factual weigh a blend of graduation rates, post-graduation earnings, affordability, and per-student spending. This is worth keeping in mind, since a school’s “best” ranking can shift meaningfully depending on whether the priority is research prestige, affordability, or day-to-day student experience.
Join The Discussion
Did you attend one of Vermont’s colleges, and how did your experience compare to what these rankings suggest? Are you weighing a research university like UVM against a smaller liberal arts option like Middlebury or Saint Michael’s, and what factors matter most to you in that decision? Share your experiences, tips, or questions about choosing among Vermont’s schools below.
