In some ways, Vermont continues to struggle after the Recession. There is good news though. Foreclosures are just 0.2 percent. Unemployment is 3.3 percent. Vermont has the fourth lowest unemployment in the United States.
Forbes ranks the state 17th in Quality of Life and 28th in Labor Supply. Rich States, Poor States places Vermont fourth for its low sales tax.
Non-farm employment grew 2.56 percent, which places the state in the middle of the pack. In a Small Business Economic Outlook Survey, optimism is up. Most small business owners want lower state taxes.
They cite a need for lower health insurance costs and skilled employees. Finding ways to stimulate the economy will be key to the state’s growth.
STEM majors hold 30 percent of the Bachelor’s degrees conferred in Vermont. Of the 44,000 enrolled in the state, 86 percent are undergraduates. They largely come from other states (83 percent).
In the academic year 2014 to 2015, 5,000 students enrolled in fully online classes. Another 2,000 took hybrid coursework, which is partially on campus and partially online. Of all graduate students, 36 percent attain their degree online. Undergraduates lag behind with just 8 percent finishing all requirements online.
Vermont’s students demonstrate great results after graduation:
- 63 percent gain full-time employment immediately
- 17 percent go to graduate school
- 14 percent enter public service (military, Peace Corps, etc.)
- Just 6 percent still seek employment after 6 months
- Mean salary for Vermont college graduates: $52,820
What Are the Best Online Colleges in Vermont?
Our researchers study government and institutional data. We consider student demographics, success rates, and investment versus salary potential. The schools demonstrate the highest quality online programs with the best return on investment.
1
University of Vermont
Overview
Carnegie classifies the University of Vermont (UVM) as a Doctoral University with Higher Research Activity. STEM fields dominate. Of the 69 percent of applicants who are accepted, 16 percent will enroll.
Retention rates of first-time, full-time freshmen are 87 percent. Seventy-four percent graduate. U.S. News ranks UVM 38th in “Top Public Schools” and 59th in “Best Colleges for Veterans.”
Enrollments total 13,105, and 62 percent of undergraduates are out-of-state. For online learning, 9 percent of undergraduates and 8 percent of graduates participate. Just 1 percent of undergraduates and 6 percent of graduates finish degrees fully online.
Program Features
Online classes can be taken on your schedule, but deadlines must be followed. Active participation in discussions is mandatory. Expect 5 to 20 hours of work each week.
Online degrees from UVM:
- Health Sciences Online Degree Completion Program
- RN to BSN
- Accelerated Master of Public Health Track for undergraduates
- Master of Public Health
- MS in Leadership for Sustainability
Notables
Ecological Economics and School Library Media Specialist are online/campus hybrids. Other online programs include Actuarial Exam Preparation. UVM offers many certificates, licensures, workshops, and career courses. Programs last 2 to 16 weeks and usually have the same faculty as campus classes.
2
Norwich University
Overview
In 1819, Captain Alden Partridge founded the first American private military college. Now known as Norwich University (NU), the college formed the American System of Education and the ROTC. Norwich began online programs in 1997.
The platform for online classes is Norwich University Online. Twelve hundred students choose from Bachelor’s completions, Master’s degrees, graduate certificates, and enrichment classes. Subject matter experts develop courses, and classes are capped at 16 students.
Program Features
The FAQ page lists a typical online experience, transferring credits, and computer requirements. It includes disability services, residency requirements, and credit for life experience. Master’s degrees include an MA in Diplomacy, Master of Civil Engineering, and MS in Information Security and Assurance.
Bachelor’s degrees through Norwich University Online:
- Bachelor of Interdisciplinary Studies
- BS in Criminal Justice
- BS in Cyber Security
- BS in Management Studies
- BS in National Security Studies
- BS in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis
Notables
Personal support for students includes a dedicated Program Director, library support chat, and 24/7 tech support. Online students take one course per term. They join a cohort sharing courses and discussions. To quote, “Your cohort is part idea incubator, part gut check, and part coach.”
3
Champlain College
Overview
Champlain is a 140-year-old nonprofit college. Over 50 degrees are fully online. With an accelerated pace, classes last 7 or 8 weeks. Transfer students bring up to 90 credits toward the degree. These credits include life experiences like military service, certifications, and job training.
Program Features
The college offers 4 Associate’s degrees, 11 Bachelor’s degrees, 28 undergraduate certificates, and 13 graduate certificates. There are 7 Master’s degrees. The M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education requires a 4-day residency in year one.
These are a sample of the Bachelor’s degrees available online from Champlain College:
- BS in Computer Forensics and Digital Investigations
- BS in Healthcare Administration
- BS in Economic Crime Investigation
Notables
Students have 24/7 access to classes with set deadlines for completion of work. The online system has a testing tool, assignment submission, discussion groups, and weekly private feedback. Each student has an assigned academic advisor and career counselor.
4
Johnson State College
Overview
Johnson State College (JSC) was named Vermont’s premier public liberal arts college. Online students from other states pay in-state tuition through generous scholarships. Transfer students receive credit for both prior courses and life experience.
Program Features
JSC Online classes last 14 weeks, although select accelerated classes run just 7 weeks. The faculty for online courses has the same experience as campus instructors. All course syllabi, catalogs, and class bulletins are available for viewing.
- BS in Wellness and Alternative Medicine
- BA in Professional Studies (self-designed major)
- BA in Interdisciplinary Studies (self-designed major)
- BA in Psychology (General or Pre-Professional Counseling)
- BA in Business (concentration in Accounting or Management)
Notables
Online students have access to advising, tutoring, and disability accommodations. Access the library and bookstore online. Technical requirements: reliable Wi-Fi, Firefox or Internet Explorer, and MS Office (provided to all JSC students).
5
Green Mountain College
Overview
Green Mountain College (GMC) has been the home of Sustainability Education since 1834. Sierra Magazine named GMC a “Top 10 Coolest School.” Princeton Review includes the college in its “Top 3 Green Colleges.” U.S. News awarded its “Best Online Graduate Program” to the Sustainable Business MBA.
Program Features
Online courses last six weeks and are taken one at a time. Participation twice weekly is mandatory. Plan to dedicate 16 hours to classwork every week. Students can login to weekly live sessions or follow their own schedule.
Online degrees from GMC:
- BA in Interdisciplinary Studies
- BS in Business Administration
- Sustainable MBA
- MS in Sustainable Food Systems
- MS in Environmental Studies
- MS in Resilient and Sustainable Communities
Notables
Business Administration graduates earn automatic admission into Green Mountain’s MBA program. The Learning Resources page links to the library, support, and the Center for Careers, Advising, and Teaching. The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 gives GMC the designation “Best for Personal Attention” from Community for Accredited Online Schools.
