Best Online Colleges in Vermont

December 16, 2020 | Staff Writers

Are you ready to find your fit?

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 education. 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

Accredited Online College Programs

Explore our featured online programs and find the right match for you today.

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.

Rankings

See our rankings methodology page.

University of Vermont

Location
Burlington, VT

Tuition
$$$$$

Graduation Rate
76%

View School Profile

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.
Norwich University

Location
Northfield, VT

Tuition
$$$$$

Graduation Rate
58%

View School Profile

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 Bachelors completions, Masters 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. Masters degrees include an MA in Diplomacy, Master of Civil Engineering, and MS in Information Security and Assurance.

Bachelors 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.
Champlain College

Location
Burlington, VT

Tuition
$$$$$

Graduation Rate
57%

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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 Associates degrees, 11 Bachelors degrees, 28 undergraduate certificates, and 13 graduate certificates. There are 7 Masters degrees. The M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education requires a 4-day residency in year one.

These are a sample of the Bachelors 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.
Johnson State College

Location
Johnson, VT

Tuition
$$$$$

Graduation Rate
36%

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Overview

Johnson State College (JSC) was named Vermonts 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).
Green Mountain College

Location
Poultney, VT

Tuition
$$$$$

Graduation Rate
48%

View School Profile

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 Mountains 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.