Best Online Colleges in 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:

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.

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:

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.

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:

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.

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.

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).

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:

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.