Read this article to explore the best colleges in Vermont and find the schools that offer top-quality programs, supportive campus communities, and opportunities to build a successful career. With so many colleges in the state, it can be challenging to know which ones truly stand out, so this guide focuses on institutions recognized for their academics, student resources, and overall learning experience.
The schools highlighted here were carefully selected based on program quality, faculty expertise, hands-on learning opportunities, and career preparation. Whether your interests lie in liberal arts, sciences, business, technology, or creative fields, these colleges provide the education and experiences students need to thrive. By reading this guide, prospective students can identify colleges that match their goals, interests, and budget while preparing for a rewarding future in Vermont.
Best Colleges in Vermont
1. Middlebury College – Middlebury, VT
Middlebury is a private liberal-arts college that’s widely seen as one of the top schools in Vermont and the U.S. The college offers a broad range of majors: around 45–50 different fields in arts, humanities, natural and social sciences, and more. Small classes are one of its strongest points — students get close attention from professors, which many find helpful for in-depth learning.
What sets Middlebury apart is also its strong global and language offerings. For example, its Language Schools run summer immersion programs in many languages, giving students a chance to learn and practice in real, immersive settings. If you like the humanities, languages, environmental studies, or want an education that emphasises critical thinking and broad learning, Middlebury is a top pick.
2. University of Vermont (UVM) – Burlington, VT
UVM is Vermont’s flagship public university, offering a large variety of programs across many fields, from sciences, health sciences, business, environment, to arts and liberal studies. Because it is a big university, you get access to more choices and resources than most small colleges. That’s ideal if you are still exploring what you want to study or if you want flexibility to change majors.
As a public school with many students, UVM offers a dynamic campus life: clubs, social activities, and opportunities for research or practical work in labs, health centres, or environmental programs. For students who want a broader college environment, maybe mixing sciences with social life, UVM can give that balance.
3. Champlain College – Burlington, VT
Champlain College is a private college known for blending practical, career-focused programs with modern education approaches rather than purely traditional liberal-arts. If you’re interested in technology, business, creative media, cyber security, digital design, or other hands-on, job-ready courses, Champlain can be a strong fit.
One interesting feature is its “Upside-Down Curriculum”, which means students start in their major programmes from the first year. That helps if you already know what you want to study and want focused learning rather than spending lots of time on general courses. Because of this structure and industry-focused courses, Champlain tends to appeal to students aiming for direct entry into a job after graduation, especially in business, technology, design, or media.
4. Saint Michael’s College – Colchester, VT
Saint Michael’s is a smaller private college with a community-focused feel. Its academic offerings are reasonably broad, over 30 majors and minors, combining liberal studies with flexibility so students can explore different fields before deciding.
A big advantage at Saint Michael’s is the close relationships between students and professors, small class sizes and opportunities for independent study, research, and internships. The college also encourages global and social awareness: many students take part in study-abroad programs each year, giving exposure beyond just Vermont.
For students who value a tight-knit community, personalised attention, and a balanced liberal-arts education, Saint Michael’s gives a friendly and supportive environment. It works well for those who want flexibility, want to combine different interests, or prefer a less intense, more personal college culture rather than a large university setting.
5. Bennington College – Bennington, VT
Bennington College is another private liberal-arts school, but what makes it stand out is how flexible and student-centred the education model is. Rather than forcing students into fixed majors, Bennington encourages each student to design their own learning path, choosing courses that match their passions and often crossing traditional subject boundaries.
Students at Bennington work closely with faculty, receive personalised mentoring, and regularly engage in “Field Work”, real-world experiences, internships, or creative projects that help them apply what they learn. This makes it ideal for creative, independent-minded students who don’t want a rigid curriculum but rather a learning environment shaped around their own interests.
Because of its small campus community and individualised approach, Bennington can be a good fit for those who prefer more freedom in shaping their education, especially if they are creative, interdisciplinary in interest, or want to explore fields like arts, humanities, social sciences, or design with a personalised approach.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What kinds of jobs can I get after graduating from a Vermont college?
Vermont graduates find opportunities in a wide range of fields depending on their degree. For example, liberal arts students often go into education, communications, business, or government work. Science and tech graduates can find jobs in healthcare, biotechnology, environmental science, and software development. Vermont’s economy is growing in areas like healthcare, renewable energy, tech, tourism, and agriculture, which gives graduates options across industries.
2. Is it easy to find work in Vermont after college?
Finding work depends on your field and networking efforts. Many Vermont colleges have strong career services, internships, and alumni networks that help students connect with local employers. Burlington and other cities offer more job opportunities, while rural areas may have fewer options but can provide specialized roles in agriculture, environmental work, or small business management.
3. What’s it like living in Vermont as a college student?
Vermont is known for scenic landscapes, a safe environment, and a close-knit community feel. College towns tend to be small and manageable, making it easy to get around. Outdoor activities like hiking, skiing, and kayaking are very popular. The pace is slower than in big cities, which can be great for focusing on studies, but students who want nightlife and big-city amenities may need to plan trips to larger cities like Burlington.
4. Are Vermont colleges expensive?
Costs vary depending on whether you attend a public or private school. Public schools like the University of Vermont are more affordable for in-state students, while private schools like Middlebury or Bennington have higher tuition. Many students reduce costs through scholarships, financial aid, work-study programs, or part-time jobs.
5. Why should I study in Vermont instead of another state?
Vermont colleges offer small class sizes, close student-professor interaction, and strong communities. The state also has a growing job market in fields like environmental science, healthcare, tech, and agriculture. Vermont’s colleges often combine academics with real-world experiences — research, internships, and hands-on learning — which can help students build career-ready skills while enjoying a safe, scenic, and student-friendly environment.