1. University of Vermont (UVM)
Overview
Location: Burlington, Vermont
Founded in 1791, the University of Vermont (UVM) is the state’s flagship public research university. UVM is known for its programs in environmental science, medicine, and business. The university’s Larner College of Medicine and Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources are highly respected. UVM is also known for its commitment to sustainability and has been a leader in environmental research.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #117 National Universities
- Number of Students: About 13,300
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Average SAT Score: 1180-1360
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Catamounts Athletics
- Outing Club (hiking and outdoor adventure)
- Student Government Association
- The Cynic (student newspaper)
- Greek life
Famous Alumni
- John Dewey – Philosopher and educational reformer
- Ben Affleck – Actor and filmmaker (attended briefly)
- Jody Williams – Nobel Peace Prize winner
- David Zuckerman – Lieutenant Governor of Vermont
- Trey Anastasio – Lead singer of Phish
Top Employers
- University of Vermont Medical Center
- GlobalFoundries
- Seventh Generation
- Keurig Dr Pepper
- Burton Snowboards
2. Middlebury College
Overview
Location: Middlebury, Vermont
Founded in 1800, Middlebury College is a private liberal arts college known for its strong emphasis on foreign languages, environmental studies, and international studies. Middlebury is renowned for its Language Schools and the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. The college’s picturesque campus and commitment to sustainability make it one of the top liberal arts schools in the country.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #11 National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Number of Students: About 2,500
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate degrees only
- Acceptance Rate: 15%
- Average SAT Score: 1380-1530
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Middlebury Panthers Athletics
- The Campus (student newspaper)
- Middlebury College Snow Bowl (skiing and snowboarding)
- Debate and Model UN
- Performing arts and music groups
Famous Alumni
- James Cromwell – Actor (Babe)
- Eve Ensler – Playwright (The Vagina Monologues)
- John Irving – Novelist
- Shirley M. Tilghman – Former President of Princeton University
- David Rubenstein – Co-founder of The Carlyle Group
Top Employers
- Middlebury College
- National Life Group
- Keurig Dr Pepper
- National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS)
- Deloitte
3. Champlain College
Overview
Location: Burlington, Vermont
Founded in 1878, Champlain College is a private institution known for its career-focused education and innovative programs in fields such as cybersecurity, game design, and business. Champlain’s Upside-Down Curriculum allows students to dive into major-specific courses from their first year, providing hands-on learning experiences early on. The college also emphasizes online and flexible learning options.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #117 Regional Universities North
- Number of Students: About 2,200
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Average SAT Score: 1100-1290
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Champlain College Esports
- Game development and design clubs
- Student government
- Skiing and snowboarding clubs
- Volunteer and service organizations
Famous Alumni
- Pierre Omidyar – Founder of eBay (attended briefly)
- Keith Sutter – VP of Keurig Dr Pepper
- David Finck – Author
- Jon Fishman – Drummer of Phish
- Ethan Allen – American Revolutionary War leader (attended briefly)
Top Employers
- Keurig Dr Pepper
- Burton Snowboards
- Dealer.com
- IBM
- Champlain College
4. Norwich University
Overview
Location: Northfield, Vermont
Founded in 1819, Norwich University is a private military college and the birthplace of the Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC). Norwich offers both civilian and military education programs, with strong offerings in engineering, criminal justice, cybersecurity, and business. The university is known for its leadership development programs and commitment to military training and service.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #55 Regional Universities North
- Number of Students: About 3,900
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate, Graduate, and Doctoral degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Average SAT Score: 1040-1250
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Norwich Cadets Athletics
- ROTC programs
- Cybersecurity clubs
- Student government
- Volunteer and service projects
Famous Alumni
- General Gordon R. Sullivan – Former U.S. Army Chief of Staff
- Richard W. Schneider – Former President of Norwich University
- Raymond J. Barry – Actor
- Dana T. Merrill – Polar explorer
- Colonel William H. Crocker – World War I flying ace
Top Employers
- U.S. Department of Defense
- Northrop Grumman
- IBM
- General Dynamics
- Pratt & Whitney
5. Saint Michael’s College
Overview
Location: Colchester, Vermont
Founded in 1904, Saint Michael’s College is a private Roman Catholic liberal arts college known for its strong programs in education, biology, and business. The college’s commitment to service and community engagement is reflected in its Vermont-based Mobilization of Volunteer Efforts (MOVE) program, which emphasizes service learning and social justice.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #124 National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Number of Students: About 1,600
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 83%
- Average SAT Score: 1060-1280
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Purple Knights Athletics
- Volunteer and service programs
- Campus Ministry
- Wilderness Program (outdoor adventure)
- Performing arts and theater groups
Famous Alumni
- Tom Freston – Former CEO of MTV Networks
- Brian L. Duffy – NASA astronaut
- Michael Colgan – CEO of Eagle Hill Consulting
- Peter Clavelle – Former Mayor of Burlington
- Sarah George – State’s Attorney for Chittenden County
Top Employers
- Saint Michael’s College
- National Life Group
- Vermont Public Radio
- Dealer.com
- Burton Snowboards
6. Bennington College
Overview
Location: Bennington, Vermont
Founded in 1932, Bennington College is a private liberal arts college known for its individualized approach to education and its focus on the arts and humanities. The college’s Plan Process allows students to design their own curriculum with the guidance of faculty advisors. Bennington is particularly known for its programs in visual and performing arts, literature, and social sciences.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #79 National Liberal Arts Colleges
- Number of Students: About 700
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 60%
- Average SAT Score: 1200-1420
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Visual and performing arts groups
- Writing and literary clubs
- Student government
- Bennington Outing Club
- Community service and social justice initiatives
Famous Alumni
- Peter Dinklage – Actor (Game of Thrones)
- Jonathan Lethem – Novelist
- Donna Tartt – Pulitzer Prize-winning author
- Judy Chicago – Artist and feminist
- Katherine Dunn – Author (Geek Love)
Top Employers
- National Public Radio
- Simon & Schuster
- HarperCollins
- Bennington College
- Local Vermont arts organizations
7. Vermont Technical College
Overview
Location: Randolph Center, Vermont
Founded in 1866, Vermont Technical College (Vermont Tech) is a public technical college known for its hands-on programs in engineering, nursing, and renewable energy. Vermont Tech’s focus on practical, career-oriented education prepares students for high-demand technical fields. The college also offers specialized programs in aviation, agriculture, and sustainable building.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: #33 Regional Colleges North
- Number of Students: About 1,600
- Degrees Offered: Associate, Bachelor’s, and Graduate degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Average SAT Score: 1010-1210
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Technical and engineering clubs
- Student government
- Outdoor adventure groups
- Volunteer and service programs
- Renewable energy and sustainability initiatives
Famous Alumni
- Patricia Moulton – President of Vermont Tech
- Keith Flynn – Former Vermont Public Safety Commissioner
- Brian Dubie – Former Lieutenant Governor of Vermont
- Jack Garritano – Renewable energy entrepreneur
- Nancy Mattoon – Health technology innovator
Top Employers
- IBM
- GlobalFoundries
- Green Mountain Power
- General Dynamics
- Northstar Group Services
8. Landmark College
Overview
Location: Putney, Vermont
Founded in 1985, Landmark College is a private college focused on providing education for students with learning differences such as dyslexia, ADHD, and autism. Landmark is recognized as a leader in providing support services and individualized learning plans to help students succeed academically. The college offers degrees in liberal arts, business, and STEM fields.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: Unranked (Specialty College)
- Number of Students: About 500
- Degrees Offered: Associate and Bachelor’s degrees
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Average SAT Score: Not required
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Landmark Sharks Athletics
- Art and creative writing clubs
- Neurodiversity and support groups
- Outdoor adventure programs
- Leadership and advocacy organizations
Famous Alumni
- Haley Moss – Attorney and autism advocate
- David Flink – Founder of Eye to Eye National
- Erik Weihenmayer – Blind adventurer and author
- Scott Griggs – Neurodiversity educator
- Jonathan Mooney – Author and speaker
Top Employers
- Autism Speaks
- Apple
- Landmark College
- Vermont Center for Independent Living
- Local Vermont schools and organizations
9. Marlboro College (Merged with Emerson College)
Overview
Location: Marlboro, Vermont (Closed in 2020, Merged with Emerson College)
Founded in 1946, Marlboro College was a private liberal arts college known for its self-directed curriculum and strong emphasis on community governance. Marlboro allowed students to design their own courses of study and focused on personalized, interdisciplinary education. In 2020, Marlboro College merged with Emerson College in Boston, though its legacy of innovative education continues.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: N/A (Merged)
- Number of Students: N/A
- Degrees Offered: N/A
- Acceptance Rate: N/A
- Average SAT Score: N/A
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Performing arts and theater
- Writing and literature clubs
- Community governance and student-led initiatives
- Sustainability and environmental activism
- Outdoor adventure and hiking
Famous Alumni
- Julius Lester – Author and activist
- David Mamet – Playwright and screenwriter
- Twyla Tharp – Dancer and choreographer
- Carson Kreitzer – Playwright
- Robin MacArthur – Author and musician
Top Employers
- Marlboro College (Prior to merger)
- Emerson College
- Local Vermont arts and nonprofits
- Various academic institutions
- Environmental organizations
10. Sterling College
Overview
Location: Craftsbury Common, Vermont
Founded in 1958, Sterling College is a private liberal arts college focused on environmental stewardship, sustainable agriculture, and outdoor education. Sterling’s programs are designed around experiential learning, with a strong emphasis on environmental sustainability and social justice. The college’s small student body and hands-on curriculum create a close-knit community dedicated to solving global environmental challenges.
Quick Facts
- U.S. News Ranking: Unranked (Specialty College)
- Number of Students: About 125
- Degrees Offered: Undergraduate degrees only
- Acceptance Rate: 75%
- Average SAT Score: Optional (holistic review process)
Most Popular Extracurricular Activities
- Environmental sustainability initiatives
- Outdoor adventure clubs
- Community service and social justice organizations
- Sustainable farming and gardening programs
- Cooperative student governance
Famous Alumni
- David Hinton – Environmental activist and author
- Emily Rusch – Sustainability educator
- Peter Forbes – Conservationist and founder of Center for Whole Communities
- Ana Sofia Joanes – Filmmaker and activist
- Paul Barten – Forestry professor and conservationist
Top Employers
- U.S. Forest Service
- Vermont Land Trust
- Sterling College
- Global Environmental Institute
- Local Vermont organic farms and cooperatives