💬 Fatskills Answers  ›  🗂️ Topics  ›  Online Colleges

Top Online Colleges in Vermont

📅 Jan 31, 2025  •  🕒 3 min read

Vermont offers flexible online education options for students seeking affordable, high-quality programs. With growth in industries like healthcare, green energy, and technology, earning an online degree can help Vermonters and out-of-state students access rewarding careers. Here's a breakdown of Vermont's top programs, costs, and available scholarships.


Why Choose Vermont for Online Higher Education

  • Rural Accessibility: Online programs reduce barriers for rural residents and working adults.
  • Affordability: Vermont colleges often offer lower online tuition rates, with discounts for out-of-state students through reciprocity agreements.
  • Growing Opportunities: Jobs in Vermont increasingly require postsecondary education, particularly in emerging industries.

Cost of Attending Online Colleges in Vermont

  • In-State Tuition:
  • Public 4-Year Institutions: $25,910/year
  • Community Colleges (2-Year): $6,054/year
  • Out-of-State Tuition:
  • Public 4-Year Institutions: $36,475/year
  • Community Colleges (2-Year): $11,958/year

Cost-Saving Insights:
1. Flat Rates: Some Vermont colleges charge the same tuition for all online students (in-state or out-of-state).
2. Tuition Break: Vermont participates in the New England Board of Higher Education Tuition Break Program, allowing students from New England states to study out-of-state at a lower cost.


Top Affordable Online Colleges in Vermont

  • University of Vermont (UVM)
  • Tuition: $646 per credit (online); $664 (on-campus).
  • Key Programs: Business administration, healthcare management, and environmental studies.

  • Champlain College

  • Tuition: $318 per credit (online); $1,239 (on-campus).
  • Key Features: Save 75% by opting for online courses. Transfer-friendly, accepting up to 90 credits.

  • Community College of Vermont (CCV)

  • Tuition: $268 per credit (same for online and on-campus).
  • Programs: Flexible associate degrees and certifications in business, IT, and liberal studies.

  • Northern Vermont University (NVU)

  • Tuition: Comparable in-state and online rates; out-of-state students pay less for online programs.
  • Key Programs: Psychology, business administration, and education.

  • Norwich University

  • Features: Offers competitive online tuition with military-friendly options.
  • Programs: Cybersecurity, criminal justice, and business administration.

Scholarships and Grants for Vermont Students

  • Sister Elizabeth Candon Scholarship
  • Award: $1,000
  • Eligibility: Single mothers with financial need and strong academics.

  • Alfred T. Granger Student Art Fund Scholarship

  • Award: $2,500 (undergraduate); $5,000 (graduate).
  • Eligibility: Students pursuing art, design, or architecture.

  • Nichols Family Scholarship

  • Award: $6,000
  • Eligibility: Students who have overcome adversity and demonstrate financial need.

  • Nordic Educational Trust Scholarship

  • Award: $6,000
  • Eligibility: Students pursuing two-year technical degrees with academic promise.

Out-of-State Students in Vermont

  • Reciprocity Programs: Vermont participates in the New England Tuition Break Program, providing discounts to students from Maine, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts.
  • SARA Membership: Vermont belongs to the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA), simplifying cross-state enrollment for online learners.

Out-of-State Student Statistics:
- Undergraduates Studying Online: 2,021
- Graduate Students Studying Online: 1,914


Quick Facts About Vermont Online Programs

  • Do Online Credits Cost Less?
  • Yes! For example, Champlain College charges 75% less for online courses compared to on-campus rates.
  • Public colleges, like UVM, offer comparable online and on-campus rates.

  • Transfer Credits:

  • Schools like Champlain College and Norwich University accept up to 90 transfer credits.
  • The Vermont State College System simplifies credit transfers between institutions.

  • GED Acceptance:

  • 98% of Vermont colleges, including UVM and Champlain College, accept GEDs for admission.

  • Free Online Classes:

  • Options are limited, but MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses) are available through the University of Vermont and public libraries.

Growing Industries and Career Opportunities in Vermont

Vermont's economy is shifting towards technology, green energy, healthcare, and tourism. Online degree programs align with these job markets to meet workforce demands.


Why Vermont Online Colleges Stand Out

  • Affordable Options: Flat online tuition rates save money for all learners.
  • Transfer-Friendly Policies: Maximize previous credits to reduce costs and time to graduation.
  • Career-Focused Programs: Degrees aligned with Vermont's fastest-growing industries.

Take the Next Step!

Whether you're an in-state resident or out-of-state student, Vermont's online programs offer flexible, affordable, and high-quality education to help you advance your career. Explore your options and find the perfect program for your goals.


Next: Read 1200+ student guides covering all aspects of student life.
If you liked all this, consider supporting us by checking out Tiny Skills - 250+ Top Work & Personal Skills Made Easy