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Colleges and Universities in Vermont: A Guide for Students and Families

Updated September 28, 2026 by Tony Walton, Principal Broker, New England Landmark Realty

Quick Answer

Vermont's best-known colleges are the University of Vermont (UVM) in Burlington, the state's flagship research university; Middlebury College, a selective liberal arts college; Champlain College and Saint Michael's College in the Burlington area; Norwich University in Northfield; and Vermont State University, with campuses around the state. For 2026-27, annual tuition ranges from $11,088 at Vermont State for Vermont residents to $72,924 at Middlebury, before financial aid. UVM's in-state tuition is $16,938.

Key Takeaways

Two-Sentence Summary

Vermont packs a research university, a nationally known liberal arts college, a senior military college, and a statewide public university into a small state. The Burlington area has the most schools in one place.

If You Only Remember 3 Things

1. In-state tuition is a big advantage: UVM charges Vermont residents $16,938 a year versus $46,655 for nonresidents (2026-27).
2. Vermont State University is the combined former Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, and Vermont Technical College.
3. Tuition is the sticker price. Most private colleges publish a much lower average net price after aid.

Quick Facts: 2026-27 Tuition

Tuition only, before financial aid; housing, meals, and fees are extra. Figures from each school's website.

Vermont's Major Colleges and Universities

University of Vermont (UVM), Burlington

Founded in 1791, UVM is Vermont's flagship public research university, with undergraduate, graduate, and medical programs. Its hilltop campus overlooks downtown Burlington and Lake Champlain, next to the University of Vermont Medical Center.

Middlebury College, Middlebury

A selective liberal arts college in Addison County, known for languages, international studies, and environmental studies. The town of Middlebury has a walkable downtown along Otter Creek.

Champlain College, Burlington

A private college on Burlington's Hill Section, known for career-focused programs in fields like computer science, game design, and business.

Saint Michael's College, Colchester

A Catholic liberal arts college just outside Burlington in Colchester.

Norwich University, Northfield

Founded in 1819, Norwich is a private university and senior military college with both a Corps of Cadets and civilian students.

Vermont State University

Formed from Castleton University, Northern Vermont University (Johnson and Lyndon), and Vermont Technical College, Vermont State offers programs at campuses in Castleton, Johnson, Lyndon, Randolph, and Williston, plus online.

Other Vermont Colleges

• Bennington College, Bennington: a small liberal arts college known for its arts programs and self-designed study.
• Landmark College, Putney: a college for students who learn differently.
• Sterling College, Craftsbury Common: a small college focused on ecology, agriculture, and the outdoors.
• Vermont Law and Graduate School, South Royalton.
• Community College of Vermont: locations around the state and online.

Just across the Connecticut River, Dartmouth College in Hanover, New Hampshire, is a short drive from Norwich, Vermont.

Living Near a Vermont College

College towns tend to offer walkable downtowns, arts and sports events, and steady demand for housing. Prices vary widely. 2026 single-family medians near several campuses:

• UVM and Champlain: Burlington $606,500; South Burlington $712,500
• Saint Michael's: Colchester $559,000
• Vermont State, Williston: Williston $786,543
• Norwich University: Northfield is a short drive from Montpelier ($477,500) and Barre
• Vermont State, Johnson: near Morristown ($525,000)
• Dartmouth: Norwich, VT $1,042,500

Thinking of buying a home for a student and renting rooms to roommates? Check the town's rental rules first; Burlington, for example, has its own rental housing requirements. Our Best Places to Buy in Vermont page compares more towns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best college in Vermont?

It depends on what you're looking for: UVM for a public research university, Middlebury for a selective liberal arts college, Champlain for career-focused programs, Norwich for a military college, and Vermont State for affordable in-state programs around the state.

How much is tuition at the University of Vermont?

For 2026-27, UVM's undergraduate tuition is $16,938 a year for Vermont residents and $46,655 for nonresidents, before fees, housing, and financial aid.

How much does Middlebury College cost?

Middlebury's 2026-27 tuition is $72,924, plus $20,920 for on-campus housing and meals and a $542 activity fee, before financial aid.

What happened to Castleton University and Northern Vermont University?

They combined with Vermont Technical College to form Vermont State University, which operates campuses in Castleton, Johnson, Lyndon, Randolph, and Williston.

How many colleges are in the Burlington area?

Three major ones: the University of Vermont and Champlain College in Burlington, and Saint Michael's College in neighboring Colchester, plus a Vermont State University campus in Williston.

What to Do Next

Moving to be near a Vermont college, or buying near campus? Call our office at 802-253-4711, reach Tony Walton directly at 802-233-4107, or contact us.

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• Vermont Home Buying Guide
• Moving to Vermont
• Vermont Home Cost Calculator

Sources

• University of Vermont, Undergraduate Tuition and Fees (2026-27)
• Middlebury College, Tuition and Fees (2026-27)
• Vermont State University, Tuition and Fees (2026-27)
• Champlain College, Tuition and Cost of Attendance (2026-27)
• Saint Michael's College, Tuition and Fees (2026-27)
• Norwich University, Tuition, Costs and Affordability
• Town medians: New England Landmark Realty from MLS single-family sales, 2026 through late September

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