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2018 Best Value Colleges in VermontAbout this List

Explore the colleges that are the best value for your money based on net price, alumni earnings, graduation rates, and student debt using data from the U.S. Department of Education and millions of reviews. The ranking compares the most affordable colleges with the best return on investment. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

Best Value
17 results

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  1. Middlebury College

    • 4 Year
    • Middlebury, VT
    • 479
    1 Best Value Colleges in Vermont

    Alum: In my current role, I travel to college campuses around the country to recruit and interview students for positions at my company. I see lots of different schools and interact with dozens of student populations. Each campus has a different vibe and feel, and conversations in campus coffee shops range from purely academic to purely social. I loved Middlebury for the blend of high caliber academics, a hardworking student body, and a focus on active, healthy lifestyles. Students at Middlebury balance work and play, and a weekend was never without hours in the library or miles of hiking, running or biking. The teachers have high expectations for your work, but they understand there's more to get out of college than acing every exam. As I tour college campuses today, I look for candidates who strike that same balance, who take their work seriously, but they don't take themselves too seriously. That's what Middlebury is about.
    Read 479 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A+
      Value
    • 16% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,437 Net Price
    • 1280-1495 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. Saint Michael's College

    • 4 Year
    • Colchester, VT
    • 496
    2 Best Value Colleges in Vermont

    Sophomore: Everybody here is really passionate about what they do. Students and professors. That liberal arts mentality of leaning for its own sake and valuing the humanities is strong here. I wish there was a film studies program so I could double major, but my experience with the English program has been excellent. If you want to study what you love, this is a great environment for that. Academics are challenging and immersive once you get past the introductory classes, and 100 level courses are always really interesting without being overwhelming.

    In terms of student life, the area is excellent. Burlington, Essex, Winooski, and Shelburne have a lot to do. People here are really active and you should have no problem finding people to hike, ski, or otherwise head off-campus with on the weekends.
    Read 496 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A
      Value
    • 77% Acceptance Rate
    • $31,264 Net Price
    • 1060-1290 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. Vermont Technical College

    • 4 Year
    • Randolph Center, VT
    • 181
    3 Best Value Colleges in Vermont

    Niche User: I have heard nothing, but wonderful comments on Vermont Technical College. However, the college's programs are competitive, I am honored to be accepted into any one of their offered degree programs. Vermont Tech is highly competitive and caught my attention because of how competitive their nursing program is. I am excited to join the college in the upcoming year, as well as gain an exceptional education from my top college!
    Read 181 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Value
    • 88% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,117 Net Price
    • 840-1050 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. University of Vermont

    • 4 Year
    • Burlington, VT
    • 1,622
    4 Best Value Colleges in Vermont

    Sophomore: UVM is an excellent college. The professors are top notch. The reputation of students being pot smoking hippies could not be further from the truth. The students are extremely intelligent and hardworking students who take their academics and future very seriously, besides the campus environment being amazingly beautiful!
    Read 1,622 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Value
    • 69% Acceptance Rate
    • $17,816 Net Price
    • 1100-1300 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. Norwich University

    • 4 Year
    • Northfield, VT
    • 451
    5 Best Value Colleges in Vermont

    Freshman: Small university where you know almost everybody. Core is very important and most think they are better than every civilian. Fortunately, not all core members are like this. They have a bomb architecture program and nursing program. The other programs dont get as much credit as these two do. The professors are strange. Some are very strict for their classes and others could careless about what you do. I have had the chance to have awesome professors though that do care about your experience and grade. Also the food is terrible. The library and writing center are amazing and they are willing to help you with anything you need.
    Read 451 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • A-
      Value
    • 70% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,242 Net Price
    • 930-1160 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. Champlain College

    • 4 Year
    • Burlington, VT
    • 691
    6 Best Value Colleges in Vermont

    Junior: Champlain College is amazing. Let's start off with academics. All the professors know their students on a first name basis and are genuinely dedicated to teaching, making sure the students comprehend the content in the course, and helping students further their education.My first semester in my new major made me realize I had made the right choice for my career goals. The courses were exactly what I was looking for and we even got to work with real clients in the Burlington area. This brings me to my second point, job placement and connections. I know the reason I decided to go to college was to broaden my opportunity for employment. There are so many opportunities to network, get internships, or gain experience that will help you when looking for jobs post-graduation. My final point is the campus. Visiting Campus is a MUST! Burlington is the perfect setting for Campus, especially in the fall when the leaves change and it looks like an L.L.Bean catalog.
    Read 691 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 70% Acceptance Rate
    • $38,370 Net Price
    • 940-1208 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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  9. Castleton University

    • 4 Year
    • Castleton, VT
    • 477
    7 Best Value Colleges in Vermont

    Alum: Castleton University is a small school located in central Vermont. Surrounded by mountains, this institution combines the beauty of Vermont scenery with advanced technologies throughout campus. As an alum of the Natural Sciences Department, the small student-faculty ratio allowed me to easily get to know both the faculty and my peers, while presenting opportunities such as undergraduate research. The commitment to the students is overwhelmingly evident, fostering an environment fit for success. I would not change a thing about my undergraduate years, other than I wish I could have stayed longer.
    Read 477 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B+
      Value
    • 95% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,118 Net Price
    • 860-1068 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  10. Bennington College

    • 4 Year
    • Bennington, VT
    • 206
    8 Best Value Colleges in Vermont

    Sophomore: No school would be 5 stars for me. I love this school even though sometimes it infuriates me. If you love the city and hate rural places; don't come here. The colonials are the best, so try for those. If you at all want to study business or something very specific, check the curriculum online before you come here before you decide for sure. Even though this school is small, we have crazy opportunities, so don't rule it out.
    Read 206 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Value
    • 60% Acceptance Rate
    • $37,087 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  11. Lyndon State College

    • 4 Year
    • Lyndonville, VT
    • 250
    9 Best Value Colleges in Vermont

    Junior: What I loved about Lyndon State College was that the student to professor ratio was 15-20:1. The professors are willing to work one-on-one and help you succeed. There is many resources available such as tutors, and the academic support center which helps students prioritize, schedule classes, and learn how to effectively study. The academics are optimal and require professionalism and the programs expect high quality, to their best effort out of the students. The community is very open and willing to help anybody. Lyndon gives the opportunity for students to be an athlete while having their main focus on school then sports after. There is many activities to do on campus from student life scheduling opportunities. Activities off campus also includes skiing, hiking, etc. Lyndon provides the optimal opportunity for school and fun, all while receivin the college experience.
    Read 250 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Value
    • 98% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,587 Net Price
    • 840-1060 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  12. Sponsored

    Saint Michael's College

    • 4 Year
    • Colchester, VT
    • 496

    Sophomore: Everybody here is really passionate about what they do. Students and professors. That liberal arts mentality of leaning for its own sake and valuing the humanities is strong here. I wish there was a film studies program so I could double major, but my experience with the English program has been excellent. If you want to study what you love, this is a great environment for that. Academics are challenging and immersive once you get past the introductory classes, and 100 level courses are always really interesting without being overwhelming.

    In terms of student life, the area is excellent. Burlington, Essex, Winooski, and Shelburne have a lot to do. People here are really active and you should have no problem finding people to hike, ski, or otherwise head off-campus with on the weekends.
    Read 496 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 77% Acceptance Rate
    • $31,264 Net Price
    • 1060-1290 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  13. Johnson State College

    • 4 Year
    • Johnson, VT
    • 308

    Niche User: I loved Johnson State when I stayed there. It became a home to me! The campus is beautiful and perfectly placed close to town and other locations with fun events, and the people there are amazing, alongside the food which is always important to consider! Professors are great and willing to work with students during many times of the day, which also goes for the kitchen staff and the admissions office! The dorms are great and super cozy for a college! I miss spending time in the dorm buildings so much! I would do anything to put myself back there with the same group of people for one more night! Overall, I love Johnson State College and would highly recommend it for others!
    Read 308 Reviews

    • C-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Value
    • 95% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,923 Net Price
    • 783-1058 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. Green Mountain College

    • 4 Year
    • Poultney, VT
    • 249

    Graduate Student: Green Mountain College has a beautiful campus, great location for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts, amazing food in the dining hall, and knowledgeable professors in the classrooms. I couldn't want for much more!
    Read 249 Reviews

    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C+
      Value
    • 79% Acceptance Rate
    • $20,060 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. New England Culinary Institute

    • 4 Year
    • Montpelier, VT
    • 64

    Freshman: NECI has a great program but I unfortunately started when they were transferring to a new president. He communication has been horrible, but my class experience is amazing! Truley worth my time and money!
    Read 64 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Value
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $19,424 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  17. Sterling College - Vermont

    • 4 Year
    • Craftsbury Common, VT
    • 15

    Freshman: Sterling is a great place to school, but you have to know what you're getting into. It's really small, (140 undergrads as of 2017), so anonymity is not possible around here. Craftsbury is a great town, but be prepared to make your own fun in the long winter months. The students are great, and there's more diversity of thought than you might think from a school that appears to market so heavily to hippies. Classes are never more than 12 people, so teachers are super available, but that also means you will be around them constantly. We all eat together here, and everything's pretty informal. Also, be ready to work! Chores and Work Program will keep you busy, which can occasionally be stressful, especially when you have to get up at 6am and feed the pigs. Sterling definitely isn't for everyone, but the people that it is for will find a permanent home here in Craftsbury Common.
    Read 15 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B
      Value
    • 96% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,777 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. College of St. Joseph

    • 4 Year
    • Rutland, VT
    • 56

    College Freshman: My overall experience at this school is so far great! I would recommend this school to individuals who want to live in a small town with beautiful surroundings. Coming from a big city of crime and tribulations, this place gives me peace. When I'm on or off campus, I feel safe. The community has opened their hearts to the students of the College of St. Joseph.
    Read 56 Reviews

    • C
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Value
    • 58% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,836 Net Price
    • 705-985 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. Southern Vermont College

    • 4 Year
    • Bennington, VT
    • 88

    Sophomore: This College had me dreaming of attending as I drove up Mansion Drive, saw the amazing mansion that housed classrooms and a library with views that took my breath away. The academics, though limited, offered amazing career choices. The soccer field where I dreamed of playing was one like none I’ve ever seen. Situated in the mountain with scenic views that in the fall season looked like something out of a painting.
    In the fall of 2016 my dream became reality as I began my life as an SVC student athlete. Academics and being part of a great woman’s soccer team made my first year all I had hoped It would be. The small campus fits my needs and the surrounding areas offer many opportunities for me to fulfill my wanderlust with hiking, snowboarding, mountain biking and many other adventurous activities. Entering my fourth semester in a few weeks and I can’t wait to be back on campus, making more memories and fulfilling more dreams!
    Read 88 Reviews

    • C+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Value
    • 62% Acceptance Rate
    • $24,235 Net Price
    • 770-990 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  20. Marlboro College

    • 4 Year
    • Marlboro, VT
    • 134

    Freshman: Marlboro is great because you have a lot of control on your experience. If there's not a class you want to take you can talk to a professor and make a personalized tutorial. Town meeting makes it possible for you to get involved and make institutional changes. We just voted to remove the Coca Cola soda machine because Coke has many human rights violations and environmental issues. All the professors are great at teaching and very decent human beings. The only issue with having so much control over your school experience is that you can easily waste your time if you don't hold yourself to a certain amount of accountability. The Outdoor Program has hikes and trips every week and makes it very easy to check out equipment for virtually no price. Overall it's very good if you are self driven.
    Read 134 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • B-
      Value
    • 66% Acceptance Rate
    • $27,153 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  21. Goddard College

    • 4 Year
    • Plainfield, VT
    • 32

    Junior: I love Goddard! Go maroon!! Everytime I step onto our campus, I feel an overarching sense of pride and joy. The academics are great and it has provided me with everything I have wanted in a college.
    Read 32 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • C
      Value
    • 100% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,466 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?