Online Colleges in Vermont

Become Team
Become Team
Updated October 5, 2021

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In addition to its natural beauty, Vermont offers exceptional job prospects. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Vermont's unemployment rate was 2.8% in August of 2018, a full percentage point lower than the national average.

Vermont boasts a strong system of public universities, including the University of Vermont's flagship campus in Burlington and 12 community colleges located throughout the state. Students can also pursue an online degree at one of Vermont's many private institutions, including Dartmouth College, an Ivy League university in Hanover.

This page provides an overview of Vermont's online colleges, including information on job prospects for students with a college degree, the cost of attending school in the state, and the best majors for those who hope to work in Vermont after graduation. It also offers resources on how you can help pay for your education through grants and scholarships.

Job Outlook for Students With College Degrees in Vermont

In 2017, the BLS reported that Vermont's annual mean wage trailed the national average by close to $2,000.

According to the Vermont Department of Labor, about 38% of jobs in the state required some form of postsecondary education in 2016. Through 2026, this percentage should continue to grow, as fields like healthcare experience strong expansion.

Jobs requiring more education tend to pay better. For example, the median annual wage for professionals with a bachelor's degree in Vermont exceeded $66,000 in 2017, while those with a professional degree earned close to $76,000 that year. By comparison, the median salary for an individual with only a high school diploma approached $39,000.

To take advantage of lucrative opportunities in the state's economy, you should consider attending a Vermont online college.

Unemployment Rate, August 2018

Vermont 2.8%
United States 3.8%

Source: BLS

Annual Mean Wage, May 2017

Vermont $48,840
United States $50,620

Source: BLS

Cost of Online Colleges in Vermont

Attending an online college in Vermont may prove more expensive than seeking a degree elsewhere, as the cost of tuition and fees at most two-year and four-year institutions in the state exceeds the national average. According to College Board, Vermont's community college students pay about $4,500 more per year than their peers in other states, with public university students paying about $6,000 more per year.

While schools usually charge similar tuition rates to distance and on-campus learners, students attending Vermont colleges online often avoid expenses that on-campus students incur, like transportation and room and board. Some colleges also waive fees associated with certain campus services for online students, like the use of athletic facilities.

If you plan to earn a bachelor's degree, you may consider first attending a Vermont community college online. You can save a considerable amount of money by earning an associate degree and then transferring to a four-year college or university.

Research public and private financial aid programs to help pay for your education. Below, is information about scholarships and grants available to students taking online college courses in Vermont.

Average Price for In-State Tuition and Fees by Institution Type, 2018-19

  Public Two-Year Public Four-Year
Vermont $8,190 $16,610
U.S. Average $3,660 $10,230

Source: The College Board

In-State vs. Out-of-State Tuition in Vermont

Vermont residents pay, on average, about $23,000 less in tuition and fees at public colleges and universities than out-of-state students.

If you live in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, or Rhode Island, you may qualify for discounted tuition at Vermont institutions through the New England Board of Higher Education (NEHBE) Tuition Break program. During the 2016-17 academic year, about 9,000 New England students saved close to $60 million by participating in this regional exchange program.

To qualify, you must be a permanent resident of a New England state. You must also attend one of the 82 public colleges and universities that participate in the program. To see if your institution offers discounted tuition to nonresidents, check the NEHBE's list of participating schools.

Average Tuition and Fees, 2018-19

  Public Two-Year Public Four-Year
Vermont $16,610 $39,400
U.S. Average $10,230 $26,290

Source: The College Board

Financial Aid in Vermont

To qualify for financial aid, begin by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). By calculating your expected family contribution (EFC), the FAFSA determines your eligibility for numerous forms of support, including grants, work-study opportunities, and low-interest student loans. Many states also use your federal EFC to make financial aid decisions.

The Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC), a public, nonprofit agency, provides aid and resources to state residents and those attending college in Vermont. For example, VSAC administers three grant programs to students with demonstrable financial need. It also publishes a directory of more than 140 private scholarships available to Vermont residents. Alongside these financial aid opportunities, VSAC's website offers advice on planning for college costs and avoiding scams.

You do not need to repay money you receive from scholarships, grants, or work-study programs. You do need to pay back your student loans with interest. Federal and state loans typically require lower interest rates than private loans.

State Grant Aid per Full-Time Equivalent Undergraduate Student, 2016-17

Vermont $650
U.S. Average $820

Source: The College Board

Scholarships and Grants for Vermont College Students

Several state agencies and private organizations offer grants and scholarships to Vermont college students. Look for programs aligned with your background and professional aspirations. For example, if you hope to work as a nurse, apply to scholarships for students entering a healthcare profession.


Best Majors for Online Students in Vermont

The Vermont Department of Labor projects strong employment growth in healthcare and above-average growth in computer and information technology. Seeking a major in one of these areas positions you for success after graduation.

An associate degree in nursing, for example, prepares you for a job as a registered nurse. According to the BLS, the median registered nurse earned $70,000 in 2017, which is well above the national median salary for all occupations. A bachelor's in nursing expands senior opportunities, such as becoming a nurse supervisor or continuing your education to become a nurse practitioner.

Nationally, the BLS projects employment for computer and information technology professionals to grow 13% through 2026, which is nearly double the rate of the growth for all professions. Majoring in fields like computer programming or management information systems positions you for lucrative jobs. For example, the median computer and information system manager earned $139,220 in 2017.

Nursing

Nursing students take courses in providing critical care, working with patients suffering from addiction, and human anatomy. They must also complete a clinical experience to qualify for licensure. Many states require registered nurses to hold at least an associate degree, while nurse practitioners must hold a master's.

Healthcare Administration

Students majoring in healthcare administration go on to work in hospitals, health clinics, and private practice. During their studies, students explore topics such as healthcare finance, reimbursement systems, and the legal and ethical considerations of their professions. While you qualify for most entry-level and mid-level roles with a bachelor's, senior-level positions may require an advanced degree.

Management Information Systems

A student pursuing a degree in management information systems develops skills and knowledge in technology and business administration. For example, students may study computer programming languages in one course and project management best practices in another. This major prepares students for supervisory and managerial roles in information technology.

Resources for Online College Students in Vermont

Vermont Student Assistance Corporation: The VSAC is a comprehensive resource for online college students in Vermont. On its website, you can apply for state grants, review private scholarship opportunities, and compare student loan programs. The VSAC also offers detailed guidance on topics like saving for college, choosing a career, and filling out the FAFSA.

Vermont Agency of Education: The Vermont Agency of Education oversees public education in the state, including Vermont's public colleges and universities. In addition to providing resources for students and families and administering the state's Presidential Scholars program, the agency provides career and technical education at 15 sites across the state.

New England Board of Higher Education: The NEBHE administers the Tuition Break program, a regional collaboration that allows New England residents to receive discounts at public colleges in neighboring states. The board also collects financial aid resources from various state agencies and private foundations, making it easier for students to research scholarship and grant opportunities across states.

Community Colleges of Vermont: Vermont's community college system features 12 campuses across the state and extensive online options. Their web portal offers resources on choosing the right program, financing your education, and transferring credits to a four-year institution in the state. Students can also access academic and career services online.

University of Vermont Online and Distance Education: The University of Vermont offers a variety of programs online, including a master's in public health, an RN-to-BSN nursing program, and a healthcare administrator professional certificate program. Students can also take a single online course to pursue a professional interest, such as legal issues in higher education.

Become Team
Become Team
Contributing Writer

LearnHowToBecome.com is an advertising-supported site. Featured or trusted partner programs and all school search, finder, or match results are for schools that compensate us. This compensation does not influence our school rankings, resource guides, or other editorially-independent information published on this site.

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