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80.5%Acceptance
PublicLess-than-2-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Castleton University

Castleton University sits in a small Vermont town with about 2,000 students on a campus that dates back to 1787, making it one of the oldest institutions in Vermont. The school draws students who want a close-knit college experience where professors know their names and class sizes stay small. With an acceptance rate of 80.51%, Castleton welcomes students with a wide range of academic backgrounds, including those with SAT scores from 970 to 1210. The university has built a reputation for teacher education, nursing, and communications programs that prepare students for practical careers.

Students receive an average institutional grant of $8,812, which helps offset costs at this public university. About 43% of students come from Vermont, while the majority travel from other states to experience small-town college life. The financial aid office works to make education affordable for families who might struggle with private college prices but want more personal attention than large state universities typically provide.

The average SAT score of 1090 reflects Castleton's role as a school that gives students a chance to grow academically rather than only admitting those who already excel. Many students find their footing here before transferring or use their four years to build confidence in smaller classes before entering their chosen careers.

Campus Life

Castleton sits in a small Vermont town of about 4,000 people, roughly 20 miles south of Rutland and 45 minutes from the New York border. You'll need serious winter gear here - snow typically covers the ground from December through March, and temperatures regularly drop below freezing. The campus feels like classic New England, with brick buildings scattered across rolling hills and plenty of maple trees.

About 75% of students live on campus, creating a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other by name. With 42.95% of students coming from Vermont, you'll meet plenty of locals who grew up skiing and hiking these mountains. Weekend activities often center around outdoor adventures - students head to nearby Killington for skiing in winter or explore Lake Bomoseen for swimming and kayaking when it's warm. The campus hosts regular events in the Campus Center, and many students gather for pickup basketball or intramural sports. Don't expect a big party scene - this is more about small group hangouts, movie nights in the dorms, and taking advantage of Vermont's natural playground.
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1787

Location

Castleton sits in rural Vermont, about 20 miles north of Rutland and 45 minutes from the state capital of Montpelier. The town has just over 4,000 residents, making the university a major presence in this small community nestled in the Taconic Mountains. With 42.95% of students coming from Vermont, the campus draws heavily from local families who value staying close to home. The area offers classic New England charm with covered bridges, maple farms, and skiing at nearby Killington Resort. Students get a true small-town college experience where everyone knows each other and outdoor recreation is always minutes away. Students considering colleges in Vermont may also compare Castleton University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Castleton, Vermont 05735
Castleton University campus

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Castleton University?

Castleton University accepts 80.51% of applicants, making it accessible to most students who apply. The middle 50% of admitted students score between 970-1210 on the SAT. This Vermont institution has been welcoming students since 1787, building a reputation for personal attention in education and liberal arts.

How much does Castleton University cost after financial aid?

Students receive an average institutional grant of $8,812 to help offset tuition costs. As a public university, Castleton offers relatively affordable education, especially for Vermont residents. The school works to keep education accessible while maintaining quality programs in education and liberal arts.

What academic programs is Castleton University known for?

Castleton has built its reputation on strong education and liberal arts programs since its founding in 1787. The university operates as a comprehensive public institution, emphasizing hands-on learning and close faculty relationships. Students benefit from small class sizes and personalized attention in their chosen fields.

Where do most students at Castleton University come from?

About 43% of students are from Vermont, while 57% come from out of state. This mix creates a diverse community in the small Vermont town of Castleton. The university attracts students seeking a close-knit college experience in a scenic New England setting.

What is campus life like at Castleton University?

Campus life centers around a tight-knit community in rural Vermont, where students know their professors personally. The average ACT score of 24 reflects students who are academically serious but value personal connections. The historic campus, dating back to 1787, provides a classic New England college atmosphere.

Does Castleton University offer good value for teacher preparation programs?

Castleton has specialized in education programs for generations, training teachers throughout Vermont and beyond. With an 80.51% acceptance rate and average grants of $8,812, the university makes teacher preparation affordable and accessible. The school's long history in education gives graduates credibility in the field.