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82.6%Acceptance
$49,600Tuition
2,490Students
61%Grad Rate (6-yr)
$65,575Earnings
#8 in VermontPrivate nonprofit4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalNCAA Division IIIStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Norwich University

Norwich University is america's oldest private military college, founded in 1819 with a unique dual mission serving both civilian and military students. The 2,490 students on this rural Vermont campus can choose between traditional college life and the structured Corps of Cadets program. Notable graduates include former Defense Secretary James Mattis and Spanish-American War Admiral George Dewey, reflecting the school's deep military heritage. The 82.61% acceptance rate makes admission accessible, though the experience demands commitment whether you're in uniform or civilian clothes.

The financial picture requires careful consideration. Students pay an average net price of $25,600 after aid, below the $49,600 sticker price. Graduates earn a median of $65,575 ten years out, with typical debt loads of $25,000. The monthly loan payment of $265 appears manageable given career outcomes, and the 79.42% loan repayment rate suggests most alumni handle their obligations successfully.

The student body skews heavily male at 71.89%, reflecting the military college culture. With 596 athletes competing in 23 varsity sports and a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, Norwich offers intimate academics alongside robust athletics. The 69.40% retention rate indicates the demanding environment isn't for everyone, but those who stay find strong career preparation.

Academics & Faculty

Norwich University is america's oldest private military college, blending traditional military education with civilian academic programs. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio ensures close mentorship whether students choose the Corps of Cadets military track or civilian path. Engineering, cybersecurity, and criminal justice programs draw students seeking careers in defense and public safety. The 61% graduation rate reflects the demanding nature of both military discipline and rigorous academics. Students benefit from leadership training that extends beyond the classroom, with many graduates entering military service or corporate leadership roles. The college's dual-track system allows students to experience military structure while pursuing diverse academic interests from business to liberal arts.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio
12:1
Full-Time Faculty
47.6%
Graduation Rate (4-year)
61.1%
Graduation Rate (6-year)
61.0%
Retention Rate
69.4%
Median Earnings (10 years)
$65,575
Carnegie Classification
Master's University (Large)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
ProgramLevelMedian Earnings
Information Science/Studies. Master $94,408
Health and Medical Administrative Services. Master $85,760
Civil Engineering. Master $80,032
Business Administration, Management and Operations. Master $79,912
International Relations and National Security Studies. Master $68,499
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. Bachelor $64,865
Construction Management. Bachelor $57,318
Public Administration. Master $54,869
History. Master $54,035
Mechanical Engineering. Bachelor $46,589

View all 65 programs →

Campus Life

Norwich sits in Vermont's rural hills about two hours from Burlington, where winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing and snow blankets the campus for months. The housing capacity of 2,215 accommodates nearly all of the 2,490 students, creating a tight-knit residential community. Male students make up 72% of enrollment, reflecting the military college's traditional appeal.

The Corps of Cadets follows strict military discipline with morning formations, uniform inspections, and structured daily schedules. Civilian students experience a more traditional college atmosphere but still participate in Norwich's unique traditions like the annual Dog River Day celebration. With 23 varsity sports and 596 student-athletes competing in Division III, athletics dominate weekend activities. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally, whether they're studying engineering, criminal justice, or nursing. The remote location creates a close community where students rely on each other for entertainment, from pickup hockey games on the frozen Upper Parade Ground to weekend trips to nearby ski slopes.
Setting
Rural-Distant
Housing Capacity
2,215 beds
Calendar System
Semester
Study Abroad
Available
Founded
1819

Campus Safety (2023)

19 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
OffenseOn CampusResidentialNoncampusPublic Property
Fondling 3 3 0 0
Rape 2 2 0 1
Stalking 2 2 0 0
Domestic Violence 1 1 0 0
Burglary 1 0 0 0
Motor Vehicle Theft 1 0 0 0

Climate & Weather

January Avg
4°–25°F
July Avg
54°–75°F
Annual Precipitation
88.1"
Annual Snowfall
80.5"

Student Demographics

Norwich draws a predominantly male student body that reflects its military heritage and technical focus. Men make up 72% of enrollment, typical for America's oldest private military college. The school attracts students nationally, with only 12% coming from Vermont. This demonstrates Norwich's reputation extends far beyond New England borders. One in four students receives Pell Grants, showing the college serves middle-class families seeking structured military or civilian programs. The diverse mix includes students pursuing both traditional Corps of Cadets military training and civilian degree tracks in the same campus environment.
Men
71.9%
Women
28.1%
White
67.6%
Black
4.5%
Hispanic
10.0%
Asian
2.7%
In-State Students
12.5%
Pell Grant Recipients
24.5%

Location

Norwich University sits in Northfield, Vermont, a small rural town about 40 miles southeast of Burlington, the state's largest city. The campus occupies 1,200 acres in Vermont's central mountains, surrounded by ski resorts and outdoor recreation areas. Only 12.48% of students come from Vermont, drawing most cadets and civilians from across New England and beyond. The setting offers a true small-town college experience with a population under 6,000 residents. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing, perfect for the school's strong hockey and skiing programs. The rural-distant classification means students need cars to reach shopping and entertainment options. Students considering colleges in Vermont may also compare Norwich University with similar schools in the region.
Address
Northfield, Vermont 05663-1035
Theta Chi Fraternity, Norwich, Vermont
Theta Chi Fraternity, Norwich, Vermont
NorwichUniversityWinter
NorwichUniversityWinter

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years)
$65,575
Median Earnings (5 years)
$73,483
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
$42,400
Loan Repayment Rate
79.4%
Monthly Loan Payment
$265/mo
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Norwich University?

Norwich University accepts 82.61% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible for most qualified students. As America's oldest private military college, the school values character and leadership potential alongside academic credentials.

How much does Norwich University cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $25,600 after aid, less than the $49,600 sticker price. The college provides institutional grants averaging $38,481 to help make this unique military education more affordable.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Norwich University?

Norwich maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio with 2,490 total students. This smaller scale allows for the close mentorship that's essential in developing military leaders and civilian professionals.

How much do Norwich University graduates earn?

Alumni earn a median salary of $65,575 ten years after graduation, reflecting the strong career outcomes from military-style leadership training. The employment rate stands at 90.1%, demonstrating the value employers place on Norwich's disciplined approach to education.

Where is Norwich University located and what is campus life like?

The campus sits in rural Northfield, Vermont, housing 2,215 students in a close-knit military college environment. With 596 student-athletes competing in 23 varsity sports, the Cadets emphasize both physical fitness and academic achievement as part of their character development.

Does Norwich University require military service?

Norwich offers both civilian and military tracks, with 71.89% male enrollment reflecting its military heritage but not requiring service commitment from all students. Founded in 1819 as America's first private military college, it has produced notable leaders like former Defense Secretary James Mattis while serving students seeking leadership training in any career field.