University of Vermont: 59.8% Acceptance Rate

59.8%Acceptance

$18,890Tuition

11,614Students

79%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$62,472Earnings

#2 in VermontPublic4-yearSAT/ACT Test OptionalResearch UniversityNCAA Division IStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About University of Vermont

The University of Vermont cultivates environmental leaders and sustainable thinkers on a campus that practices what it preaches. This public research university enrolls 11,614 students in Burlington's active small-city setting. UVM's environmental programs consistently rank among the nation's best, producing graduates like Nobel Peace Prize winner Jody Williams and former Vermont Governor Howard Dean. The school maintains strong programs across disciplines while keeping sustainability at its core. Students score an average 1345 on the SAT, reflecting the university's solid academic standards.

The financial picture tells a reasonable story for most families. Students pay an average net price of $20,860 after aid, well below the sticker price. Graduates earn a median $62,472 ten years after graduation, making the typical debt load of $20,951 manageable with monthly payments of $222. Out-of-state families face steeper costs, but the investment often pays off given UVM's strong employment outcomes.

The student body skews heavily female at 63.65% women and draws most students from beyond Vermont's borders. The 78.60% six-year graduation rate reflects solid student support, though the 17:1 student-faculty ratio means larger classes than at smaller colleges. Catamounts compete in NCAA Division I athletics across 14 varsity sports.

Academics & Faculty

The University of Vermont operates as a public research university with particularly strong environmental science and sustainability programs that attract students nationwide. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, classes can feel large for a university of 11,614 students, but the school maintains solid academic support. The 78.6% six-year graduation rate reflects decent retention despite the challenging Vermont winters and rigorous coursework. UVM's medical school and business programs draw serious pre-professional students, while the Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources ranks among the nation's top environmental programs. The university's research focus means undergraduates can participate in meaningful projects, particularly in fields like sustainable agriculture and climate science.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1
Full-Time Faculty: 78.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 77.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 78.6%
Retention Rate: 88.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $62,472
Carnegie Classification: Doctoral University (R2)

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Master	$83,546
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering.	Bachelor	$72,325
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions.	Doctoral	$67,287
Accounting and Related Services.	Master	$63,005
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Bachelor	$61,875
Medicine.	Doctoral	$59,177
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions.	Bachelor	$57,770
Computer Science.	Bachelor	$56,641
Mechanical Engineering.	Bachelor	$55,770
Communication Disorders Sciences and Services.	Master	$54,361

View all 171 programs →

Campus Life

The University of Vermont sits in Burlington, a college town of 44,000 on the shores of Lake Champlain. Students need serious winter gear for Vermont's long, snowy winters that can drop below zero for weeks. About 58% of the 11,614 students live on campus, creating a tight-knit community despite the 17:1 student-faculty ratio. Burlington's Church Street Marketplace buzzes with local shops and restaurants where students spend weekend nights.

The Adirondack Mountains rise to the west while ski slopes at Stowe and Smugglers' Notch draw students an hour away. UVM's campus earned national recognition for sustainability initiatives that match Vermont's environmental culture. Students embrace the outdoors year-round, from hiking and kayaking in fall to snowboarding and ice hockey in winter. The 63.65% female student body creates a balanced social scene. With 88.16% of freshmen returning for sophomore year, most students adapt well to the mountain lifestyle. Burlington offers big-city amenities three hours from Boston, but students often find everything they need within walking distance of campus.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 6,734 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1791

Campus Safety (2023)

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

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Rape	14	11	1	0
Stalking	17	5	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	11	0	0	1
Burglary	6	4	0	0
Domestic Violence	5	3	0	0
Aggravated Assault	3	1	1	2
Fondling	3	2	0	0
Arson	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 12°–28°F
July Avg: 62°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 37.5"
Annual Snowfall: 87.5"

Student Demographics

The University of Vermont draws students nationwide, with over three-quarters coming from outside Vermont. Women make up nearly two-thirds of the 11,614 students, reflecting strong programs in fields like education, health sciences, and environmental studies. The student body is predominantly white at 84%, typical for Vermont and New England. Despite high out-of-state tuition at $43,890, UVM attracts middle and upper-middle-class families seeking the school's well-known environmental programs and outdoor lifestyle. The low Pell Grant rate of 13% indicates most students come from financially comfortable backgrounds.

Men: 36.4%
Women: 63.7%
White: 83.5%
Black: 0.8%
Hispanic: 5.4%
Asian: 2.7%
In-State Students: 23.2%
Pell Grant Recipients: 12.8%

Location

Burlington sits on the shores of Lake Champlain in northwestern Vermont, just 45 miles south of Montreal. The city of 44,000 residents creates a classic college town atmosphere in the Green Mountains region. Students enjoy both outdoor recreation and urban amenities, with the Adirondack Mountains visible across the lake in New York. Burlington's Church Street Marketplace provides walkable entertainment and dining just minutes from campus. The area's four distinct seasons offer skiing at nearby resorts in winter and hiking trails year-round. With 23.24% of students coming from Vermont, most undergraduates experience a new region while attending. Students considering colleges in Vermont may also compare University of Vermont with similar schools in the region.

Address: Burlington, Vermont 05405-0160

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $62,472
Median Earnings (5 years): $60,834
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $40,400
Loan Repayment Rate: 80.6%
Monthly Loan Payment: $222/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $20,951

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at University of Vermont?

University of Vermont accepts 59.79% of applicants with an average SAT score of 1345. The school draws students from across the nation, with 76.76% coming from out of state to experience Vermont's outdoor culture and environmental focus.

How much does University of Vermont cost after financial aid?

The average net price at University of Vermont is $20,860, though costs vary by income level. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $11,958 on average, while the school's strong financial aid helps keep median debt at $20,951.

What is University of Vermont known for academically?

University of Vermont is well-known for its environmental programs and sustainable campus practices. With a 17:1 student-faculty ratio across its programs, the school has built a reputation as a leader in sustainability education and research.

How much do University of Vermont graduates earn?

University of Vermont graduates earn a median salary of $62,472 ten years after graduation. The school maintains a strong 96.8% employment rate, reflecting Vermont's emphasis on practical education and the value employers place on UVM's environmental and liberal arts programs.

Where is University of Vermont located and what's campus life like?

University of Vermont sits in Burlington, a small city setting that perfectly captures Vermont's blend of academic and outdoor culture. With 11,614 students and housing for 6,734 on campus, the community maintains the close-knit feel that defines Vermont living.

Does University of Vermont have strong athletic programs?

University of Vermont competes in NCAA Division I with 14 varsity sports and 455 total athletes. The Catamounts compete in the America East Conference, bringing Division I athletics to Vermont's environmentally conscious campus culture.