About Vermont State University
Vermont State University brings together students who want small classes and practical education in the Green Mountains. With 3,567 students and a rural-remote setting in Randolph, this newly formed public university (founded in 2023) focuses on hands-on learning rather than research prestige. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name, which matters when you're figuring out your career path. About 85% of students come from Vermont, creating a tight-knit community where everyone understands the local culture.
The money math works better than many schools. Students pay an average net price of $20,865, and graduates earn a median of $50,331 ten years later. That's a solid return, especially with typical debt loads of just $15,000. Monthly loan payments average $159, which most graduates can handle given the 97.1% employment rate. Vermont residents get the best deal with in-state tuition of $11,400, while out-of-state students pay $21,408.
This school suits students who prefer substance over status. The 48.9% six-year graduation rate reflects the practical, working-class student body rather than academic quality problems. With 27 varsity sports and 739 total athletes competing in NAIA, many students balance academics with athletics. The Spartans nickname fits a school where students work hard without expecting everything handed to them.
The money math works better than many schools. Students pay an average net price of $20,865, and graduates earn a median of $50,331 ten years later. That's a solid return, especially with typical debt loads of just $15,000. Monthly loan payments average $159, which most graduates can handle given the 97.1% employment rate. Vermont residents get the best deal with in-state tuition of $11,400, while out-of-state students pay $21,408.
This school suits students who prefer substance over status. The 48.9% six-year graduation rate reflects the practical, working-class student body rather than academic quality problems. With 27 varsity sports and 739 total athletes competing in NAIA, many students balance academics with athletics. The Spartans nickname fits a school where students work hard without expecting everything handed to them.
Academics & Faculty
Vermont State University offers a broad range of undergraduate and graduate programs with a 9:1 student-faculty ratio that means small classes and direct access to professors. The university was founded in 2023 through a merger of Vermont's state colleges, combining their academic strengths into one institution. Students can expect close mentoring relationships, but the 49% graduation rate suggests many struggle to complete their degrees within six years. The school serves primarily Vermont residents (85% in-state) and focuses on practical programs that prepare students for the local job market. With 97% of graduates finding employment, the university emphasizes career-ready education over research, making it a good fit for students who want hands-on learning in a small-town setting.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 9:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 49.9%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 48.9%
- Retention Rate
- 66.8%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,331
- Carnegie Classification
- Baccalaureate/Associate College
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $57,318 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $56,931 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $56,544 |
| Dental Support Services and Allied Professions. | Associate | $52,107 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Bachelor | $48,849 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $39,009 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Associate | $38,289 |
| Architectural Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $37,208 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Bachelor | $33,459 |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Associate | $32,925 |
Campus Life
Vermont State University sits in Randolph, a small town about 30 minutes from Montpelier and two hours from Burlington. This is true rural Vermont, where you'll need serious winter gear for temperatures that regularly drop below freezing from December through March. The campus houses 3,027 students in dorms, which covers most of the 3,567 total enrollment, creating a tight-knit residential community where everyone knows each other.
Weekends revolve around the outdoors and athletics. With 739 athletes competing in 27 NAIA sports, games draw solid crowds from the student body. Students ski at nearby resorts in winter and hike Vermont's mountains in warmer months. Since 85% of students come from Vermont, many head home on weekends, but those who stay find plenty to do through campus activities and outdoor adventures. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally, and the small size creates a family atmosphere where school traditions matter. Don't expect big city nightlife, but if you want close friendships and mountain views, this fits perfectly.
Weekends revolve around the outdoors and athletics. With 739 athletes competing in 27 NAIA sports, games draw solid crowds from the student body. Students ski at nearby resorts in winter and hike Vermont's mountains in warmer months. Since 85% of students come from Vermont, many head home on weekends, but those who stay find plenty to do through campus activities and outdoor adventures. The 9:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally, and the small size creates a family atmosphere where school traditions matter. Don't expect big city nightlife, but if you want close friendships and mountain views, this fits perfectly.
- Setting
- Rural-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 3,027 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 2023
Campus Safety (2023)
22 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Dating Violence | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Murder | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 7°–24°F
- July Avg
- 55°–76°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 42.4"
- Annual Snowfall
- 88.8"
Student Demographics
Vermont State University draws mainly local students, with 85% coming from within Vermont. This reflects the school's role as an affordable option for Vermont families who want to keep their kids close to home. The student body is 31% Pell Grant recipients, showing the university serves many first-generation and lower-income students who might not otherwise attend college. With 56% women and 44% men, the gender split suggests strong programs in fields like education and social work that traditionally attract more female students. The university functions as Vermont's accessible pathway to a four-year degree.
- Men
- 43.6%
- Women
- 56.4%
- White
- 78.0%
- Black
- 4.5%
- Hispanic
- 4.8%
- Asian
- 1.5%
- In-State Students
- 85.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 31.5%
Location
Randolph sits in central Vermont, about 50 miles southeast of Burlington and 20 miles from Montpelier, the state capital. This small town of roughly 4,700 people sits in a valley surrounded by the Green Mountains, giving students access to skiing, hiking, and outdoor recreation year-round. The rural-remote setting means 85% of Vermont State's 3,567 students come from in-state, creating a tight-knit community where everyone knows each other. Downtown Randolph has a few local restaurants and shops, but students often drive to nearby towns for entertainment and shopping. The closest major airport is about an hour away in Burlington. Students considering colleges in Vermont may also compare Vermont State University with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Randolph, Vermont 05061
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $50,331
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $54,394
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $42,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 78.6%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $159/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $15,000
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Vermont State University?
Vermont State University accepts 49.78% of applicants, making it moderately selective. The school draws heavily from Vermont, with 85% of students coming from in-state.
How much does Vermont State University cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $20,865 annually, with students from lower-income families paying less. Students typically graduate with $15,000 in debt and make monthly loan payments of $159.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Vermont State University?
Vermont State University maintains a 9:1 student-faculty ratio with 3,567 total students. The small class sizes reflect the school's focus on personalized attention in its rural Vermont setting.
What are the graduation and employment rates at Vermont State University?
The six-year graduation rate is 48.90%, while the employment rate reaches 97.1%. Graduates earn a median salary of $50,331 ten years after graduation, showing strong job market outcomes despite the modest graduation rate.
Where do students live at Vermont State University?
The university has housing capacity for 3,027 students on its rural Randolph campus. With a retention rate of 66.81%, the school works to create a supportive residential environment in Vermont's remote countryside.
Does Vermont State University offer athletic scholarships?
Vermont State University offers $0 in athletic scholarships despite fielding 27 varsity sports with 739 total athletes. The Spartans compete in the NAIA's North Atlantic Conference, emphasizing participation over athletic aid.
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