At $20,865/yr net price, Vermont State University graduates earn $50,331/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $16,331/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,865 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $83,460 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $50,331/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$16,331/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 48.9% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $15,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $16,958/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $16,623/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $19,809/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $24,115/yr |
| $110,001+ | $26,240/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $57,318 | |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $56,931 | $25,590 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $56,544 | $19,000 |
| 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 | $9,500 |
| 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 |
The Risk Factor
48.9% of students at Vermont State University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Vermont State University delivers mixed financial returns that depend heavily on your program choice. The $20,865 annual net price is reasonable for a public institution, but the 49% graduation rate means half of students leave without a degree and face loan payments without the earning boost.
Allied health programs offer the strongest ROI, with medical assisting services graduates earning $57,318 annually. Nursing graduates earn $56,544 with manageable $19,000 debt loads. Electromechanical instrumentation pays $56,931 but saddles graduates with $25,590 in debt, creating a weaker return despite high salaries. Computer science graduates earn $48,849, which falls below the national average for tech workers.
The school poses significant completion risk. The 67% retention rate signals many students struggle academically or financially after freshman year. With median earnings of $50,331 across all programs, graduates earn roughly 2.4 times their annual college costs, which represents a modest return compared to stronger regional options.
You should consider Vermont State if you plan to enter allied health or nursing programs and can handle the academic demands. The low $15,000 median debt burden helps, and only 31% of students receive aid, suggesting manageable costs for middle-income families. Avoid this school if you need extensive academic support, plan to study liberal arts or business, or want strong job placement services. Students who struggled in high school or need significant financial aid will find better graduation odds elsewhere in the Vermont State College system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Vermont State University worth the cost?
Vermont State University offers decent value for health and technical programs, with nursing and allied health graduates earning around $56,000-$57,000 annually. However, the 49% graduation rate means half of students don't finish, which significantly hurts the investment.
What are the best paying majors at Vermont State University?
Allied health programs, electromechanical technology, and nursing top the earnings list at Vermont State University, with graduates making $56,000-$57,000 per year. Computer science graduates earn less at $48,849, which is below average for the field.
How much debt do Vermont State University graduates have?
Vermont State University graduates have a median debt of $15,000, which is relatively low compared to national averages. This manageable debt load helps improve the return on investment, especially for students who complete their degrees.
What is the graduation rate at Vermont State University?
Only 49% of students graduate from Vermont State University within six years. This low completion rate means many students pay tuition without earning a degree, making it a risky investment for students who aren't certain about finishing.