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 gives you a middle-of-the-road financial deal with one bright spot and some real weak points. With a net price around $20,865 a year against median earnings of about $50,331 a decade out, you can pay off your education, but you won't get rich doing it. The saving grace is debt: a $15,000 median means you leave with less to repay than at most four-year schools.
Your major matters a lot here. The electromechanical instrumentation and maintenance program is the clear winner, paying near $57,000, which fits Vermont's demand for skilled technicians in manufacturing and utilities. Computer and information sciences also holds up well. But architectural engineering technology and business administration are trouble spots, paying in the mid-$30,000s, which is barely above what you'd earn without a degree. Note that the electromechanical program also carries the highest debt on the list at over $25,000, so run the math before you commit.
The biggest risk at this school is finishing at all. Only about half of students graduate, and a third don't return after the first year. Debt without a degree is the worst outcome, and those retention numbers mean it happens here more than you'd want.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. If your household earns under $48,000, you'll pay around $16,600 to $17,000, while families over $110,000 pay closer to $26,240. That gap makes this a solid pick if you're aiming for the tech and instrumentation programs and come from a modest-income home in the region.
Look elsewhere if you're set on business or architectural technology, or if you're on the fence about finishing. The payoff here depends heavily on picking the right program and getting to graduation.
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.