Vermont State University — ROI, Cost & Payback
Vermont State University charges a net price of $18,212/yr after aid — a 4-year total of $72,848. Graduates earn a median $50,331 ten years after entry, $1,971/yr above the $48,360 high-school baseline, clearing the total in 37 years — a 20-year net return of -$33,428, a weak return — the cost is hard to justify on earnings alone. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
Vermont State University's 37-year payback ranks #1,157 of 1,280 US colleges we track — better ROI than 10% of them, and #6 of 9 in Vermont.
| Measure | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Net price (after aid) | $18,212/yr | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Total net cost (4 yrs) | $72,848 | our math |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs after entry | $50,331 | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Earnings premium over HS baseline | $1,971/yr | our math |
| Median debt (completers) | $15,000 | Scorecard, 2026 |
| Payback | 37 yrs | our math |
| 20-year net return | -$33,428 | our math |
College Scorecard (2026 release), institution-level · payback and returns are our math.
The arithmetic, on Vermont State University's own numbers. Net price $18,212 × 4 years = $72,848 total. Median earnings $50,331 − the $48,360 high-school baseline = $1,971 a year of premium. $72,848 ÷ $1,971 = 37 years to break even; twenty years of that premium minus the cost leaves -$33,428. Future dollars are not discounted, and the earnings figure blends every major here — your programme can beat or miss it. Full method.
How much debt do Vermont State University students graduate with?
A median $15,000 in federal loans among completers, or 30% of the $50,331 its graduates earn ten years out — our math. The figure excludes private loans and students who left before finishing.
What share of Vermont State University students graduate?
47% finish their degree — 53% leave carrying the cost without the credential. Spread the $72,848 bill across that completion rate and the cohort pays $154,996 per graduate produced — our math, and the figure a payback number never shows.
Is Vermont State University expensive compared with other Vermont colleges?
Its $18,212 net price runs $7,027 below the $25,239 median across the 9 Vermont colleges we profile, and $28,108 less across the full degree.