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University of Vermont vs Vermont State University: which has better ROI?

Public, Burlington VT · vs · Public, Randolph VT

By the Degree Dividend editorial data teamEvery figure verified against its federal source — methodologyData updated June 2026

The verdict

University of Vermont has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $77,372 in 5.5 years versus 37 years at Vermont State University, on median earnings of $62,472 vs $50,331 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureUniversity of VermontVermont State University
Net price / yr$19,343$18,212
Total net cost$77,372$72,848
Median earnings, 10 yrs$62,472$50,331
Median debt$20,951$15,000
Payback5.5 yrs37 yrs
20-year net return$204,868-$33,428

College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.

Which is cheaper, University of Vermont or Vermont State University?

Vermont State University, at $18,212 a year after aid versus $19,343 — a gap of $1,131 a year, or $4,524 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.

Do University of Vermont or Vermont State University graduates earn more?

University of Vermont graduates report a median $62,472 ten years after entry, $12,141 more than the $50,331 at Vermont State University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.

Which leaves students with less debt, University of Vermont or Vermont State University?

Vermont State University: its completers carry a median $15,000 in federal loans versus $20,951 at University of Vermont, a difference of $5,951. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

79% of students finish at University of Vermont, against 47% at Vermont State University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.

University of Vermont vs Vermont State University: frequently asked questions

Is University of Vermont or Vermont State University a better value?
University of Vermont. It clears its $77,372 net cost in about 5.5 years versus 37 years at Vermont State University, on median earnings of $62,472 vs $50,331 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, University of Vermont or Vermont State University?
Vermont State University: $18,212/yr net price after aid versus $19,343/yr at University of Vermont — a difference of $1,131 a year, or about $4,524 over four years.
Do University of Vermont or Vermont State University graduates earn more?
University of Vermont graduates earn a median $62,472 ten years after entry, versus $50,331 at Vermont State University — a $12,141 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.