Vermont State University vs Community College of Vermont: which has better ROI?
Vermont State University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $72,848 in 37 years versus not at all at Community College of Vermont, on median earnings of $50,331 vs $36,234 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Vermont State University | Community College of Vermont |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $18,212 | $13,696 |
| Total net cost | $72,848 | $27,392 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $50,331 | $36,234 |
| Median debt | $15,000 | $10,491 |
| Payback | 37 yrs | — |
| 20-year net return | -$33,428 | -$269,912 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Vermont State University or Community College of Vermont?
Community College of Vermont, at $13,696 a year after aid versus $18,212 — a gap of $4,516 a year, or $45,456 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Vermont State University or Community College of Vermont graduates earn more?
Vermont State University graduates report a median $50,331 ten years after entry, $14,097 more than the $36,234 at Community College of Vermont. 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, Vermont State University or Community College of Vermont?
Community College of Vermont: its completers carry a median $10,491 in federal loans versus $15,000 at Vermont State University, a difference of $4,509. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
47% of students finish at Vermont State University, against 20% at Community College of Vermont. 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.