Degree Dividend
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Vermont State University vs Norwich University: which has better ROI?

Public, Randolph VT · vs · Private nonprofit, Northfield VT

The verdict

Norwich University has the better ROI: it clears its 4-year net cost of $89,028 in 5.2 years versus 37 years at Vermont State University, on median earnings of $65,575 vs $50,331 ten years out. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)

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Head to head
MeasureVermont State UniversityNorwich University
Net price / yr$18,212$22,257
Total net cost$72,848$89,028
Median earnings, 10 yrs$50,331$65,575
Median debt$15,000$25,000
Payback37 yrs5.2 yrs
20-year net return-$33,428$255,272

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

Which is cheaper, Vermont State University or Norwich University?

Vermont State University, at $18,212 a year after aid versus $22,257 — a gap of $4,045 a year, or $16,180 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 Norwich University graduates earn more?

Norwich University graduates report a median $65,575 ten years after entry, $15,244 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, Vermont State University or Norwich University?

Vermont State University: its completers carry a median $15,000 in federal loans versus $25,000 at Norwich University, a difference of $10,000. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.

Which graduates more of its students?

60% of students finish at Norwich University, 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.

Vermont State University vs Norwich University: frequently asked questions

Is Vermont State University or Norwich University a better value?
Norwich University. It clears its $89,028 net cost in about 5.2 years versus 37 years at Vermont State University, on median earnings of $65,575 vs $50,331 ten years out.
Which is cheaper, Vermont State University or Norwich University?
Vermont State University: $18,212/yr net price after aid versus $22,257/yr at Norwich University — a difference of $4,045 a year, or about $16,180 over four years.
Do Vermont State University or Norwich University graduates earn more?
Norwich University graduates earn a median $65,575 ten years after entry, versus $50,331 at Vermont State University — a $15,244 gap. This blends every major, so a specific field can flip it.