The cost of college in Vermont — and what it pays back
Across the 9 Vermont institutions we profile, the median net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $25,239/yr, $8,333 above the $16,906 national median. Graduates earn a median $58,386 ten years after entry (above the $43,552 national median), and 6 of the 9 schools clear their full cost on institution-wide earnings. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
$25,239
Median net price / yr
Scorecard, 2026
$58,386
Median earnings, 10 yrs
Scorecard, 2026
6.7 yrs
Median payback
Our math, 2026
6/9
Schools that pay back
Our math, 2026
How Vermont's 9 colleges split by ROI verdict
Strong1
Solid3
Slow1
Weak4
Verdicts: payback under 5 / 10 / 20 / over 20 years (or none).
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Middlebury College | $31,483 | $76,310 | 4.5 yrs |
| Norwich University | $22,257 | $65,575 | 5.2 yrs |
| University of Vermont | $19,343 | $62,472 | 5.5 yrs |
| Saint Michael's College | $25,239 | $61,317 | 7.8 yrs |
| Champlain College | $35,860 | $58,386 | 14.3 yrs |
| College | Net price/yr | Earnings 10y | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community College of Vermont | $13,696 | $36,234 | no payback |
| Vermont State University | $18,212 | $50,331 | 37 yrs |
| University of Vermont | $19,343 | $62,472 | 5.5 yrs |
| Norwich University | $22,257 | $65,575 | 5.2 yrs |
| Saint Michael's College | $25,239 | $61,317 | 7.8 yrs |
Frequently asked questions
How much does college cost in Vermont?
The median net price across Vermont colleges is $25,239/yr after aid — above the $16,906 national median. Sticker prices run far higher; net price is what the typical aided student actually pays.
Is college in Vermont cheaper than the national average?
No — the median Vermont net price of $25,239/yr runs about $8,333/yr above the $16,906 national median. Individual schools vary widely, so check each profile.
What do Vermont college graduates earn?
A median $58,386 ten years after entry (College Scorecard), above the $43,552 national median.
Which Vermont college pays for itself fastest?
Middlebury College — about 4.5 years to clear its $125,932 total net cost on earnings above the high-school baseline. The full ranking is on our best-colleges-in-vermont page.