3 Best Online Colleges Vermont 2025

Online college programs are popular among students with busy personal and work lives. Why? Distance education lets students learn from anywhere with an internet connection. Schools offer online courses with flexible schedules and provide academic coaching, online tutoring, and other resources to help students excel.

Are you interested in online degrees in Vermont? If so, you're not alone. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), 40.2% of Vermont learners enrolled in at least some distance education courses in 2023 � and for good reason. Accredited online colleges offer reputable programs in numerous subject areas at multiple degree levels.

Below, we'll highlight schools offering the best online degree programs, discuss how much they cost, and share tips for making them more affordable. We'll also answer frequently asked questions about online colleges in Vermont and discuss how to pick the right school.

Best Accredited Online Colleges in Vermont

Online learning in Vermont is great for students seeking alternatives to in-person study. Review the list below to learn where to find the state's best colleges online.

1. Champlain College

Champlain College in Burlington offers over 100 fully online certificates and associate, bachelor's, and master's programs. Areas of study include healthcare administration, digital forensic science, marketing, software development, and public administration. U.S. News & World Report ranks the college's online bachelor's degrees and master's in information technology among the nation's top programs.

Champlain provides academic advising, online tutoring, library help, and other support services for online learners. While traditional undergraduate programs cost over $45,000, online students pay just $335 per credit hour. The college gives 99% of learners financial aid to reduce school costs.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $45,550

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $10,710

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 56%

Retention Rate: 77%

Institution Type: Private College

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

2. Norwich University

Northfield is home to Norwich University, a private institution offering over 50 online undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs. Programs include business administration, criminal justice, cybersecurity, education, and nursing. Accelerated learning is available for undergraduate students interested in earning credits toward an online master's degree.

U.S. News & World Report has ranked Norwich University's online bachelor's programs, MBAs, and master's in criminal justice, nursing, and business degrees among the nation's best. To help distance learners excel, the university provides access to academic resources like the online Writing Center. Online students pay as little as $250 per credit hour in tuition, and all enrollees receive financial aid to lower costs.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $49,600

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $22,176

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 83%

Retention Rate: 69%

Institution Type: Private University

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

3. Vermont State University

Vermont State University offers online bachelor's degrees ranked among the nation's best by U.S. News & World Report. Traditional bachelor's programs explore holistic health, psychological science, and criminal justice. Bachelor's degree completion programs teach early childhood education, dental hygiene, and nursing. Students can pursue an online associate degree in general studies or business administration or choose from online MBAs and MSN programs.

VTSU provides enrollees with success advisors to help them navigate their online learning journey and offers financial aid to 98% of students, allowing them to lower school costs. The Free Tuition Guarantee lets Vermont students who meet income requirements and enroll in an initial undergraduate program earn their degrees at no cost.

Tuition Costs

Average Undergrad Tuition

In-State: $11,400

Out-of-State: $21,408

Average Graduate Tuition

In-State and Out-of-State: $11,502

College Stats

Acceptance Rate: 50%

Retention Rate: 67%

Institution Type: Public University

Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education

Other Featured Online Schools

Vermont offers great online programs; however, expanding your search can help you find more distance education opportunities. Explore fully online colleges below to discover degrees in other parts of the country.

National University

National University offers 45+ fully online degrees at the associate, bachelor's, master's, and doctoral levels. Subject areas include cybersecurity, nursing, English, paralegal studies, psychology, and health administration. NU offers dedicated student support for online learners, including access to interactive tools that align with specific learning styles. Online classes last four weeks and start every month.

University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus is the largest public university in the U.S. The institution offers online undergraduate and graduate degrees and certificate programs in data analytics, public safety, healthcare, science, business, information technology, and more. UMGC provides over 100 scholarships to lower tuition costs and offers textbooks for most courses free of charge.

Old Dominion University

Old Dominion University is home to ODU Global, which offers undergraduate and graduate programs in systems engineering, professional writing, nursing, human services, elementary education, and business analytics. Online students can enhance their studies using the same coaching, advising, and tutoring resources as on-campus students. Grants, merit scholarships, and tuition assistance help online learners reduce school expenses.

How We Rank Schools

Our team thoroughly vetted the institutions in the rank list above with help from NCES and the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard data. Each school has met the following criteria for delivering a high-quality education:

• Reputable: We confirmed that the colleges and universities in this list are respected by considering factors such as retention rates and student outcomes.
• Accredited: These online colleges in Vermont have received accreditation from the New England Commission of Higher Education, guaranteeing recognized academic standards.
• Affordable: The institutions in this list offer lower tuition rates and grants, scholarships, or other financial aid to increase online learning affordability.
• Online resources: These schools provide services like access to academic advisors, library services, and tutoring to support distance learners.

Pros and Cons of Online Degrees in Vermont

Online learning offers many benefits; however, challenges can sometimes arise. Discover the pros and cons of Vermont's online degrees below.

Pros of earning an online degree:

• Expanded program options: Online education allows students to explore programs at schools nationwide and pick the perfect major and specialization.
• Study around your schedule: Asynchronous programs let learners access course materials anytime their schedules permit.
• Learn at your pace: Students in self-paced programs can navigate coursework and complete their studies at their preferred pace.

Cons of earning an online degree:

• Fewer networking opportunities: Limited interactions with classmates result in fewer opportunities to create personal and professional connections.
• No on-campus engagement: Out-of-state students attending college online don't get to enjoy the on-campus experiences that traditional students do.
• Self-learning required: Learners must be comfortable navigating coursework alone and with fewer instructor interactions.

How To Choose the Best Online College in Vermont

Searching for the right online school in Vermont starts with looking for regionally or nationally accredited online colleges approved by organizations with U.S. Department of Education or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) recognition. Continue your search by checking student outcomes, graduate rates, or rankings to gauge school reputations.

Ensure you meet college admission requirements, including minimum high school or college GPAs, test scores, and prerequisites. Of course, you should confirm that each institution has your preferred major, minor, or specialization at the right degree level.

If you're interested in saving on school costs, look for schools offering scholarships, grants, or college credits for transfer. You also want to find colleges that support online learners with academic resources (e.g., tutoring, writing help, and library access) and professional guidance.

How Much Does an Online Degree in Vermont Cost?

The cost of an online degree in Vermont varies by institution and other factors such as enrollment status (full-time vs. part-time), residency (in-state vs. out-of-state), and degree type (undergraduate vs. graduate). If you're looking to attend one of the top accredited colleges online, you could pay between $250 and $400 per credit hour for an online bachelor's degree.

Tips on How To Make Online College in Vermont More Affordable

Applying to affordable online colleges in Vermont is a great way to reduce the cost of your degree. Consider institutions offering lower tuition rates or credits for prior learning. For many students, financial aid is a top option. NCES data reveals that 94.6% of Vermont learners received grants, scholarships, and other financial aid in the 2022-23 academic year.

Out-of-state learners can benefit from the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) Tuition Break program, which reduces tuition costs for Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont residents attending public schools in New England. Looking for more ways to save? Explore the list below:

• online colleges that accept FAFSA
• online colleges with payment plans
• online colleges that accept the Pell Grant
• online colleges that accept transfer credits
• online colleges with scholarships
• online colleges with no application fee

Vermont Scholarships & Grants

Grants and scholarships are fantastic for lowering the cost of online college programs. If you're looking for financial aid that doesn't require repayment, explore the programs below.

Vermont State University Better Together Scholarship

Vermont Residents, NEBHE tuition students, and residents outside of Vermont are awarded scholarship funds based on financial need. FAFSA information helps determine need.

Award Amount: $1,000 to $4,000

Deadline: Contact your financial aid office for details

VSAC Vermont Grant

This award from the State of Vermont is designed for Vermont residents who are accepted or enrolled in a full-time or part-time undergraduate degree or certificate program.

Award Amount: Varies by student, year, and available funding

Deadline: Applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis

Vermont Federal Credit Union Student Scholarship Program

Vermont Federal Credit Union awards five members (two graduating high school seniors and three college students) scholarships for an undergraduate program at a college, trade school, or university.

Award Amount: $2,000

Deadline: April 25

Top Majors for Vermont Graduates

Selecting the right major can help guide you to the career of your dreams. Here are some of the most popular majors for students at Vermont schools.

• Psychology: This major explores human behavior and mental processes. Bachelor's degrees can lead to social work and counseling careers. Graduate programs prepare students to become psychologists.
• Business administration and management: Students learn marketing, management, business theory, and accounting concepts. A bachelor's degree can qualify learners for business manager, account executive, and project manager roles.
• Biological and biomedical sciences: Programs examine how to apply scientific principles to healthcare. Individuals with bachelor's degrees can become biologists, forensic science technicians, and environmental scientists.
• Marketing/marketing management: A bachelor's degree program teaches marketing strategy, consumer behavior, and brand management to prepare students for marketing analysis, digital marketing specialist, and product management roles.
• Education: An education program explores teaching methodologies and classroom management techniques. A bachelor's degree can help students become teachers, librarians, and curriculum designers.

FAQs About Accredited Online Colleges in Vermont

If online learning is right for you, your next step is to enroll in a great program at a Vermont school. But before getting started, explore the following FAQs for more details about online colleges in the state.

How Quickly Can I Earn My Degree Online in Vermont?

Pursuing accelerated online degrees in Vermont can help you complete your studies sooner. Instead of taking four years to earn a bachelor's degree, you could complete your program in two years or less. An accelerated online master's degree can take less than a year.

Are Any Online Colleges Worth It?

Yes, enrolling in an online school is worth the money, time, and effort. Programs have flexible schedules and allow students to learn from anywhere with internet access. Most schools offer the same diplomas as on-campus programs and prepare students for top careers.

What Is the Easiest Online University To Get Into in Vermont?

Getting admitted to college is easiest at institutions with higher acceptance rates. Norwich University is one of the easiest schools to get into in Vermont � with an acceptance rate of 83%.

Should I Enroll in an Online College in Vermont?

Enrolling at an online college in Vermont can help you gain the educational background to start a new career or advance in your current one. Vermont online colleges are accredited and offer academic resources and financial support to help enrollees excel. Considering the benefits of these institutions, enrolling in an online school in the state makes sense for students who want to learn online.

Explore Online Degree Programs for Learners in Vermont

Take the next step toward a fulfilling journey in online higher education by exploring the colleges and universities on Learn.org. Discover programs at online colleges in Vermont and find out how they can help you reach your educational and career goals.