University of Vermont logo

University of Vermont

Accept Rate
60.02%
Grad Rate
77.2%
Enrollment
11,614
Avg SAT
1357
Tuition
$18,890
Median Salary
$62,472
Overall Grade
C
B+
Academics
B
Value
C
Admissions
C
Diversity
B
Campus
C
Aid

The Vibe Check

The University of Vermont feels like a blend of rigorous academics and outdoor adventure, nestled in a vibrant small city that values sustainability and community. Students are passionate, environmentally conscious, and collaborative, with a palpable love for the Green Mountains that frame their campus. Itโ€™s a place where youโ€™ll find study sessions turning into impromptu hikes and a strong sense of school pride.

Admissions

Acceptance Rate

60.02%
Moderately Selective

SAT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 135775th Pctl
12501420
40080012001600

ACT Score Range

25th Pctlavg 3175th Pctl
2932
1122436

Admissions Tips

Highlight your commitment to sustainability, community service, or outdoor activities in your essays and extracurriculars, as this aligns perfectly with UVM's core values. Given the 60% acceptance rate, aim for an SAT score above 1357 to be competitive. If you have a strong connection to Vermont or a clear interest in one of their top majors like Natural Resources, make sure it's prominently featured in your application.

Source: US Department of Education College Scorecard

๐ŸŽฏ

Can I Get In?

Estimate your admission chances

3.5
1.02.03.04.0
1357
40080012001600
School range: 1250โ€“1420

โš ๏ธ This is a rough estimate based on published admissions data. Actual decisions depend on essays, recommendations, extracurriculars, and holistic review.

Academics & Majors

UVM is renowned for its strengths in environmental science, biology, and public health, leveraging its land-grant status for impactful research. Class sizes are manageable, with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio fostering accessible, hands-on learning from engaged professors. Undergraduates have ample opportunities to join cutting-edge research projects, from lake ecology to cutting-edge medical studies.

Popular Majors

Biology & Biomedical
13.1%
Natural Resources
10.3%
Social Sciences
10.1%
Health Professions
9.9%
Business & Marketing
8.3%
Engineering
7.9%
Psychology
6.2%
Education
4.2%
Agriculture
4.1%
Visual & Performing Arts
3.7%
Computer Science
3.5%
Multidisciplinary Studies
3.1%

Percentage of degrees awarded by program area ??? Source: US Dept of Education

By The Numbers

77.2%
Graduation Rate
88.2%
Retention Rate
11,614
Total Students

Return on Investment

Annual Tuition vs. Median Alumni Salary (10 Years Out)

Student Diversity

Racial & Ethnic Composition of Student Body

Financial Aid & Cost

Sticker Price
$18,890
In-state tuition/year
Avg Net Price
$20,860
After financial aid
Total Cost
$35,116
Cost of attendance/year
12.8%
Receive Pell Grants
38.4%
Federal Loan Rate

Source: IPEDS / US Department of Education

Life in Burlington

Burlington offers a quintessential college town experience with a bustling, pedestrian-friendly downtown located just a short walk from campus. Students love exploring Church Street Marketplace for its shops, cafes, and live music, while the nearby Lake Champlain waterfront is perfect for biking, sailing, or summer concerts. Outdoor activities like skiing in the winter and hiking in the fall are integral to the student lifestyle here.

Local Rent Check

$1,441 / month
Avg 1-Bedroom in Burlington
Explore Burlington

Reality Check

Can you afford this degree? Adjust the sliders to fit your actual situation (scholarships, savings, etc).

$75,560
$0Est. 4 Years: $75,560

Post-Grad Monthly Payment

$0/mo

Impact on Est. Salary ($62,472):

0.0% of net income

Safe Zone

Safety Check

UVM's campus is located in a safe, walkable urban area of Burlington, which is consistently ranked as one of the safest cities in the U.S. for its size. The university has its own comprehensive police department and well-lit pathways, contributing to a secure environment for students.

Pros & Cons

Pros

  • โœ“ Stunning natural setting with immediate access to outdoor recreation in all seasons.
  • โœ“ Strong academic programs in environmental science, health, and business with undergraduate research opportunities.
  • โœ“ Vibrant, safe, and progressive city of Burlington that complements campus life.
  • โœ“ High retention and graduation rates indicate strong student satisfaction and support.

Cons

  • โœ— Harsh, long winters with significant snowfall can be challenging for some.
  • โœ— Out-of-state tuition is significantly higher, making it expensive for non-residents.
  • โœ— The campus and city are relatively isolated in a rural region, which can limit off-campus internship opportunities compared to major metros.

Notable Alumni

John Dewey
Influential American philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer who was a graduate and later a professor at UVM.
Deborah E. 'Debbie' Harry
Lead singer of the iconic punk and new wave band Blondie (studied at UVM before transferring).
John H. Sununu
Former Governor of New Hampshire and White House Chief of Staff under President George H. W. Bush.

Frequently Asked Questions

UVM is known for its leadership in environmental science and sustainability as a land-grant university, as well as its strong programs in biology, natural resources, and public health. Its beautiful campus in Burlington and commitment to undergraduate research are also defining features.

With a 60.02% acceptance rate, UVM is moderately selective. The average SAT score for admitted students is 1357, so applicants should aim to be at or above this average to be competitive. Strong grades in a rigorous high school curriculum and well-crafted essays are also important.

Campus life is active and community-oriented, with a strong emphasis on outdoor activities and sustainability. Students enjoy a walkable campus adjacent to a vibrant downtown, with over 200 student clubs and a culture that embraces skiing, hiking, and lake life. The environment is collaborative rather than cutthroat, with a high retention rate reflecting student satisfaction.

For in-state students, UVM represents an excellent value with a net price of $20,860 and median earnings of $62,472 after ten years. For out-of-state students, the investment is larger, but the university's strong reputation in specific fields, high graduation rate, and the career outcomes in growing industries can make it worthwhile. The key is to choose a major with clear career pathways and leverage the alumni network.

Similar Universities

Top Employers

Burlington International Airport University of Vermont Health Network Ben & Jerry's Dealer.com Keurig Dr Pepper
Smart Start Score
71

Calculated based on 10-year ROI, graduation rate, retention, and selectivity.

University Facts

  • Founded N/A
  • Type Public
  • Setting Urban
  • Undergrad 13,591
  • In-State Tuition $18,890
  • Out-of-State $43,890
  • Zip Code 05405

Gender Ratio

โ™‚ 36.4% โ™€ 63.6%

The Money Talk

For in-state students, UVM offers a compelling value with a net price of $20,860 and strong post-graduation earnings of $62,472 median over 10 years. For out-of-state students, the higher tuition of $43,890 requires careful financial planning, but the university's reputation and alumni network can help justify the investment, especially in high-demand fields like health professions and engineering. Overall, the combination of a high retention rate and solid ROI suggests the degree is a worthwhile investment for many.

*Based on Dept of Education data

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๐Ÿ“ Campus Location

๐Ÿ“… Typical Deadlines

Early Decision Nov 1
Early Action Nov 1โ€“15
Regular Decision Jan 1โ€“15
Transfer Mar 15
FAFSA Opens Oct 1
Check official deadlines โ†’

Dates shown are typical US university deadlines. Always verify with the school.

๐Ÿงฎ Estimated Annual Budget

Tuition $18,890
Housing (12 mo) $17,292
Books & Supplies ~$1,200
Living Expenses ~$6,000
Estimated Total $43,382
With avg financial aid:
$20,860/yr
Data sourced from US Dept of Education College Scorecard, IPEDS, and Bureau of Labor Statistics. Last updated: Feb 2026.