Students at the University of Vermont consistently achieve strong financial outcomes, with graduates earning well above typical public university levels and ranking in the top tier nationally for long-term career success.
The university's combination of academic quality and career preparation delivers particularly strong results for students from all income backgrounds who enroll.
The University of Vermont delivers strong long-term value through a combination of academic quality and solid financial outcomes for graduates. Located in Burlington, this public research university serves as Vermont's flagship institution, offering the breadth of a comprehensive university with the personalized attention of a more selective environment. UVT graduates earn a median of $62,472 ten years after enrollment, placing the institution in the top 20% nationally for long-term earnings among public universities.
What distinguishes UVM is its position as a "Selective Achievers" institution—delivering excellent outcomes for the students it enrolls, though with more limited access for low-income students compared to typical public universities. The university maintains high graduation rates across income levels, with 79% of all students completing their degrees within six years. This combination of selectivity and strong completion rates helps explain why UVM graduates consistently achieve above-average earnings in their careers.
As Vermont's flagship research university, UVM offers students access to extensive academic programs, research opportunities, and a well-established alumni network. The institution balances the resources of a large public university with the academic culture of a more selective institution, creating an environment where students can access both breadth and depth in their educational experience.
The University of Vermont's program portfolio demonstrates both breadth and quality, with strong outcomes across diverse fields of study. Business Administration leads in both scale and aggregate economic impact, graduating 202 students who earn solid early-career salaries around $47,800, making it a cornerstone program for the university's overall economic outcomes. Engineering programs, while smaller in scale, deliver exceptional individual returns—Electrical and Electronics Engineering graduates earn $72,325 early in their careers, reflecting strong regional and national demand for technical expertise.
The university's largest program, Biopsychology with 239 graduates, represents UVM's strength in preparing students for graduate study and careers in healthcare, research, and related fields, though early earnings of $27,300 don't capture the full career trajectory for students who often pursue advanced degrees. Liberal arts programs like English Language and Literature, with 74 graduates earning around $26,500, similarly prepare students for diverse career paths where initial earnings may not reflect long-term potential.
This program mix reflects UVM's comprehensive university mission, balancing professional preparation in business and engineering with strong liberal arts and sciences programs. The diversity of offerings allows students to pursue both immediately lucrative career paths and fields that provide long-term intellectual and professional growth, supported by UVM's strong alumni network and regional connections throughout New England.
University of Vermont graduates achieve strong long-term financial outcomes, with median earnings of $62,472 ten years after enrollment—well above typical public university levels and ranking in the top 20% nationally. The institution consistently produces graduates who earn solid incomes across a range of fields, with over 2,600 alumni earning more than $75,000 annually, demonstrating the breadth of high-earning career paths available to UVM graduates.
Program-level outcomes vary significantly by field of study. Business Administration stands out as both popular and financially rewarding, with 202 graduates earning a median of $47,846 early in their careers, creating substantial aggregate economic value. Electrical and Electronics Engineering delivers the highest individual earnings at $72,325 for the 25 graduates in the program, reflecting strong demand for technical skills. Biopsychology represents the largest program with 239 graduates, though earnings are more modest at $27,301, while English Language and Literature graduates earn around $26,519—both fields that often lead to graduate school or careers where early earnings don't capture full long-term value.
The university's diverse program portfolio spans engineering, business, liberal arts, and sciences, providing students with multiple pathways to career success. UVM's location in Vermont and strong regional connections help graduates access opportunities throughout New England, while the university's research focus and academic reputation open doors to national career opportunities as well.
Affordability at the University of Vermont varies significantly by family income, with the institution serving primarily middle- and upper-income students. Low-income families pay approximately $11,958 annually after aid, which is reasonable for a flagship public university, while middle-income families see costs around $17,261 per year. High-income families face substantially higher costs at $28,049 annually, reflecting UVM's position as a more expensive public option that delivers correspondingly strong outcomes.
Debt levels reflect this pricing structure, with typical graduates carrying $20,951 in federal student loans—a manageable amount given UVM's strong earnings outcomes. Parent PLUS borrowing averages $36,096, indicating that many families choose to invest significantly in their students' education at UVM. The combination of moderate student debt and higher parent borrowing suggests that UVM attracts families willing to pay premium prices for quality education and outcomes.
What makes these costs sustainable is UVM graduates' strong earning potential and excellent loan repayment performance. The institution maintains a 0% federal loan default rate, and borrowers consistently pay down their balances faster than national averages. This repayment success reflects both the financial outcomes UVM delivers and the financial stability of the families the university typically serves.
University Of Vermont Hub Overview
Executive summary with admissions, cost, outcomes, and program analysis
