Vermont State University

Vermont State University maintains open access admission policies, accepting 83.2% of applicants, meaning roughly 5 in 6 applicants receive offers of admission. This acceptance rate falls within the Open Access tier, typical of public institutions focused on broad educational access rather than competitive selection.

The peer median admission rate of 84.6% indicates Vermont State University's selectivity aligns closely with similar public institutions serving regional populations. This level of accessibility means that most students meeting basic academic requirements can expect admission, though students should still demonstrate college readiness through coursework and preparation.

The university's mission emphasizes educational opportunity over exclusivity, making it accessible to students who might face barriers at more selective institutions. For prospective applicants, this represents an opportunity to access higher education without the uncertainty associated with highly competitive admission processes.

Students should focus on academic preparation and program fit rather than competitive positioning against other applicants when considering Vermont State University.

Vermont State University's published cost of attendance reaches $30,074 per year, including $21,408 in out-of-state tuition, $11,400 for in-state residents, $12,898 for room and board, and $1,000 for books and supplies. However, the average student pays significantly less after financial aid, with a net price of $20,865 representing $9,209 in financial aid savings.

This net price sits $6,772 above the peer median of $14,093, indicating higher actual costs than similar institutions despite the aid provided. The gap between sticker price and net price demonstrates substantial financial aid distribution, though not enough to achieve cost parity with peer institutions.

Vermont residents benefit from the $10,008 difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition, making the institution more accessible to state residents. Financial aid targeting helps reduce costs for students from lower-income families, though middle and upper-income families face the full burden of above-average net prices.

The cost structure reflects Vermont State University's challenge of maintaining operations with limited state funding while serving a population with significant financial need.

Vermont State University graduates demonstrate steady earnings progression over their early careers. Median earnings grow from $41,340 six years after enrollment to $48,541 at eight years and $50,331 at ten years, representing 21.7% growth from the six-year mark.

These outcomes reflect data from cohorts of 420 to 512 graduates, providing solid confidence in reported figures despite the institution's smaller scale. Graduates earn $1,299 beyond expectations compared to similar students nationally, placing Vermont State University in the 61st percentile for earnings uplift.

Low-income graduates earn $43,200, indicating the institution supports upward mobility for students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The earnings trajectory shows consistent improvement rather than dramatic acceleration, with the largest gains occurring between years six and eight.

Approximately 41.8% of graduates continue to graduate or professional study, though this estimate carries low confidence due to limited program diversity. The institution's focus on practical career preparation in nursing and business management creates pathways to middle-class earnings with manageable educational debt.

Vermont State University offers 2 bachelor's degree programs with sufficient federal earnings data for ranking analysis. Adult Health Nursing ranks #105 nationally and #1 in Vermont, producing 25 graduates with median earnings of $84,109 and an exceptional value score of 62.0.

This program represents the institution's strongest career outcomes and accounts for nearly half of all tracked graduates. Business Administration and Management ranks #325 nationally but also holds the #1 position in Vermont, graduating 28 students with median earnings of $36,747 and a value score of 4.4.

Both programs are designated as top majors at the school, reflecting their central role in the institution's mission. The concentrated program portfolio means Vermont State University functions essentially as a specialized institution serving healthcare and business career preparation, rather than offering comprehensive academic breadth.