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.
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Net prices are averages and may vary. Based on federal data for first-time, full-time students receiving aid.
| Cost Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Total Cost of Attendance (Sticker Price) | $25,988 |
| Tuition and Fees | $22,296 |
| Room and Board | $13,618 |
| Books and Supplies | $1,200 |
| Average Financial Aid (Grants and Scholarships) | -$7,776 |
| Average Net Price (What Families Pay) | $18,212 |
| Family Income | Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0–30k | $14,645 |
| $30–48k | $12,998 |
| $48–75k | $16,279 |
| $75–110k | $20,668 |
| $110k+ | $24,007 |
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.
How much students borrow and whether debt is manageable given outcomes.
Debt is well below typical first-year earnings — generally considered very manageable.
Vermont State University maintains exceptionally strong performance in debt management, with median student debt of just $15,000 placing the institution in the 85th percentile nationally for low debt burden. This debt level sits $6,105 below the peer median of $21,105, representing a 29% reduction compared to similar institutions.
Debt ranges from $7,134 at the 25th percentile to $20,000 at the 75th percentile, indicating most students graduate with manageable debt loads. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30 means typical graduates can service their debt using 30% of median earnings, well within sustainable parameters.
Parent PLUS debt reaches a median of $15,025 with monthly payments of $198, requiring families to carefully evaluate additional borrowing beyond student limits. The combination of controlled student borrowing and modest earnings creates favorable conditions for post-graduation financial stability.
How cost compares to graduate earnings and value added.
Vermont State University delivers above-average return on educational investment through careful debt management rather than exceptional earnings performance. Graduates earn $1,299 beyond expectations, placing the institution in the 61st percentile for earnings uplift and demonstrating moderate success in adding value to student outcomes.
Median earnings of $50,331 rank around the national average while debt levels rank in the 85th percentile for low burden, creating favorable investment dynamics. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.30 indicates sustainable financial outcomes that allow graduates to service educational debt while building careers.
Compared to peer institutions, Vermont State University graduates earn $215 more annually while borrowing $6,105 less, representing superior investment efficiency. The combination of controlled costs, modest debt, and above-expectation earnings supports long-term financial stability even if absolute earning levels remain moderate.
Vermont State University's financial aid distribution reflects its commitment to serving students from diverse economic backgrounds while managing limited institutional resources. The $9,209 average aid package reduces costs substantially from the $30,074 sticker price, though this aid concentration primarily benefits lower-income students.
The institution's 31.5% Pell share indicates significant enrollment of students qualifying for federal need-based aid, requiring substantial institutional resources for cost reduction. Net prices that exceed peer medians by $6,772 suggest either higher operating costs or lower state subsidies compared to similar public institutions.
The progressive aid structure successfully targets assistance to families with the greatest financial need, though middle-income families may find costs challenging relative to other public options. Financial aid effectiveness varies significantly by income level, with lower-income students receiving aid packages that make attendance affordable while higher-income families face above-average costs.
