University of Vermont logo

University of Vermont

Burlington, VT

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

“Studiis et Rebus Honestis (Latin)”("Integrity in Theoretical and Practical Pursuits")

1791
Founded
Public land-grant research university
Type
11,614
Total Students
$19K
Tuition (In-State)
$44K
Tuition (Out-State)
$21K
Avg Net Price
60%
Acceptance Rate
79%
Graduation Rate
6-year
88%
Retention Rate
Doctoral Universities
Classification

Data from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0) & U.S. Dept. of Education

About University of Vermont

Discover UVM: Vermont's historic public research university with a passion for sustainability.

Nestled in the vibrant city of Burlington, the University of Vermont (UVM) stands as the oldest university in Vermont and the fifth oldest in New England. Since its founding in 1791, UVM has evolved into a prominent public land-grant research institution, classified among "R1: Doctoral Universities—Very high research activity." It is recognized for its comprehensive academic offerings, spanning over 100 undergraduate majors and numerous graduate and professional programs, including the esteemed Robert Larner College of Medicine. Prospective students will find a dynamic learning environment dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering critical thinking.

UVM's history is marked by a pioneering spirit and a commitment to progress. It was the first American institution of higher education with a charter explicitly forbidding religious preference, setting a precedent for inclusivity. The university broke barriers by admitting its first women students in 1871 and was the first to admit both women and African Americans into the Phi Beta Kappa honor society. This legacy of social awareness continues today, with a rich history of student activism influencing significant changes, from civil rights and anti-apartheid movements to fossil fuel divestment initiatives, reflecting a deeply engaged campus community.

Academically, UVM excels with strengths across diverse fields. The Grossman School of Business is internationally accredited and highly ranked for its social and environmental impact, including its Green MBA program. The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources, housed in a LEED Platinum certified building, is dedicated to understanding ecological processes and achieving a sustainable human community, making it a natural fit for those passionate about environmental stewardship. With substantial research funding and a commitment to addressing global challenges, UVM offers students unparalleled opportunities to contribute to impactful discoveries.

Life at UVM is enriched by its picturesque Burlington setting and a vibrant student experience. The campus is home to the Catamounts, competing in NCAA Division I athletics, and a lively student-run radio station, WRUV, known for its extensive music catalog. Students and families seeking an institution that combines a deep historical foundation with forward-thinking research, a strong sense of community, and a commitment to sustainability will find UVM an exceptional choice.

Key Highlights

  • ✦Founded in 1791, UVM is the oldest university in Vermont and the fifth-oldest in New England.
  • ✦Classified as an "R1: Doctoral University—Very high research activity," reflecting its extensive research output.
  • ✦Grossman School of Business ranked 5th best MBA globally for social and environmental impact (Corporate Knights, 2023) and 2nd best Green MBA in the U.S. (Princeton Review, 2024).
  • ✦The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources is housed in the George D. Aiken Center, which holds a U.S. Green Building Council LEED Platinum certification.
  • ✦UVM was the first American university to have a charter declaring no preference to any religious sect or denomination.
  • ✦Pioneered inclusivity by being the first American university to admit women (1875) and African Americans (1877) into Phi Beta Kappa.
  • ✦Holds a substantial endowment of $896 million as of 2024 and boasts 14,320 students in Fall 2023.

Timeline

1791
University of Vermont founded as a private university, same year Vermont became a U.S. state.
1801
Instruction began with its first president serving as the sole faculty member.
1824
First edifice destroyed by fire; Marquis de Lafayette laid the cornerstone for its replacement, now known as 'Old Mill'.
1865
Merged with Vermont Agricultural College, becoming the University of Vermont and State Agricultural College and a public land-grant institution.
1871
Admitted its first two women students, defying custom.
1875
First American university to admit women into Phi Beta Kappa.
1877
First American university to admit African Americans into Phi Beta Kappa.
1969
The annual 'Kake Walk' featuring blackface was abolished under student and community pressure.
1985
Student protests, including a 'shantytown,' led to the university's divestment from companies doing business in apartheid South Africa.
2020
UVM trustees voted unanimously to divest from fossil fuels by July 2023 due to student advocacy.
🏛️
235 Years
of Excellence

Schools & Colleges

3 notable schools within University of Vermont

🏥

Robert Larner College of Medicine

One of the university's ten colleges and schools, offering various medical and professional programs.

💼

Grossman School of Business

An AACSB International accredited school offering undergraduate and graduate programs, highly ranked for social and environmental impact, and for its Green MBA.

🏫

Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources

Focuses on applied ecology, environment & society, and innovative tools, dedicated to maintaining natural systems and achieving a sustainable human community. Housed in a LEED Platinum certified building.

Find Scholarships at University of Vermont

Sign up free to discover grants and scholarships you qualify for at this school and thousands more.

Start Your Free Search