Vermont State University logo

Vermont State University

Randolph, VT

publicgraduate

Quick Facts

2023
Founded
Public university
Type
3,567
Total Students
4,003
Undergrad
772
Graduate
$11K
Tuition (In-State)
$21K
Tuition (Out-State)
$21K
Avg Net Price
83%
Acceptance Rate
49%
Graduation Rate
6-year
67%
Retention Rate
Baccalaureate/Associate's Colleges
Classification
President: David Bergh (interim)

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

About Vermont State University

Vermont State University: A new public institution uniting historic Vermont colleges.

Vermont State University (VSU), established in 2023, represents a bold new chapter in Vermont's public higher education landscape. Born from the strategic merger of Castleton University, Johnson State College, and Lyndon State College – alongside the legacy of Vermont Technical College – VSU brings together centuries of educational heritage under one innovative umbrella. This unified public university is designed to offer a more robust and sustainable future for students, building on the distinct strengths and traditions of its predecessor institutions.

Prospective students joining VSU step into a dynamic environment shaped by a rich, multi-campus history. While the university itself is new, its roots trace back to 1787 with the chartering of Castleton University, making it home to Vermont's oldest public higher education campus. Students benefit from the collective expertise and resources of what were once independent colleges, all while experiencing the close-knit community and personalized attention Vermont institutions are known for. The university continues to evolve, with an ongoing commitment to optimizing its academic offerings to best serve the needs of its students and the workforce.

This transformational merger was a direct response to financial challenges faced by the Vermont State Colleges System, aiming to create efficiencies while preserving vital educational opportunities. Though the path to merger involved passionate discussions among students, faculty, and staff, demonstrating a deeply engaged university community, it ultimately led to the formation of a singular institution dedicated to accessible and high-quality public education for nearly 4,800 students. VSU offers an exciting opportunity to be part of a university forging its identity while honoring its storied past.

Key Highlights

  • Established in 2023 through the merger of three historic four-year colleges.
  • Serves approximately 4,775 students across its campuses.
  • Combines institutions with legacies dating back to Castleton University's 1787 charter.
  • A public university committed to sustainable and accessible higher education in Vermont.
  • Merged to save an estimated $25 million over five years for the state college system.
  • Led by interim President David Bergh.

Timeline

1787
Castleton University chartered, becoming VSU's oldest campus.
1806
Orange County Grammar School (later Vermont Technical College) founded.
1828
Johnson Academy (later Johnson State College) founded.
1911
Lyndon State College founded as a normal school.
1961
Vermont General Assembly created the Vermont State Colleges System (VSCS).
1970
Community College of Vermont founded as part of VSCS.
2020
Vermont State Colleges faced significant financial challenges.
2023
Vermont State University officially founded through the merger of three colleges.
2023
Interim President announced an initiative to review academic programs (September).
🏛️
3 Years
of Excellence

Leadership

David Bergh (interim)
President

Data from Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Find Scholarships at Vermont State University

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

Start Your Free Search