A wide range of post-secondary and higher education institutions are found in Vermont. The Agency of Education reviews applications to start colleges in the state and protects student records in the event that a postsecondary institution ceases operating. Statute: 16 V.S.A. § 175 - Postsecondary educational institutions; closing. State Board Rules: 2240 Postsecondary Schools.
- In-state higher education institutions
- Out-of-state colleges
- State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements
- Other postsecondary resources
In-State Higher Education Institutions
These colleges and universities were chartered in Vermont:
- Bennington College
- Castleton University
- Center for Cartoon Studies
- Champlain College
- Community College of Vermont
- Goddard College
- Landmark College
- Middlebury College
- New England Culinary Institute - Institute has announced closure date of April 16, 2021.
- Northern Vermont University - Johnson
- Northern Vermont University - Lyndon
- Norwich University
- St. Michael's College
- Sterling College
- University of Vermont
- Vermont College of Fine Arts
- Vermont Law School
- Vermont Technical College
- World Learning (formerly School for International Training)
Out-of-State Higher Education Institutions
These colleges and universities were chartered outside of Vermont, but are certified by the State Board of Education to offer credit-bearing courses and/or grant degrees in the state.
- Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences - College has announced closure for June 2021.
- Antioch New England Graduate School (NH)
- Southern New Hampshire University (NH)
- Springfield College (MA) - College has announced closure date of May 31, 2021.
- Union Institute & University (OH, with a location in Brattleboro, VT)
- University of Massachusetts, in affiliation with Yestermorrow Design/Build School
Complaint Resolution of Postsecondary Schools
To comply with US Department of Education regulations related to eligibility for federal student financial aid programs, the Vermont Agency of Education provides information on complaint resolution of postsecondary schools.
Complaint Resolution of Postsecondary Schools
Records for Closed Postsecondary Schools
Postsecondary Records for Closed Schools
State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements
The State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) is an agreement among member states, districts and territories that establish comparable national standards for interstate offering of postsecondary distance education courses and programs.
It is intended to make it easier for students to take online courses offered by postsecondary institutions based in another state.
The New England Board of Higher Education approved Vermont as a member state in April 2015. Applications for enrollment as an approved postsecondary institution in Vermont began on July 1, 2015.
- The Agency of Education will serve as the state agency to coordinate SARA matters in Vermont.
- Participation for Vermont institutions is voluntary.
- Membership is open to degree-granting postsecondary institutions from all sectors accredited by an agency recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education.
- Approved institutions will be able to operate in other participating SARA states without seeking independent authorization from those states.
- Vermont is not charging an application fee for approval; however, approved institutions will need to pay an annual fee to SARA.
SARA Information
- Information for Institutions about SARA
- Application for VT Postsecondary Institutions
- SARA Manual
- NC-SARA's Student Resource FAQ Document
Questions and Completed Applications
Cassandra Ryan, Director of Regulatory Compliance & Risk Management
Vermont Agency of Education
1 National Life Drive, Davis 5
Montpelier, VT 05620-2501
(802) 828-5535
cassandra.ryan@vermont.gov
Other Postsecondary Resources
The following organizations play important roles in serving the higher education needs of Vermont residents.
- Association of Vermont Independent Colleges (AVIC)
- Consortium of Vermont Colleges (CVC)
- Vermont Higher Education Council (VHEC)
- Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC)
Questions?
Email Cassandra Ryan, Director of Regulatory Compliance & Risk Assessment or call (802) 828-5535.