Lisa visited the University of Vermont (UVM) in September 2025 with a group of fellow college counselors, and it was immediately clear: this is a flagship that punches above its weight. Nestled in the vibrant, lakeside city of Burlington, Vermont, UVM blends academic rigor with a strong sense of community, inclusivity, and access to nature.
Despite being the state’s public flagship, UVM feels more intimate than many of its peers, with just over 10,000 undergraduates and a manageable 1,300 graduate students. This smaller size gives students more personal access to faculty and resources, while still offering the full breadth of opportunities you’d expect from a major university.
A New Era of Leadership and Recognition
UVM recently welcomed a new president, ushering in a fresh chapter of strategic growth and student-focused innovation. The university also achieved R1 research status—the highest classification for research activity in the U.S.—joining the ranks of top national research institutions. For students, this means increased opportunities for undergraduate research, faculty mentorship, and academic depth across disciplines.
And in case you missed it—UVM recently won the national soccer championship. It’s safe to say that school spirit is alive and well in Burlington!
Academics: Seven Distinct Colleges, One Unified Mission
UVM is organized into seven undergraduate colleges and schools, each with its own strengths:
- College of Arts and Sciences
- Grossman School of Business
- College of Engineering and Mathematical Sciences
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
- College of Education and Social Services
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences
- Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources
Across all colleges, students are taught by professors, not teaching assistants, and faculty here genuinely like teaching undergraduates. Class sizes are reasonable, and professors are accessible and engaged.
The nursing program is UVM’s most competitive major, and in-state students are prioritized in the admissions process. However, UVM is popular with out-of-state students too, and about 75% of applicants come from beyond Vermont.
Admissions Snapshot: What You Need to Know
UVM is a test-optional school and will continue to be for the foreseeable future. The average admitted student has around a 3.8 unweighted GPA, and those who apply Early Decision may have a slight edge in the admissions process.
Several special programs stand out:
- STEM Scholars: a cohort-based program for high-achieving students in science, technology, engineering, and math
- Fly-In Programs for first-generation and low-income students, providing early exposure to campus life
- Pathways through Verto Education, allowing students to begin their first semester abroad and enter UVM in the spring
These initiatives reflect UVM’s broader commitment to access, inclusion, and educational innovation.
Campus Life: Community, Outdoors, and Inclusive Values
Life at UVM extends well beyond the classroom. Students here are active, outdoorsy, and community-minded. The campus itself is surrounded by trails, mountains, and lakes, offering easy access to hiking, skiing, and kayaking. If your student thrives in a place where they can take a morning class and hit the slopes by afternoon, UVM is hard to beat.
UVM offers robust Living Learning Communities (LLCs), where students live with peers who share academic or personal interests—everything from leadership to sustainability to arts and creativity.
And speaking of values: all students are required to take courses in diversity and sustainability. UVM is proudly liberal and inclusive, and those values are woven into the curriculum and campus culture.
Burlington: A College Town That’s Just the Right Size
Burlington, Vermont consistently ranks among the best small cities in the U.S.—and for good reason. It’s safe, walkable, and filled with independent restaurants, live music, and local shops. Students love the blend of city energy and nature access, and it’s just a short drive to Montreal or a quick flight to New York or Boston.
Final Thoughts: Why UVM Should Be on Your List
The University of Vermont offers a rare combination: the resources of a top-tier research university with the warmth and accessibility of a smaller college. Add in a strong focus on sustainability, a test-optional and inclusive admissions process, and one of the best locations in New England, and UVM becomes an especially compelling choice.
If your student is looking for a values-driven education, undergraduate research opportunities, and mountains out their dorm window, UVM might just be the perfect fit.
