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Colleges where the most freshmen return in Vermont

Colleges ranked by first-year retention: the share of full-time freshmen who come back for a second year.

Colleges where the most freshmen return in Vermont6 schools

6 schools qualify, ranked by first-year retention.

How this list is made

Schools in Vermont.
Accredited four-year undergraduate colleges.
Academic Excellence grade B+ or better (the top 35% of rated colleges).
Has a first-year retention rate from federal data (College Scorecard).
Each school needs a complete Compass Score, so every row shows a rating.
Ordered by retention rate, highest first.

Updated Oct. 20, 2026. Methodology. Spot an error? Send a correction.

1
Middlebury College
Middlebury, VT · Private nonprofitHonor Roll
#1 in Vermont
- 94% of freshmen return
- 91% graduate
2
University of Vermont
Burlington, VT · Public
Excellent: Compass grade A-
- 89% of freshmen return
- 79% graduate
3
Bennington College
Bennington, VT · Private nonprofit
Excellent: Compass grade A-
- 82% of freshmen return
- 71% graduate
4
Champlain College
Burlington, VT · Private nonprofit
Very good: Compass grade B+
- 82% of freshmen return
- 65% graduate
5
Saint Michael's College
Colchester, VT · Private nonprofit
Top 17% for graduation
- 80% of freshmen return
- 73% graduate
6
Norwich University
Northfield, VT · Private nonprofit
Top 19% for earnings
- 79% of freshmen return
- 60% graduate

Compare cost and outcomes

School	Net price a year	Median debt	Earnings 10 years out	Graduation rate
Middlebury College	$31,483	$13,857	$76,310	91%
University of Vermont	$19,343	$20,951	$62,472	79%
Bennington College	$30,947	$26,000	$38,289	71%
Champlain College	$35,860	$26,814	$58,386	65%
Saint Michael's College	$25,239	$26,922	$61,317	73%
Norwich University	$22,257	$25,000	$65,575	60%

Net price is the average yearly cost after grants. Federal data (College Scorecard). “—” means the school reports no figure.

The national list → · All top school lists →

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