Compare Vermont's top nursing programs by cost, NCLEX pass rates, and admission requirements. Find the best BSN or RN program for your goals.
Three BSN-granting institutions serve a state where nursing vacancies push hospitals to offer signing bonuses, creating a high-stakes admissions environment for every open seat. Our ranked list evaluates each program’s net price, NCLEX pass rates, and graduate earnings, while the comparison table breaks down cost and admissions data side by side. For working RNs, fully online bridge programs provide advancement without interrupting patient care. Vermont’s aging population and rural hospital staffing shortages mean BSN-prepared nurses rarely face unemployment, but selecting the right school demands a close look at location, cost, and nursing career path.
Vermont’s compact nursing school landscape offers three primary BSN-granting institutions, each with distinct strengths tailored to the state’s rural health priorities. Applicants have fewer choices but benefit from programs deeply integrated with Vermont’s healthcare systems and workforce needs.
| Rank | School | Location | Net price | Best for | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | University of Vermont | Burlington, VT | $19,000 – $46,000/yr | Rural community health advocates | |
The University of Vermont’s B.S. in Professional Nursing blends 594 hours of clinical instruction with interprofessional education, preparing nurses for Vermont’s community-based care model. Its accelerated Direct Entry MSN pathway offers a fast track for career changers, while a 96% NCLEX pass rate and U.S. News ranking underscore program quality. Graduates benefit from deep integration with the UVM Health Network and a curriculum emphasizing rural health.
| |||||
| #2 | Norwich University | Northfield, VT | $22,000/yr (net price) | Globally focused nurse leaders | |
Norwich University’s CCNE-accredited BSN develops globally minded nurse leaders through a technology-rich curriculum, simulation labs, and clinical affiliations with leading medical centers. The campus-based, four-year program integrates iPads for learning and patient care simulations, emphasizing discipline and hands-on experience. With a strong tradition of leadership, graduates are prepared for the NCLEX-RN and complex healthcare environments.
| |||||
| #3 | Vermont State University | Randolph, VT | $15,000 – $20,000/yr | Vermont LPNs advancing to RN | |
Vermont State University offers flexible nursing pathways: a traditional campus BSN with 600+ clinical hours and a 92.98% NCLEX pass rate, and a hybrid ASN that features an innovative employer-sponsored model with the UVM Health Network. Full-time LPN employees can earn while they learn, with tuition reimbursement after service, making it a practical, cost-effective choice. Multiple track options and strong clinical partnerships position graduates for Vermont’s healthcare workforce.
| |||||
Vermont's nursing workforce is at a critical juncture as rising demand outpaces the supply of new graduates, creating strong opportunities for those entering the profession.
Registered nurses in the state can expect solid earnings. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for RNs in Vermont fell between $88,000 and $93,000 in 2024, with a mean salary of $95,450. While this sits slightly below the national median of $93,600, Vermont’s relatively affordable cost of living, especially outside the Burlington area, means paychecks often stretch further. For context, neighboring Massachusetts typically offers higher nominal salaries, often above $100,000, but its living costs are significantly higher; New Hampshire’s wages fall closer to Vermont’s range, though job density is greater.
Total employment of around 3,060 RNs reflects Vermont’s small population, yet demand is loud: nationally, the BLS projects faster-than-average employment growth for nurses through the next decade, and Vermont’s aging workforce amplifies that need locally. Entry-level graduates can find themselves welcomed into a tight labor market where signing bonuses and tuition-repayment incentives are becoming common.
Vermont’s healthcare system is defined by its rural character. Fourteen community hospitals, many designated as critical-access facilities, dot the state, alongside a network of federally qualified health centers. These settings often provide nurses with broader clinical responsibilities than they might find in larger urban institutions. You might be the only RN on a night shift, managing varied patient needs from triage to discharge, which accelerates skill-building early in your career.
This infrastructure drives a persistent nursing shortage, especially in primary care and behavioral health. The state’s Department of Labor has flagged healthcare support as one of the fastest-growing sectors, meaning job security is high for new BSN graduates willing to work in smaller communities.
Beyond the paycheck, Vermont offers a lifestyle that many nurses value. The state consistently ranks among the safest in the nation, with low crime rates and a strong sense of community. Outdoor recreation through hiking, skiing, and biking is woven into daily life, and the four-season climate appeals to those seeking work-life balance. Nursing schools amplify this intimate scale: most BSN programs in Vermont feature small class sizes, fostering close mentorship and hands-on clinical placements that can be harder to come by in larger states. For a nurse who wants to practice comprehensive care while enjoying a slower pace and natural beauty, the Green Mountain State is a compelling choice.
The table below compares the three BSN-granting institutions in Vermont, covering costs, student outcomes, and selectivity for the 2026 academic year. Net price is the average amount full-time undergraduates pay after grants and scholarships, an institution-wide figure that may not reflect specific nursing program costs. Public universities charge separate in-state and out-of-state rates: UVM’s out-of-state tuition is more than double the in-state price, while Vermont State University’s gap is narrower. Norwich, a private university, charges the same tuition regardless of residency. NCLEX pass rates are publicly reported only for Vermont State’s BSN program; all three are accredited and prepare graduates for RN licensure. Admission requirements vary, so prospective students should consult each program directly for details on prerequisites, GPA minimums, and deadlines.
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Net Price (Effective) | Graduation Rate | Admissions Rate | Program Format | NCLEX Pass Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont State University | $11,952 | $22,296 | $18,212 | 47.2% | 81.7% | On-campus | 100% |
| University of Vermont | $19,058 | $45,502 | $19,343 | 78.6% | 65.3% | On-campus | Not reported |
| Norwich University | $49,740 | $49,740 | $22,257 | 60.2% | 74.4% | On-campus | Not reported |
Our rankings are grounded in publicly available outcomes data, not prestige or reputation. We prioritize metrics that directly affect your wallet and career: net price, graduation rates, median post-graduation earnings, and typical debt levels. These figures come from the U.S. Department of Education’s College Scorecard, which standardizes reporting across institutions.
The College Scorecard supplies the backbone of every ranking. We examine institution-wide net price (the actual cost after financial aid), the percentage of students who complete their degree, and median earnings in the years after graduation. Debt metrics show the median federal loan debt for undergraduates. We feed these numbers into a weighted model to generate a baseline score that emphasizes affordability and return on investment.
When available, we incorporate program-specific data to separate strong nursing tracks from weaker ones within the same college. This includes the number of nursing completions (a proxy for program scale and relevance), median earnings one year and ten years after graduation, and a debt-to-earnings ROI ratio that shows how quickly graduates recoup their investment. This granular data helps us highlight programs where nursing graduates genuinely thrive.
No dataset is perfect. The Scorecard’s graduation rate reflects the entire institution, not just nursing majors, and some high-demand programs may have supportive cultures not captured in the data. Net price is an average that excludes many variables like living situation or part-time enrollment. And NCLEX pass rates, critical for RN licensure, come from Vermont’s Board of Nursing, not the Scorecard, so they require manual integration and frequent verification. We note these gaps openly so you can gauge their impact on your personal decision.
Rankings are a starting point, not a prescription. Your priorities may differ: some students value the lowest tuition above all, while others need a near-perfect NCLEX pass rate or a short commute. Study the accompanying comparison table and filter by the factors you care about most. A school ranked third overall might be your perfect match if its strengths align with your goals.
As healthcare systems in Vermont and nationwide move toward higher educational standards for nurses, the RN-to-BSN pathway has become a critical step for career advancement. Today’s programs are designed with working nurses in mind, offering fully online formats and flexible pacing.
Two major institutions provide online RN-to-BSN completion programs: Norwich University and Vermont State University. Both are delivered entirely online, allowing nurses across the state to earn their BSN without relocating or commuting.
Norwich University’s online RN-to-BSN requires 120 total credits, though up to 90 credits can be transferred from prior coursework and nursing licensure. The program is structured to finish in as few as 18 months, with per-credit costs ranging from $250 to $375. A unique feature is the optional fast-track to an MSN for those considering graduate education.
Vermont State University’s online RN-to-BSN also takes about 18 months to complete. The per-credit cost is $388, bringing total tuition to $18,890 for in-state students and $43,890 for out-of-state students. The curriculum builds on existing RN knowledge with a focus on leadership, community health, and evidence-based practice.
Both programs trim time to degree by accepting substantial transfer credits. With full-time enrollment, each can be finished in a year and a half, though part-time pacing extends the timeline to two years or more. Tuition is charged per credit, and Vermont residents may qualify for tuition breaks through the VSAC nursing scholarship or employer reimbursement.
Online, asynchronous coursework lets you log in when it suits your shift schedule. Clinical requirements are satisfied through practice-based projects at your current workplace, no extra clinical hours are needed since you are already a licensed RN. Vermont State’s program follows a cohort format for peer support, while Norwich offers a more self-paced model. Both schools allow part-time study to balance work and education.
Currently, Vermont does not offer a direct LPN-to-BSN or accelerated second-degree BSN program. LPNs pursuing a BSN have a straightforward path: complete an ADN program to earn RN licensure, then enroll in an RN-to-BSN track. For career changers with a bachelor’s in another field, out-of-state online accelerated programs may accept Vermont students, but on-the-ground options within the state remain limited. The RN-to-BSN route is the most accessible bridge for Vermont nurses.
Are there online nursing programs in Vermont? Yes, but options differ sharply by student status. Current RNs can complete a fully online BSN through Vermont State University, while pre-licensure students can enroll in Saint Joseph's College of Maine's hybrid ABSN, which delivers coursework online but requires in-person clinical rotations. Pre-licensure programs always mandate hands-on clinical hours, even when didactic classes are virtual.
Fully online Students are already working RNs; no additional clinical placement required Licensed RNs with an associate degree or nursing diploma None; entirely distance-based
Hybrid (online courses plus on-campus immersions and local clinicals) Clinical rotations are arranged near the student's Vermont residence, with placement support provided Aspiring nurses seeking initial RN licensure through an accelerated second-degree path Yes: periodic campus immersions in Maine plus clinical hours at local Vermont sites
Becoming a licensed RN in Vermont involves a clear sequence: graduate from an accredited program, pass a background check, and pass the national exam. Vermont is a Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC) state, so your license can allow you to practice in other compact states without additional applications.
For Vermont nursing students, funding options include the Vermont State Nurses' Association scholarships, the HRSA Nurse Corps Scholarship, and institutional aid from each school. Remember that the net price effective in our comparison table is an average, and your actual financial aid package may differ considerably based on eligibility and available funds. Always contact the school's financial aid office for a personalized estimate.
Choosing a nursing program in Vermont raises many questions about admissions, costs, and licensure pathways. Below we answer common queries from aspiring nurses to help you make an informed decision with confidence.
