Fall 2026 brought record numbers of new students, including transfer and online students, to Vermont State University, defying national higher education trends
Vermont Business Magazine Fall 2026 enrollment at Vermont State University (Vermont State or VTSU) defied national higher education trends. The university reports an over 11% increase in new students this fall.
Despite the demographic headwinds that are challenging higher education institutions across Vermont and the country, including a shrinking pool of traditional-age learners, total undergraduate enrollment held steady at Vermont State. Sustained growth in first-year students and transfer students underscores the importance of expanding access through workforce-aligned programs, online offerings, and adult learners. In total, Vermont State continues to serve over 5,000 students each semester.
In alignment with the university’s commitment to accessibility and focus on work-ready education, Vermont State is reporting a record number of online students and high numbers enrolled in its nursing, early childhood education, and business programs. Transfers from within the Vermont State Colleges system are also on the rise this fall, topping 12% year-over-year increase. Following the graduation of a larger-than-average class in spring 2026, overall enrollment across all credentials and modalities reflects a modest and anticipated 3.5% decrease as of October 20, 2026. Enrollment of students in degree programs held steady. Early indicators point to strong spring enrollment activity, with overall enrollment expected to rebound as new students enter the university through the spring term.
At its inception in 2023, Vermont State set the goal of 1,000 online students by 2027. The university exceeded that goal this fall and is reporting a record number of students pursuing their degrees wholly online, up nearly 30% since last fall. While the vast majority of the university’s student population consists of students opting to learn primarily in-person at a campus or learning site, the growth of in-state online enrollment demonstrates the institution’s broad appeal to Vermonters – who make up 75% of both the total number of online students and the entire student body – as an accessible and preferred education partner for adult learners.
Vermont State University President Sherry Kollmann stated, “In addition to our robust array of academic programs offering high-quality, hands-on learning opportunities for students on each of our five beautiful campuses, Vermont State is becoming the preferred choice for online education for Vermonters, and for learners beyond the state.”
The institution is reporting a growth in new students, including traditional first-time first year students and transfer students. Transfer students from within the Vermont State Colleges reached a record high, with over 350 new Vermont State University students enrolling with Community College of Vermont (CCV) credits.
Vermont State Colleges Chancellor Beth Mauch noted, “for years, the Vermont State Colleges system has focused on meeting the needs of students with offerings that are both affordable and accessible. With an emphasis on strengthening transfer pathways between our two institutions – CCV and VTSU – to better serve students of all ages and at all stages, transfers from CCV to Vermont State are up over ten percent this fall. Building on CCV’s long-standing online legacy and the strength of VTSU’s career-ready bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, the Vermont State Colleges are creating pathways that keep students progressing from accessible entry points through bachelor’s, graduate, and career-focused programs.”
Vermont State also reported enrollment increases of new students in its signature high-demand in-person and hybrid programs, and across various academic disciplines. The nursing program, offered in eight locations around the state, including at the five main campuses, and online, grew over five percent this year in alignment with the institution’s multi-year strategic expansion of its nursing program. Other healthcare pathway programs including respiratory therapy, dental hygiene, and radiologic sciences grew and reported program wait lists.
Career-focused technical programs aligned with Vermont’s workforce needs, including engineering technologies, construction, environmental science, and aviation, experienced substantial growth as well. Construction and building trades related programs, including construction management and electrical engineering technology, more than doubled new student enrollment.
Additionally, students are increasingly choosing Vermont State’s business programs, particularly business management, accounting, and the unique resort and hospitality management program, reflecting strong demand for career-ready business education to further a multitude of career opportunities and entrepreneurial ventures. The resort and hospitality management program in particular reported its largest class to date, indicative of Vermont’s thriving tourism industry.
“Ensuring our offerings are flexible and accessible is key to Vermont State’s mission of meeting the needs of Vermonters now and in the future,” added President Kollmann. “Vermonters are increasingly turning to VTSU for the education and training they need to advance in their careers or pursue their next opportunity. At the same time, the ideal learning environment differs across student populations. We know that many traditional learners will continue to prefer in-person offerings. Meeting the needs of both audiences is key to furthering our mission and our commitment to our students and our communities.”
ABOUT VERMONT STATE UNIVERSITY
Vermont State University, Vermont’s statewide public university, provides transformative, future‑ready education that empowers learners to shape their own course – professionally, personally, and within their communities. Rooted in Vermont values, Vermont State delivers hands‑on, career‑connected learning through in‑person, fully online, and blended programs built for real lives and real goals. Built in Vermont. Made for Everywhere. Learn more at VermontState.edu.
Vermont State University is built upon the best of Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, and Vermont Technical College. Accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education, July 1, 2023.
At Vermont State University, we foster a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice and strive to be a welcoming, diverse, and inclusive learning and working environment.
Vermont State University does not discriminate in its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, ancestry, ethnicity, national origin, place of birth, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, creed, religion, disability, age, veteran status, marital status, genetic information, positive HIV-related blood test results, or any other status protected by state or federal law.
10.27.2026. Randolph, VT — VermontState.edu
