Accounting Degrees in Vermont

Vermont, known for its maple syrup and thriving local businesses, also offers a strong foundation for pursuing an accounting degree. With a growing economy anchored in healthcare, education, and manufacturing, the state provides diverse career pathways for accounting graduates.

Whether you aim to become an accountant, financial manager, or analyst, Vermont’s smaller professional community creates meaningful opportunities for networking and advancement. The Vermont Society of CPAs alone counts nearly 800 active members, reflecting strong professional support statewide.

Explore tuition costs, financial aid, career options, and employment trends in Vermont.

Vermont, known as the Green Mountain State, offers both scenic beauty and a deeply supportive environment for accounting students. The University of Vermont’s 30-credit master of accountancy (MAcc) satisfies the state’s 150-credit requirement to sit for the Uniform Certified Public Accountant (CPA) Examination. Vermont’s CPA board also requires one year of supervised work.

Approximately 2,600 accountants and auditors currently work in Vermont, demonstrating a solid professional community. Vermont supports future accountants through the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC), which offers many scholarships, grants, and forgivable loan options for residents.

UVM’s MAcc and baccalaureate accounting programs also offer merit-based scholarships, honors awards, and professional promise grants.

Vermont’s smaller size may make it easier to network and engage directly with local CPA firms, government finance agencies, small business accounting departments, and nonprofits. Employers may favor graduates who are known by faculty or through in-state internships. If you plan to live or work in Vermont, enrolling in a local accounting or online program can give you credibility, connections, and a head start.

Given Vermont’s population, it’s no surprise that the state contains fewer two-year and four-year colleges. That said, several of the universities in Vermont are known for cutting-edge research, engaging professors, and notable alumni.

The state also has a higher-than-average number of adults with bachelor’s degrees and graduate degrees, pointing to the importance of higher education in Vermont.

Accreditation ensures Vermont schools or accounting programs meet recognized quality standards, a critical component for receiving federal financial aid, qualifying for licensure, and transferring credits to a different school. Institutional accreditation addresses the entire school, while programmatic accreditation evaluates specific programs — including accounting.

In Vermont, students should look for institutional accreditation from agencies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. The state’s primary accreditor is the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE).

While regional versus national accreditation no longer varies in status, knowing NECHE’s name can help you confirm a school’s credibility.

Vermont colleges offer several ways for you to earn an accounting degree, whether you want the structure of a campus classroom, the convenience of online study, or the flexibility of a hybrid model. Each format comes with unique advantages, including face-to-face networking, schedule adaptability, and a blend of both.

One in five students in Vermont enroll exclusively in distance education programs, while two out of five participate in at least some online classes. Learn about the three different learning options below so you can make a confident decision about your educational future.

Traditional, campus-based accounting programs in Vermont provide in-person access to faculty, peers, and networking opportunities. Being physically present allows you to connect with local firms, secure internships, and join professional events. This is an ideal option if you recently graduated from high school or thrive in face-to-face learning environments.

Online programs offer flexibility if you’re balancing work, family, or location constraints. Vermont-based online accounting degrees give you access to local faculty expertise and networking while studying remotely. This is a great option if you’re an adult learner, working professional, or seeking career advancement without relocating.

Hybrid programs blend online coursework with occasional campus-based sessions, offering the flexibility of remote study alongside the benefits of direct interaction. These programs provide structure, networking, and faculty connections while still providing scheduling freedom and reduced commuting compared with fully on-campus study.

Financing an accounting degree in Vermont requires careful planning, as average tuition costs here exceed national figures. Public in-state tuition is $17,600 compared with $9,750 nationally, while private schools average $50,094 annually.

You can explore a blend of funding options: financial aid (via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA) provides need-based support, while scholarships can also reward academic or leadership achievements. Fellowships may support advanced study, and grants offer funds that don’t need repayment.

Loans remain a common option but require repayment with interest. Vermont also offers unique resources through VSAC, which provides scholarships, grants, and forgivable loan programs.

Resident students pay significantly lower tuition than out-of-state students, with public four-year non-resident learners often paying in excess of double the rate. That said, Vermont participates in the NEBHE Tuition Break program through the New England Board of Higher Education. Under this program, eligible non-resident learners pay a reduced tuition rate, typically about 150-175% of Vermont’s in-state rates.

If you want to take advantage of this program, check with prospective colleges and universities to ensure they participate. Vermont State University is one of several in the state that allows for tuition breaks.

Vermont’s cost of living index is 113.6, well above the U.S. average of 100. This means everyday expenses such as housing, utilities, and groceries are markedly higher than the national norm. Housing is especially costly, and utilities also run above the average.

When budgeting for college in Vermont, you should plan for higher off-campus housing costs, transportation, and general living expenses compared with other states.

Jobs for accountants and auditors in Vermont are projected to grow by nearly 11% between 2022 and 2032, significantly higher than the nationwide projection of 4.4% during the same timeframe. The 2022 numbers reflected total employment of 2,510 accountants, while 2032 numbers project an increase to 2,780 total employment.

In Vermont, the economy is anchored by manufacturing (especially food and beverage), agriculture (dairy and maple products), healthcare, education, and a rising tech sector. You can also find jobs in both public and private sectors, as well as opportunities to work in nonprofits.

Big Four firms don’t have major Vermont hubs like in larger states, but local and regional accounting firms serve much of the business and public sector work. The Burlington-South Burlington metro area is the largest in the state and a major center for employment, especially in healthcare, higher education, financial services, and state government.

Associate’s degree-level roles for bookkeeping and payroll clerks offer stable options, but the strongest opportunities lie in bachelor’s or master’s pathways.

Financial managers earn an annual average salary of $146,110, while financial analysts earn an annual average salary of $108,390. Both of these outpace Vermont’s average income. If you plan to stay in Vermont, aim for at least a bachelor’s degree, ideally advancing to graduate study as you can. This can help you pursue higher-paying, growing professions concentrated in areas like Burlington and Montpelier.

To be eligible for CPA licensure through the Vermont Board of Public Accountancy, you must meet several criteria. These include being of good moral character, completing at least 150 semester hours of qualifying higher education, submitting official transcripts, and successfully passing the CPA examination.

Applicants must pay $96 when submitting your evaluation application, $262.64 for the exam section fee, and $96 for the exam application fee.

All accountants in Vermont must renew their licenses by Aug. 1 every two years, at which time they must demonstrate the completion of 80 hours of continuing education. Of these 80 hours, four must cover topics in ethics and eight must cover topics in accounting and auditing. The renewal fee is $220 biannually.