Best MBA Programs in Vermont

University of Vermont – Grossman School of Business

Overview

The University of Vermont’s Grossman School of Business offers one of the most well-regarded MBA programs in the state, particularly known for its focus on sustainable innovation. Located in Burlington, UVM’s Sustainable Innovation MBA (SI-MBA) program is designed to address global challenges by integrating sustainability into core business practices. The program provides a holistic approach to business education, preparing students to be responsible leaders who drive profitability while creating positive social and environmental impact. The SI-MBA is a one-year, full-time program that combines rigorous academic training with real-world applications, including a capstone project that allows students to work directly with companies on sustainable business solutions. UVM’s strong connections to regional industries, particularly in healthcare, energy, and agriculture, provide excellent networking and job placement opportunities for graduates.

Program Details

  • Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
  • Number of Students: ~45 (Class size)
  • Acceptance Rate: 50%
  • Average GMAT Score: 620 (GMAT waivers available for experienced professionals)
  • Top Hiring Companies: Seventh Generation, Keurig Green Mountain, Ben & Jerry’s, Burton Snowboards, National Life Group
  • Average Starting Salary: $95,000

Notable Alumni

  • Stuart Comstock-Gay: President and CEO of the Delaware Community Foundation
  • Diane Greene: Co-founder of VMware
  • Peter Welch: U.S. Congressman for Vermont
  • Anuradha Mittal: Executive Director of the Oakland Institute

Norwich University – College of Graduate and Continuing Studies

Overview

Norwich University, located in Northfield, Vermont, offers an online MBA program through its College of Graduate and Continuing Studies. Norwich’s MBA program is designed for working professionals who seek to enhance their leadership and management skills while balancing their careers. The program offers several specializations, including finance, project management, supply chain management, and organizational leadership. Norwich’s MBA program emphasizes leadership development, strategic decision-making, and ethical business practices, with a focus on practical applications that students can immediately use in their current roles. The flexibility of the online format makes Norwich a great option for students who need a program that can fit into their busy schedules. The program’s small class sizes and experienced faculty provide a personalized learning experience.

Program Details

  • Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
  • Number of Students: ~90 (Class size)
  • Acceptance Rate: 75%
  • Average GMAT Score: GMAT waivers available for experienced professionals
  • Top Hiring Companies: Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, U.S. Department of Defense, National Life Group, Northrop Grumman
  • Average Starting Salary: $85,000

Notable Alumni

  • Gordon R. Sullivan: Former Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army
  • Harold T. Martin: Former President of Clarkson University
  • Ernest C. Drew: Former Executive Vice President of General Motors
  • Lloyd Austin: U.S. Secretary of Defense

Champlain College – Robert P. Stiller School of Business

Overview

Champlain College, located in Burlington, Vermont, offers an online MBA program through its Robert P. Stiller School of Business. Champlain’s MBA program is designed for working professionals who want to advance their careers by gaining leadership and business management skills. The program is highly flexible, with options to study part-time or full-time, making it accessible to those who need to balance their studies with work and personal commitments. Champlain’s MBA curriculum focuses on innovation, technology, and ethical leadership, with several concentrations available, including healthcare administration, advanced management, and supply chain management. Champlain College is particularly well-regarded for its hands-on, practical approach to business education, providing students with the tools to solve real-world business challenges.

Program Details

  • Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
  • Number of Students: ~120 (Class size)
  • Acceptance Rate: 70%
  • Average GMAT Score: GMAT waivers available for experienced professionals
  • Top Hiring Companies: Keurig Dr Pepper, National Life Group, UVM Medical Center, Dealer.com, University of Vermont
  • Average Starting Salary: $80,000

Notable Alumni

  • Rodney Smith: President of the Vermont Community Loan Fund
  • Sally Cadoux: Executive Vice President of Operations at Keurig Dr Pepper
  • Matt Dunne: Former Director of Community Affairs at Google
  • David Carlson: Founder of Champlain College’s BYOBiz Program

Middlebury College – The Franklin Environmental Center (MBA in Sustainability Collaboration)

Overview

Although Middlebury College is best known for its liberal arts education, it offers a unique MBA in collaboration with other institutions through the Franklin Environmental Center, focusing on sustainability and environmental leadership. Middlebury’s MBA program integrates business education with sustainability and environmental stewardship, making it an excellent choice for professionals looking to merge business acumen with a passion for sustainability. This program is part of Middlebury’s broader efforts in environmental studies and sustainability initiatives, and it allows students to engage in hands-on projects, internships, and collaborations with organizations dedicated to environmental sustainability. The program’s core emphasis is on creating leaders who can implement sustainable solutions in both corporate and non-profit sectors.

Program Details

  • Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
  • Number of Students: ~25 (Class size)
  • Acceptance Rate: 40%
  • Average GMAT Score: GMAT waivers available based on prior experience
  • Top Hiring Companies: Vermont Energy Investment Corporation, National Wildlife Federation, Seventh Generation, Ben & Jerry’s, Patagonia
  • Average Starting Salary: $90,000

Notable Alumni

  • Bill McKibben: Environmentalist and Founder of 350.org
  • John Emerson: Former U.S. Ambassador to Germany
  • Marian Wright Edelman: Founder of the Children’s Defense Fund
  • David Orr: Environmentalist and Founder of the Oberlin Project

Vermont Law School – MBA in Energy and Environmental Law

Overview

Vermont Law School (VLS), located in South Royalton, offers a specialized MBA program focused on energy and environmental law. This MBA program is designed for professionals who are interested in combining business leadership with environmental law and policy. VLS is nationally recognized for its environmental law program, and the MBA builds on this expertise by offering students a comprehensive understanding of the intersection between business and environmental regulations. The program prepares graduates for leadership roles in industries such as energy, sustainable development, environmental consulting, and government. Students gain hands-on experience through internships, externships, and projects with organizations focused on environmental sustainability and policy.

Program Details

  • Business Week Ranking: Not Ranked
  • Number of Students: ~30 (Class size)
  • Acceptance Rate: 50%
  • Average GMAT Score: GMAT waivers available based on professional experience
  • Top Hiring Companies: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Sierra Club, National Resources Defense Council, Vermont Energy Investment Corporation
  • Average Starting Salary: $85,000

Notable Alumni

  • James Gustave Speth: Founder of the Natural Resources Defense Council
  • David Mears: Commissioner of the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation
  • Elizabeth McLain: CEO of Vermont Electric Cooperative
  • Patrick Parenteau: Senior Counsel at the Environmental Advocacy Clinic