Overview of Burlington College
Burlington College, located in Burlington, Vermont, was a small, private liberal arts college that operated from 1972 until its closure in 2016. The college was known for its progressive approach to education, experiential learning opportunities, and a commitment to fostering creativity and social responsibility.
Founding and History: Burlington College was founded in 1972 by Steward and Jane LaCasce with the vision of creating an alternative and innovative learning environment. Originally established as an informal educational center, the college evolved over the years, eventually becoming a degree-granting institution.
Progressive Educational Philosophy: At the core of Burlington College’s identity was a progressive educational philosophy that emphasized experiential learning, critical thinking, and creativity. The college aimed to provide students with a personalized and holistic education that went beyond traditional classroom instruction.
Academic Programs: Burlington College offered a range of undergraduate and graduate programs in liberal arts, humanities, and professional studies. The curriculum was designed to be interdisciplinary, allowing students to explore connections between different fields of study. The college encouraged students to engage in independent projects, internships, and community-based learning experiences.
Small Class Sizes and Personalized Learning: One of the distinguishing features of Burlington College was its commitment to small class sizes and personalized learning. The intimate learning environment allowed for close interactions between students and faculty, fostering a sense of community and individualized attention. This approach aimed to nurture students’ intellectual curiosity and provide a supportive atmosphere for academic exploration.
Experiential Learning and Internships: Burlington College placed a strong emphasis on experiential learning and real-world application of knowledge. The college facilitated internships, fieldwork, and community-based projects to give students hands-on experience in their chosen fields. These opportunities were seen as integral to the educational philosophy of Burlington College, encouraging students to apply theoretical knowledge in practical settings.
Creative Arts and Expression: Burlington College had a particular focus on the creative arts, including visual arts, writing, and performing arts. The college believed in the power of artistic expression to enhance critical thinking and promote social awareness. Students were encouraged to explore their creative potential through various mediums, and the college hosted events and exhibitions to showcase their work.
Community Engagement: Community engagement was a central aspect of Burlington College’s mission. The college aimed to connect students with the local community and encourage active participation in civic life. Service-learning initiatives and partnerships with community organizations provided students with opportunities to address real-world issues and contribute to the well-being of the community.
Closure and Financial Challenges: Despite its unique approach to education, Burlington College faced financial challenges that ultimately led to its closure in 2016. The college struggled with declining enrollment and a significant debt burden incurred during the presidency of Jane Sanders, the wife of U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders. The decision to close the college was met with disappointment from students, faculty, and the broader community.
Legacy and Impact: While Burlington College had a relatively short existence, it left a lasting impact on those who were part of its community. The college’s commitment to progressive education, experiential learning, and community engagement resonated with many students who valued the personalized and interdisciplinary approach to learning.
Conclusion: Burlington College, during its years of operation, sought to provide an alternative and innovative educational experience. Its emphasis on experiential learning, small class sizes, and community engagement reflected a commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals capable of critical thinking and creative expression. While the closure marked the end of the institution, the legacy of Burlington College lives on in the experiences and memories of those who were part of its unique educational community.
95 North Avenue Burlington, VT 05401
Phone: (802) 862-9616
Email: admissions@burlington.edu
Web site: http://www.burlington.edu
Rankings: Burlington College
Located in Burlington, VT, Burlington College is one of the best universities in the state of Vermont. On this page, you will find in-depth rankings for Burlington College in the following areas: graduation rates, teaching resources, financing opportunities, and alumni donations. Latest acceptance rate is also given to show how competitive is Burlington College.
Burlington College is an independent college located in Burlington, Vermont. It is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) and offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in a variety of fields. The college has been ranked among the top ten colleges in Vermont by U.S. News & World Report for the past three years. Burlington College also ranks highly in other areas, such as affordability and student satisfaction. The college has a diverse student body with a wide range of backgrounds, interests, and experiences. The faculty are committed to teaching excellence and cultivating a supportive learning environment that encourages collaboration between faculty and students. With small class sizes, students have ample opportunities to interact with their instructors on a personal level. Additionally, the college offers numerous extracurricular activities that allow students to explore their interests outside of the classroom setting. Burlington College provides its students with an excellent education that prepares them for success after graduation.
| Rankings, Ratings, and Admissions Statistics | |
| Peer college rating (out of 5) | 2.3 |
| Graduation and retention ranking: | N/A |
| Average freshman retention rate: | 58.8% |
| 6-year graduation rate: | 25.3% |
| Predicted graduation rate: | 29% |
| Overperformance(+)/Underperformance(-): | -4 |
| Faculty resources ranking: | N/A |
| Classes with under 20 students (2020): | 98.7% |
| Classes with 50 or more students (2020): | 0.0% |
| Student faculty ratio (2020): | 5:1 |
| Percent of faculty who are full-time (2020) | 32.9% |
| Student selectivity ranking: | N/A |
| SAT/ACT 25th-75th percentile (2020) | N/A |
| 2020 Freshmen in top 10 percent of high school class: | N/A |
| Freshmen in top 25 percent of high school class (2020): | N/A |
| Fall 2020 Acceptance rate: | 53.8% |
| Financial resources rank: | N/A |
| Alumni giving rank: | N/A |
| Average alumni giving rate (2020): | 1.0% |
Essential Facts: Burlington College
- Burlington County College has an open admission policy which permits enrollment by any high school graduate or GED holding student.
- Burlington College started in 1972 as the Vermont Institute of Community Involvement. In 2007, the college had 204 students at its main campus in buildings in downtown Burlington.
- Burlington College was a private, nonprofit liberal arts college located in Burlington, Vermont, that offered associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees, as well as several professional certificates.
Rules and regulations Sports Activities
| General Information | |
| Percent of undergraduate students who live in college-owned, operated, or affiliated housing: | 11% |
| Percent of undergraduates who are members of a fraternity: | 0% |
| Percent of student body who are members of a sorority: | 0% |
| Average percentage of students on campus during weekends: | 10% |
| Are all students permitted to have cars on campus? | Yes |
| Percent of students who have cars on campus: | 30% |
| Is alcohol permitted on campus for students of legal age? | Yes |
| Additional policies and regulations: | class attendance policies set by individual instructors |
| Collegiate athletic association: | N/A |
| Men’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Women’s scholarship sports: | N/A |
| Student activities: | drama/theater, literary magazine, student government, student newspaper, student film society |