Vermont Colleges & Universities: Green Mountain Schools

Vermont is the second least-populated state in the country, perhaps because most of its residents prefer to keep the secret of the state's beauty to themselves. Vermont's unique character is distinctly New England, with a streak of rugged independence. Many students choose Vermont for the beautiful landscape and the personal attention granted individual students.

The largest cities in Vermont are Burlington and Rutland. Burlington, a distinctly college town with a population of about 40,000, is located on the shores of beautiful Lake Champlain. Burlington is the birthplace of Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream and currently houses the world headquarters of Burton Snowboards. The city of Rutland is a center of marble and granite quarrying, home to over 17,000 residents.

In 2004, the average personal income of Vermont residents was $32,770. Major industries in Vermont include agriculture, manufacturing, and education. Vermont's agricultural fame is primarily a result of dairy farming, which produces some of the nation's finest cheeses. In addition, Vermont produces over 35% of the country's maple syrup, exporting over 400,000 gallons in 2005. In the manufacturing sector, IBM is Vermont's largest employer.

Vermont's largest and most important industry is tourism. In the summer, residents of southern New England and the Mid-Atlantic choose to vacation in Vermont. In the winter, tourists flock to the excellent skiing in the resorts dotting the Green Mountains. Autumn attracts many vacationers that enjoy the spectacular foliage of the state's famous maple trees.

Students find that Vermont's hometown atmosphere and small size offer significant educational advantages. Vermont degree programs are specifically designed for students interested in business administration, math, science, and teacher certification.

Sources:

• US Bureau of Labor Statistics
• US Census: Vermont
• Vermont Vacation