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Private nonprofit, 4-year

Vermont Law School

South Royalton, Vermont · www.vermontlaw.edu

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About

Vermont Law and Graduate School (VLGS) is renowned for its strong emphasis on environmental law and social justice, making it a unique institution in the field of legal education. Founded in 1972, the school has developed a robust curriculum that integrates practical skills with theoretical knowledge, preparing students to address complex legal issues in today’s society. One of the distinctive features of VLGS is its commitment to sustainability and environmental advocacy, reflected in its specialized programs like the Master of Environmental Law and Policy. The school’s motto, "Law for the Public Good," underscores its mission to empower students to become effective advocates for justice and environmental protection.

Located in the picturesque town of South Royalton, Vermont, VLGS offers a serene and conducive environment for study, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Green Mountains. The campus fosters a collaborative and inclusive community where students engage in meaningful discussions and extracurricular activities, including various student-led organizations focused on public interest law. The faculty at VLGS comprises experienced practitioners and scholars who are dedicated to mentoring students and enhancing their learning experiences. With a strong alumni network, graduates of Vermont Law and Graduate School are well-positioned for successful careers in diverse fields, including public service, private practice, and environmental advocacy, contributing to the school’s reputation as a leader in legal education.

Analysis of Tuition Trends and Gender Ratios

The data from Vermont Law and Graduate School reveals significant trends in tuition fees and gender representation among graduate students over the years. Notably, the tuition for graduate students has seen an upward trajectory, increasing from $41,030 in 2014 to $45,815 in 2024. This represents a rise of nearly 11% over a decade, indicating a growing financial burden for students pursuing advanced legal education. The increase in tuition could reflect general inflationary trends in higher education as institutions strive to maintain and enhance program quality.

In conjunction with rising tuition, the gender ratio among graduate students has shown a notable shift. The proportion of male graduate students has decreased from approximately 49% in 2013 to just 30.8% in 2023, indicating a significant increase in female representation in graduate programs. This shift aligns with broader trends observed in higher education, where women have been increasingly outpacing men in enrollment and graduation rates in various fields, including law.

The retention rates and student numbers at Vermont Law have remained relatively stable, with minor fluctuations over the years. This stability may suggest a consistent interest in legal education despite rising costs, though the decreasing numbers of total graduate students over time could warrant further investigation into student satisfaction and program offerings.

Overall, the trends in tuition costs and gender ratios at Vermont Law and Graduate School highlight critical dynamics in the landscape of legal education, reflecting broader societal changes and economic pressures that potential students must navigate. These factors are crucial for prospective students and educators alike when considering the future of legal education in the United States.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Rural, remote
Nearest major city
Albany, about 100 mi
Nearest international airport
Albany International Airport (ALB), about 100 mi
South Royalton, Vermont
Also known as
VLGS
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Beth McCormack (Dean)
Phone
8028311000
City
South Royalton, Vermont
Address
164 Chelsea Street, South Royalton, VT 05068-0096

School and Program Rankings

U.S. News school and program rankings · Click a school to see its programs, and a program for its full ranking

Ranks in blue are top 10 · ▲▼ change from the previous edition · “—” means no overall ranking for that school · Medical schools are ranked in tiers since the 2025 edition

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Master's951 international (1.1%)
Doctoral1321 international (0.8%)

Popular graduate programs

  • Law · Doctoral132 (1% international)
  • Legal Professions and Studies, Other · Master's67 (0% international)
  • American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence · Master's28 (4% international)

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from Vermont Law and Graduate School

The graduation data from Vermont Law and Graduate School in 2023 reveals a significant trend in the realm of legal education. Notably, while there were no graduates at the bachelor's level, the master's and doctorate programs showed a more robust output. The doctorate program, in particular, had 113 graduates, indicating a strong commitment to advanced legal education among students. This is complemented by a smaller but notable number of international students, with 2 earning their doctorate degrees.

Moreover, the master's program saw 88 graduates, including 3 international students. This indicates a growing interest in specialized legal fields, as students pursue higher education to enhance their qualifications in an increasingly competitive job market. The absence of bachelor’s degree graduates suggests a potential shift in academic focus, possibly reflecting a trend where prospective law students are opting directly for graduate-level studies, likely due to the rigorous nature of the legal profession and the necessity for advanced knowledge.

The data highlights an intriguing dynamic within legal education, particularly regarding international students. The presence of international graduates, though small in number, underscores the global appeal of legal education in the United States. As legal systems become more interconnected, the influx of international perspectives can enrich the academic environment and contribute to a more diverse legal community.

In summary, Vermont Law and Graduate School's 2023 graduation data showcases a healthy output in advanced degree programs, reflecting broader trends in legal education that emphasize specialization and international collaboration. This aligns with the evolving landscape of legal practice, where advanced credentials are increasingly valued.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Legal professionshas 227 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryMasterDoctor
Law.$60,786
American/U.S. Law/Legal Studies/Jurisprudence.$66,072
Legal Professions and Studies, Other.-

Students

722 students in 2025

Data insights

Student Demographics at Vermont Law and Graduate School: 2023 Insights

The student body at Vermont Law and Graduate School for the year 2023 reflects a diverse and dynamic population, particularly within the graduate program, which comprises 653 students. The gender distribution indicates a significant female majority, with women representing 69.2% of the graduate student population, while men account for 30.8%. This trend is consistent with broader patterns observed in higher education, where female enrollment has been steadily increasing over the years, particularly in law and graduate studies.

In terms of racial and ethnic diversity, the majority of graduate students identify as White, accounting for 65.5% of the cohort. This highlights ongoing discussions about the need for increased representation of underrepresented minority groups in legal education. The presence of students from various backgrounds is essential not only for enriching the academic environment but also for preparing future legal professionals to address the complexities of a diverse society.

The data suggests that while progress has been made in terms of gender representation, there remains a significant opportunity to enhance racial and ethnic diversity within the student body. This aligns with nationwide efforts in educational institutions to create more inclusive environments that reflect the demographics of the broader community. As legal education continues to evolve, it will be crucial for institutions like Vermont Law and Graduate School to actively promote diversity and inclusion to foster a more equitable future in the legal profession.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Vermont Law and Graduate School

The age composition of students at Vermont Law and Graduate School in 2023 reveals significant trends in enrollment demographics. A notable aspect is the absence of undergraduate male students across all age categories, which highlights a potential gap in attracting younger male students to legal studies. In contrast, the graduate program displays a robust participation from both male and female students, particularly in the 22-24 and 25-29 age groups, where the male student population reaches 64 and 91 respectively.

The data shows a striking gender disparity, especially among graduate students. For instance, in the 22-24 age group, female enrollment is significantly higher, with 129 females compared to only 64 males, reflecting a broader trend in higher education where women increasingly dominate in various fields, including law. This trend is consistent with current statistics from legal education, where women have been earning more law degrees than men in recent years.

It’s also interesting to note that older age groups, particularly those aged 30 and above, still show some level of engagement, albeit in lower numbers. The presence of students aged 40-49 and even those over 65 indicates that legal education continues to appeal to individuals seeking career changes or advancements later in life.

Overall, these statistics suggest that while graduate law programs are increasingly attracting a diverse age range, there remains a critical need to engage younger male students at the undergraduate level to achieve a more balanced demographic. The implications of these trends could influence future recruitment strategies and program offerings at Vermont Law and Graduate School.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 25 private law schools in the U.S.

Graduate students0.6%

4 in 2025 · 2.6% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 2.6%2017: 5.0%2018: 4.1%2019: 4.4%2020: 3.6%2021: 1.6%2022: 3.8%2023: 4.3%2024: 2.9%2025: 0.6%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Analysis of International Student Enrollment Trends at Vermont Law and Graduate School

The data on international student enrollment at Vermont Law and Graduate School reveals significant fluctuations over the years, particularly in the graduate program. Starting from a modest 6.67% in 2005, the percentage of international students in the graduate program peaked at 14.75% in 2007, indicating a potential period of increased interest and recruitment efforts. However, this trend was not sustained, as the percentage of international students dropped dramatically in subsequent years, reaching a low of just 0.27% in 2013.

The overall decline in graduate international enrollment raises questions about the school's outreach and support for international students. Factors such as changing immigration policies, global competitiveness of higher education, and the COVID-19 pandemic may have influenced these trends. The pandemic, in particular, has led to a significant decline in international student mobility, affecting universities nationwide.

Interestingly, the percentage of international students in the graduate program has shown some recovery recently, climbing to 4.29% in 2023. This suggests that there may be renewed efforts to attract international students, which is vital for enhancing the diversity and global perspective of the student body. International students contribute not only to the academic environment but also to the cultural richness of the institution, making it essential for Vermont Law and Graduate School to continue focusing on strategies that support and attract this demographic.

In conclusion, while there have been significant ups and downs in international student enrollment at Vermont Law and Graduate School, recent trends indicate a potential recovery. As the landscape of higher education continues to evolve, the institution must remain proactive in its efforts to engage and support international students to foster a vibrant academic community.

Cost

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$29.4M

Tuition and fees
$17.5M59.6%
Government grants and contracts
$5.3M17.9%
Gifts and private grants
$3.8M13.0%
Investment return
$479K1.6%
Auxiliary enterprises
$112K0.4%
Other
$2.2M7.5%

Expenses$31.9M

Instruction
$16.2M50.8%
Institutional support
$7.0M22.0%
Student services
$3.8M11.8%
Academic support
$2.9M9.1%
Auxiliary enterprises
$700K2.2%
Other
$1.3M4.1%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 25 private law schools in the U.S.

All faculty
$83,139peers $101,494
Professor
$92,358peers $117,361
Associate professor
$73,954peers $104,295
Assistant professor
$69,694peers $82,760

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA

No athlete data available for 2025.

No athlete data available for 2024.

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable nearby schools to Vermont Law and Graduate School:

  1. Dartmouth College - Ranked 18th in the 2024 US News rankings, Dartmouth is a prestigious Ivy League institution known for its rigorous academic programs and strong emphasis on undergraduate education.

  2. Middlebury College - With a rank of 11, Middlebury is renowned for its liberal arts education and is particularly famous for its language programs and commitment to environmental sustainability.

  3. Williams College - Topping the list at rank 1, Williams is recognized as one of the best liberal arts colleges in the nation, offering a strong academic environment and a vibrant campus life.

  4. University of Vermont - Ranked 133rd, UVM is known for its commitment to research and sustainability, providing a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  5. Skidmore College - With a rank of 38, Skidmore is known for its creative and interdisciplinary approach to education, offering a wide variety of programs that encourage students to think critically and innovatively.

These institutions represent some of the top educational opportunities in the region, each with its unique strengths and areas of focus.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.0 · all 25 private law schools in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Aggravated assault
1
Motor vehicle theft
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Trends in Campus Crime at Vermont Law and Graduate School

The crime data from Vermont Law and Graduate School reveals significant fluctuations in campus safety over the years. From 2013 to 2015, there were no reported incidents, suggesting a relatively safe environment during this period. However, in 2016, the campus experienced a notable rise in crime, with a rate of 5.15 arrests per 1,000 students, primarily attributed to firearm-related arrests. This surge may reflect broader societal issues, as discussions around gun violence and campus safety have become increasingly prevalent in recent years.

The following years show a mixed picture. The crime rate decreased to 2.75 in 2017 and 4.43 in 2018, indicating some improvement. Yet, 2019 saw a spike again, reaching 9.01, the highest in the recorded data. This could correlate with national trends where campuses faced increased scrutiny regarding safety protocols and crime reporting.

The year 2020 saw a significant drop, with only 1.50 arrests per 1,000 students, possibly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, which changed the dynamics of campus life significantly. The subsequent years of 2021 to 2023 have returned to a state of zero reported incidents, suggesting effective measures may have been implemented to ensure student safety.

Overall, while the data shows a period of heightened concern, the recent trend of zero recorded incidents is encouraging. It highlights the importance of effective crime prevention strategies and the need for continuous monitoring to maintain a safe educational environment. For further information on crime rate calculation methods, you can visit: Forward Pathway.

Notable Alumni

Notable alumni of Vermont Law School include Phoebe Mills (Olympic medalist gymnast and attorney), Sterry R. Waterman (Judge, Second Circuit Court of Appeals) and Vincent Illuzzi (Vermont lawyer and Republican state senator).

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.