VTSU reports 14% increase in new student admissions for fall semester

The Vermont State Colleges Board of Trustees meeting on April 14, 2025, highlighted promising trends in student admissions for the upcoming fall semester, signaling a positive outlook for the state's higher education institutions. As of last week, new student admissions have increased by approximately 14%, translating to an additional 86 students compared to the previous year. This upward trend is attributed to the dedicated efforts of the admissions and marketing teams, who have worked to enhance outreach and remove barriers for prospective students.

Notably, the number of internal transfer students from the Community College of Vermont (CCV) to Vermont State University (VTSU) has surged by nearly 46% year-over-year. This increase reflects the ongoing efforts to streamline the transfer process, making it easier for students to continue their education. Additionally, a significant portion of the deposits for online programs is coming from CCV students, with nearly 70% of these deposits attributed to them.

The meeting also reported a 21% increase in first-year students from Vermont and a similar rise in out-of-state transfer students, indicating a growing interest in VTSU's offerings. While early college enrollment numbers are slightly behind last year's figures, they will continue to be monitored closely.

Overall, campuses across Castleton, Johnson, Linden, and Randolph are seeing an average increase of 14% in student deposits, although Williston's numbers remain flat due to program capacity constraints. The board expressed optimism about these developments, which could have a significant impact on the local community by fostering a more vibrant educational environment and supporting the state's workforce needs.

As the admissions process continues, the board will keep a close eye on these trends, aiming to build on this momentum and further enhance the educational landscape in Vermont.