University of Vermont to offer tuition discount to Maine students in select majors
University of Vermont to Offer 35‑Percent Discount for New England Students
BURLINGTON, VT — In a move that could reshape the cost of higher education for students across the Northeast, the University of Vermont (UVM) announced that it will open a new regional tuition program beginning in the fall of 2027. The initiative will allow students from Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island to enroll at the university for $30,240 a year—roughly one‑third less than the current out‑of‑state rate of $46,655.
The discount, which starts with the 2027 academic year, will apply only to a selection of majors. UVM’s catalog lists 31 degree programs within the departments of agriculture and life sciences, education and social services, and environment and natural resources—about a third of the university’s offerings. Students who choose one of these majors will pay the reduced rate as long as they remain in the same major for the duration of their studies.
“We chose these programs because they support service, community impact and sustainability,” the university’s FAQ page explains. “Offering a regional discount for students in these fields encourages more people to pursue careers that benefit society and the environment.”
Vice President of Enrollment Management Jay Johnson said the initiative reflects UVM’s goal of making higher education more affordable for families and expanding access to careers in public service, agriculture and environmental stewardship. “We are excited to provide a more affordable path for students from New England,” Johnson told reporters, “and we hope this will help bring talented individuals into the fields that matter most to our region.”
The program is set to take effect with the 2027 freshman cohort, but it will also be available to transfer students who are permanent residents of the five states and who are already enrolled in one of the eligible majors. Students from Maine will join the ranks of those already benefiting from reduced tuition at the state’s flagship public university, the University of Maine, which offers a discount that brings the total cost to $23,300 for qualifying majors not available in the student’s home state.
Since last spring, UVM counted 269 students from Maine among its student body, according to university enrollment data. The new regional tuition policy is expected to attract more students from the broader New England region, potentially boosting enrollment and diversifying the campus.
UVM’s decision to offer a regional discount comes amid a broader trend of public institutions expanding financial aid options for out‑of‑state students. The university’s leadership believes that by lowering the economic barrier for students interested in fields that serve the community, it can help address regional workforce needs while strengthening the university’s regional ties.
