Vermont Technical College — the only LPN program in the state
Vermont Technical College is the sole provider of LPN education in Vermont. While resident tuition of $21,219 is higher than community colleges in other states, Vermont's financial aid ecosystem — including federal and VSAC state grants — can dramatically reduce out-of-pocket costs for eligible residents. There's also a smart NLC workaround for border-state residents.
Most Affordable LPN Programs in Vermont
All programs below are approved by the Vermont Board of Nursing with strong NCLEX-PN track records.
- Out-of-state tuition$44,814/year
- Program length12 months
- AccreditationVT Board of Nursing approved
- FormatOn-campus + clinicals
- BridgeRN pathway available
- Pell GrantUp to $7,395 — covers ~35% of tuition
- VSAC grantsVermont Student Assistance Corp — significant aid
- Work-studyVermont Tech work-study available
- Employer reimb.Ask VT healthcare employers before enrolling
- Net costMany VT students pay well under $10,000
- Why this worksNH community colleges are much cheaper
- NLC benefitNH license works in VT via compact
- Best forVermont residents near NH border
- SchoolsNHTI, River Valley CC, Manchester CC
- NoteVerify clinical placement arrangements
- Why this worksMaine CC tuition much lower than VT Tech
- NLC benefitMaine license works in VT via compact
- Best forVermont residents in northeast VT
- SchoolsEastern Maine CC, Kennebec Valley CC
- NoteArrange clinical sites near VT border
- Apply atvsac.org
- VSAC grantsNeed-based — significant amounts available
- Combined with PellCan cut net cost dramatically
- DeadlineApply immediately after FAFSA
- NoteVermont residents ONLY — apply every year
- How it worksOnline coursework + local VT clinicals
- NLC benefitLicense from compact state valid in VT
- ExamplesND, WY, SD programs are cost-effective
- Key stepArrange clinical placement at VT facility
- NoteConfirm with VT Board of Nursing first
⚠️ Tuition figures based on 2024–2025 IPEDS data. Always contact schools directly for current costs before enrolling.
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LPN Salary in Vermont — What You Can Expect to Earn
Vermont LPN salaries average $51,240/year per BLS data ($24.64/hour), with Salary.com 2025 placing the figure at $56,353/year. Vermont's cost of living is above national average in some areas (Burlington) but rural Vermont is more affordable. With Vermont Tech's $21,219 tuition, strategic use of VSAC and Pell Grant funding is essential.
| City / Metro Area | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 Burlington / Chittenden County | ~$54,000–$58,000 | ~$25.96–$27.88 | Vermont's largest city — top LPN market |
| 🥈 Rutland | ~$51,000–$55,000 | ~$24.52–$26.44 | Central Vermont — steady demand |
| 🥉 Montpelier / Barre | ~$50,000–$54,000 | ~$24.04–$25.96 | State capital area |
| Statewide Average (BLS 2024) | ~$51,240 | ~$24.64 | BLS May 2024 data |
| Salary.com 2025 Estimate | ~$56,353 | ~$27.09 | Current market estimate |
| New Hampshire (via NLC) | ~$56,400–$58,043 | ~$27.12–$27.90 | Higher pay — commutable from VT border |
💡 Vermont Border Strategy: Vermont LPNs with NLC licenses can work in New Hampshire, which pays LPNs approximately $56,400–$58,043/year — $5,000–$7,000 more than the Vermont average. For Vermont residents near the NH border, this is a significant real-world income opportunity.
Financial Aid & Free Money for Vermont LPN Students
You don't have to pay for your LPN program out of pocket. Here are the major sources of free money for Vermont nursing students — especially moms returning to school.
The biggest source of free money. No repayment ever required. Apply via FAFSA at studentaid.gov. For many Vermont students, this covers the majority — or all — of program tuition.
Contact your school's financial aid office and your state higher education agency for Vermont-specific nursing grants and scholarships. Many awards go unclaimed each year.
If you work in healthcare as a CNA, aide, or medical assistant, your employer may cover LPN tuition. Ask HR before enrolling — the most overlooked source of nursing school funding.
Major Vermont healthcare employers sometimes sponsor LPN training in exchange for a 1–2 year employment commitment. Call nursing recruitment directly — rarely advertised publicly.
Veterans and eligible dependents can use GI Bill benefits to cover full LPN tuition at state-approved programs plus a monthly housing allowance. Most Vermont LPN programs are VA-certified.
WIOA provides funding for displaced workers, single parents, and low-income adults entering high-demand healthcare careers. Contact your local workforce center to apply.
State TANF programs can cover childcare costs while you attend your LPN program — one of the biggest barriers for single moms. Contact your county social services office.
If grants don't cover everything, federal Direct Loans offer lower interest than private loans. LPN salaries in Vermont typically allow fast repayment. Complete FAFSA to access them.
Smart Tips for Vermont Moms Considering an LPN Career
Here's what experienced Vermont nursing students wish they had known before starting their LPN journey.
- 📚 Vermont Tech is your only in-state option — plan accordinglyUnlike every other state in this guide, Vermont has exactly one LPN program. Vermont Technical College is it. Apply early, know the costs upfront, and line up your VSAC and FAFSA applications well before your enrollment date.
- 💡 The NLC compact opens a smart cost workaroundBecause Vermont is NLC-compact, you can attend a lower-cost LPN program in New Hampshire or Maine — which have community college programs in the $6,000–$10,000 range — and then work as an LPN in Vermont on that license. This is a legitimate, legal strategy that can save you $10,000+ over Vermont Tech's tuition.
- 💰 VSAC is Vermont's secret financial aid weaponThe Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) provides need-based grants specifically for Vermont residents at Vermont schools. Combined with the federal Pell Grant, VSAC can significantly reduce Vermont Tech's net cost. Apply at vsac.org as soon as you're admitted.
- 🌎 Work in New Hampshire for higher payNew Hampshire LPN salaries ($56,400–$58,043/year) are $5,000–$7,000 higher than Vermont averages. Vermont residents near the NH border can commute to NH for work while living in lower-cost rural Vermont.
- 🏥 Vermont's aging population drives steady LPN demandVermont has one of the oldest median-age populations in the U.S. Demand for LPN services in long-term care, home health, and assisted living is strong and growing. Vermont LPN graduates typically find employment quickly.
- 🌉 Seriously consider going straight to RN hereVermont Tech's $21,219 LPN tuition is not dramatically cheaper than an ADN program. Given Vermont RNs earn $26,000+ more per year than LPNs, the math may favor going directly to RN. Visit lpn-rn.com to compare Vermont bridge and direct-entry RN options.
LPN to RN in Vermont — Should You Skip Straight to RN?
One of the most important career decisions you'll make. Here's an honest breakdown for Vermont students.
LPN first, or go straight to RN?
Vermont LPN salaries average $51,240/year per BLS data ($24.64/hour), with Salary.com 2025 placing the figure at $56,353/year. Vermont's cost of living is above national average in some areas (Burlington) but rural Vermont is more affordable. With Vermont Tech's $21,219 tuition, strategic use of VSAC and Pell Grant funding is essential.
Vermont RNs earn between $77,250 and $82,390/year — over $26,000 more than the LPN average. Vermont Tech also offers an RN pathway. Given that VT Tech's LPN tuition is $21,219/year — not dramatically cheaper than an ADN program — seriously consider whether going straight to RN is the better long-term investment for your situation.
Our sister site lpn-rn.com covers every Vermont LPN-to-RN bridge program in detail — including online and hybrid options for working nurses.
Explore LPN to RN Programs in Vermont →Prepare for the NCLEX-PN — 50 Free Practice Questions
Passing the NCLEX-PN is your final step to becoming a licensed LPN in Vermont. Our sister site offers 50 free questions covering pharmacology, patient care, ethics, and more.
Take 50 Free NCLEX-PN Practice Questions →Frequently Asked Questions — LPN Programs in Vermont
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