Vermont’s higher education system is not overseen by a statewide governing or coordinating board. The Vermont State Colleges System (VSCS) underwent significant transformation in recent years, consolidating the four regional public universities into Vermont State University (VTSU) while maintaining the Community College of Vermont (CCV) as a separate entity. The University of Vermont (UVM) operates independently as the state’s flagship research university. Private institutions, which have faced significant enrollment challenges that precipitated multiple institution closures, operate under independent governance and are represented by Association of Vermont Independent Colleges (AVIC). The State does not operate a SHEEO-style coordinating board; appropriations and policy direction flow primarily through the Legislature and Governor, with the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC), a public nonprofit, administering state student aid.
