My son is considering both UVM and UNH. He has gotten into the UNH Honors Program, but, as of now has not been invited to UVM’s Honor College. Both schools are affordable due to merit scholarships. Thoughts on differences and similarities between these 2 schools? Thank you!
While you would probably find a mix at these schools of liberal vs conservative as they are state flagships, on the whole UVM is more liberal while UNH is more conservative. UVM has a very cute college town area and it’s on a gorgeous lake. UNH has a marine bio dept that is excellent. People express surprise at the wind that comes off of the lake in Burlington making it more cold than they realize. Both seem to be party schools on weekends to some extent, but that’s pretty normal for most flagship schools.
My impression recently is a lot more people are choosing UVM lately – it’s got some buzz. That doesn’t mean that UNH or even UMaine Orono isn’t a great choice. Currently there seems to be buzz around UVM.
Maybe look int departments that interest your child and see if there’s one he prefers, maybe because of offerings or professors there.
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Depends upon the benefits of the Honors College.
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@midmichparentt ahhh the age old question… both are good schools, and it really depends on what type of environment your son is looking for. I do not have a lot of background knowledge about UNH, but I am a UVM alumn and absolutely love UVM. One of the main things to know is that UVM has a lot of resources for students. UVM is primarily an undergraduate institution so a lot of resources are afforded to the undergrads. For example, undergrads can be research assistants at any point! Students also have access to over 1000 internships. And even though there are about 10k undergrads, the average class size is around 31 students. Event better? UVM classes are taught by the professors–well 98% of them. The academics and resources are strong but I think it is the setting in Burlington that makes UVM such a great opportunity. Burlington has been voted as the number one college town! Burlington is awesome and has so much for UVM students; community activities, arts, internships, good food, recreation, outdoors, theater, etc… I vote UVM! 
As far as the Honors College goes, UVM is sending out invitations every so often. Students are in the running till the end of March. I believe that in March UVM sends out their last round of HC invitations. UVM’s HC is also much smaller and much more competitive than other HCs around the country. Only the top 5 to 7% of students get invited into the HC and last I checked, the numbers are very high; minimum SATS are in the 1450 range with GPAs in the 3.8 on a 4.0 scale! Anyways, there is still a chance your son could be invited. But honestly, even if he doesn’t get invited it will not impact his UVM experience negatively. Students find community all around campus and can take challenging courses! And if he still wants to be a part of the HC, he can apply in his 1st year to be a part of the HC for his 2nd year on.
Go Cats! Go!
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UNH is a nice school too. Hanover is not Burlington in any way. And you dont have the lake. Portsmouth is close by and very cool. It is not bike or walk or cheap Uber. You need a ride or to pay for more expenses Uber.
The school itself has some excellent programs. It’s bit more preppy and less earthy compared to UVM. But that’s not saying its conservative.
And unh has a strong outdoor lifestyle vibe as well.
I would say equal academically and the schools reflect their states. UNH is a bit more New England student/ethos centric and Vermont has a bit more draw from other places. But these are generalizations.
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I live in NH and have visited UVM. Two of my kids are at UNH. Some differences. UVM is very liberal. UNH is more middle of the road politically. UNH has a good 1-AA football team. UVM has no football. Burlington is a great college town. Durham is more rural. UNH has a better business school. UNH has an Amtrak stop on campus.
OP. Sorry meant Durham not Hanover. But you get the drift.
My understanding is that UVM is ranked higher. I know someone else in this situation, trying to decide.
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But the campuses have a very different feel or vibe, in my opinion. In OP’s case, Honors College admission could be the deciding factor.
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Going to visit both at the end of the month! Honors is an option for both. We’ll see what my son thinks! Thanks again all.
UNH Class of 1996 here. Both are rock solid schools, cannot go wrong with either one. UVM is just slightly higher in the US News rankings (106 vs 96) but that is 6 and one half to be frank, splitting hairs. I am biased obviously, but UNH’s location is fantastic. So easy to get to Boston.
Where did your son end up going? My daughter is now trying to decide both of these schools. Accepted into both honor’s programs. Deciding factors? Happy with his choice?
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UVM attracts a much higher quality student. I do not think UNH even comes close to the quality of UVM. I know about a dozen high-achieving kids at UVM. Some received offers from even higher regraded schools. None would have even considered attending UNH. This would have been a disappointing safety for them at best.
I kind of agree that on average UVM students are more accomplished. I know the schools rankings are close but we all know how flawed the ranking system is. Many great students use UVM as a safety. The average SAT and GPA is quite a bit higher at UVM.
UNH is located in Durham not Hanover. Completely different ends of the state.
Please do not reopen such old threads
Closing.
(FWIW the correction to UNH’s location was made earlier in the thread)
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