The University of Vermont (UVM) has earned the number one ranking on the 2024 “Best Schools for Making an Impact” list of public universities and colleges, a Best Value College category published by The Princeton Review, a leading college admissions services company.

The Princeton Review began publishing the Making an Impact ranking in 2015. UVM debuted on the list last year in the number three position before reaching this year’s top slot. Among the schools sharing top positions below UVM are the University of Washington, University of Michigan, and Georgia Tech.

According to the Princeton Review, schools on the Most Impactful list were chosen based on “student ratings and responses to survey questions covering community service opportunities at their school, student government, sustainability efforts, and on-campus student engagement.” 

“The student experience is at the center of our mission as Vermont’s flagship university, and it is so satisfying to see the value of that experience recognized as first among our public university peers,” said UVM President Suresh Garimella. “The criteria for this distinction reflect the most vital ingredients for learning and growth in our campus community. I’m proud of the impact our students make and honored that UVM has received this special recognition.”

UVM’s mission as Vermont’s land-grant institution positions it firmly within the area of community service, with more than 200 programs designed to help audiences across the state – work that also provides students with extremely varied opportunities to serve and learn from their communities. 

One student comment gathered in Princeton Review’s survey notes that UVM community members have “exceptional passion for what they do, whether in the classroom or out.”

Another factor considered by The Princeton Review when formulating the Most Impactful ranking is the percentage of a school’s alumni reporting “high job meaning” to PayScale, the compensation data company.

“Our students go on to deeply meaningful work in a wide variety of fields that positively impact the state, our nation, and the world,” Garimella said. “That is another point of tremendous pride for everyone here at UVM.”