University of Vermont

The University of Vermont has made valiant efforts in recent years to move away from its reputation as a party school (one effort of which was to cancel the school's annual naked bike ride that promoted environmental transit in unusual fashion) and take on the mantle of a "Public Ivy." Indeed, it offers more than 100 majors to its over 10,000 undergraduates and brags that 98% of its courses are taught by faculty (not grad students). The most popular programs of study include the social sciences, business, and natural resources and conservation. The campus is a seemingly wonderful place to be. Students love their surroundings, nestled comfortably in the small city of Burlington, near the stunning Green Mountains and with views of Lake Champlain. One in four Burlington residents is college-aged, thanks largely to UVM and nearby Champlain College. The university's student body is made up mostly of liberal, outspoken, intelligent, outdoorsy types, but they have diverse academic and extracurricular interests. Every year, students put on a music festival called SpringFest; the event has recently featured artists like MGMT and Two Door Cinema Club. On the weekends, students usually head to town to hang out in one of Burlington's many bars and restaurants or go to a house party. Another tasty bonus: Ben & Jerry's headquarters is just a 30-minute drive away.