Founded in 1819, Norwich University. is a Private college. Located in Vermont, which is a city setting in Vermont, the campus itself is Town. The campus is home to 3,152 full time undergraduate students, and 1,067 full time graduate students.
The Norwich University Academic calendar runs on a Semester basis. In the school year the student to faculty ratio was 14:1. There are 149 full time instructional teachers. Degrees awarded at Norwich University include: Bachelor's Degree, Masters Degree, Post-master's certificate, Doctor's degree.
Quick Facts
Acceptance Rate
69%
Application Deadline
Application Fee
35
SAT Range
ACT Range
Admissions at are considered Selective, with ,25% of all applicants being admitted.
In the school year, of the students who applied to the school, only 23 of those who were admitted eventually ended up enrolling.
74% of incoming freshmen are in the top half of their high school class. 37% were in the top quarter, and 11% were in the top tenth. You can apply online.
STUDENT LIFE Reviews
We asked, and students answered these important questions about student life at Norwich University.
5%
“We”re apathetic”
45%
“We know about current events and vote”
45%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
5%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
5%
“We save it for the classroom”
27%
“Sometimes, but not often”
55%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
14%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
5%
“I only go out in groups”
36%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
59%
“I feel extremely safe”
32%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
27%
“We bought the gear”
41%
“We live for the big game”
59%
“It”s not really our thing”
14%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
27%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
0%
“We”re a very artistic group”
9%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
41%
“They keep regular office hours”
50%
“They”re always available”
86%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
14%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
0%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
9%
“We”re not into drinking at all”
27%
“Maybe a little, but it”s not a big thing”
23%
“We only party on weekends”
41%
“There”s some drinking happening every night”
23%
“Never, we”re here to learn”
59%
“There might be people who do”
18%
“People are known to partake on weekends”
0%
“There”s a huge drug scene”
5%
“We”re apathetic”
45%
“We know about current events and vote”
45%
“We participate and encourage others to get involved”
5%
“There”s nothing we won”t protest”
5%
“We save it for the classroom”
27%
“Sometimes, but not often”
55%
“There”s usually intelligent conversation to be found”
14%
“All the time, including weekends”
0%
“I”m always terrified”
5%
“I only go out in groups”
36%
“I usually let someone know where I”m going”
59%
“I feel extremely safe”
32%
“We don”t play sports”
0%
“We play recreationally”
27%
“We bought the gear”
41%
“We live for the big game”
59%
“It”s not really our thing”
14%
“Occasinally we gallery crawl”
27%
“There are a variety of opportunities”
0%
“We”re a very artistic group”
9%
“Haven”t met them”
0%
“Available in class”
41%
“They keep regular office hours”
50%
“They”re always available”
86%
“No greek life, but other groups to join”
14%
“There is some involvement, but not a lot”
0%
“Plenty of people join a sorority or fraternity”
0%
“It”s everything. If you”re not greek, you”re a geek”
62 Students rated on-campus housing 3.4 stars. 13 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate off-campus housing?
45 Students rated off-campus housing 2.7 stars. 0 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus food?
63 Students rated campus food 2.7 stars. 5 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate campus facilities?
64 Students rated campus facilities 3.6 stars. 17 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate class size?
64 Students rated class size 4.6 stars. 63 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate school activities?
63 Students rated school activities 3.9 stars. 40 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate local services?
64 Students rated local services 2.8 stars. 6 % gave the school a 5.0.
How would you rate academics?
64 Students rated academics 3.7 stars. 28 % gave the school a 5.0.
Norwich University REVIEWS
What's your overall opinion of Norwich University?
24 Students rated Norwich University
Shannon
03/17/2021
The class size ratio is a complete lie, just a heads up. I have never been in a class with less than 25 students. I don't know where they pulled 14:1 from, but for residential undergrad classes, its just not true.
This school has mismanaged their students and university in the pandemic so poorly, I have almost a dozen friends who has withdrawn completely for the semester.
The school also continues to employ staff (various commandants that work solely with residential cadet students) that have been accused by students of sexual harassment, assault, and who regularly make racist remarks.
Arriella
10/01/2020
Overall, a military school in all aspects, Norwich University, has acclimated civilians relatively well. Though some cadets are friendly and warm, a good majority don't seem to enjoy civilian presence or make any attempt at conversation or interaction. Norwich is huge on academics, and they have incredibly passionate and personable professors, though, like any school, there are a couple of professors that are the exact opposite. While the civilian dorms are relatively new and pleasant, the items within don't necessarily match. The couches all seem to have some large stain of something, and the games room are all missing an essential piece of equipment. However, those are all still manageable things. The biggest problem the students here have is the cost of laundry. We are charged $2 for washer and dryer each, and for some reason, the washers are exponentially smaller than the dryers, and the dryers don't dry the clothes thoroughly. The combination of this is a smart way to drain students' bank accounts. The one thing that makes it all worth it is the students that have made this campus welcoming from the start and the immiscible view that you can see all around you while at the campus. The campus is truly gorgeous, and a majority of the people here are outstanding.
Abigail
04/08/2020
The college is great. The students are involved in the community, especially the elementary - high schools around. Also, there is something for everyone. Whether you are on the Civilian or Corps side, they offer clubs, sports, and more to everyone, and if there is a club that is not there but that you would be interested in, you can create it! The teachers are extremely helpful and supportive and are always there to make sure you are exceeding your potential.
Maggie
10/05/2019
As a freshman and a recruit at Norwich University it was not easy adjusting to this environment. At first I didn't think it was what I wanted because of how overwhelmed I was with the Corps of Cadets training I was getting during rook week. As time went on I began to fall in love with the school and its traditions as the oldest military academy in the nation. I think it's an amazing institution that creates civilian and military leaders in to the real world. I am more than glad I chose to come to this school because it's the hard way and not many people can take the hard route in life.
Steven
04/13/2019
Norwich University is steeped in tradition. The school keeps moving forward while keeping a grasp on its past. It was one of the best times of my life with a blend of traditional students and uniformed ROTC students. The Hockey teams and Rugby teams are always fun to watch. There is usually something going on around campus every week if you are willing to participate. I would recommend this university to anyone.
Emmy
04/03/2019
At Norwich University, a majority of people are pursuing a career in the military, and are focused, determined people. We pride ourselves on our integrity and school spirit, as we strive towards making this nation better than the generation before us. From my first visit, I knew I was in love with the small and personal class sizes to the beautiful campus and Vermont scenery. Now that I am finishing my junior year, my opinion has remained the same and I hold even more pride in this institution now that I have experienced most of its pleasures. I love my school and if I were to go back in time, I'd do it all over again.
Erica
03/06/2019
I really believe that Norwich University is what you make of it. Norwich is a school which does have cadets but it also has civilians. I live on the civilian side, however, the cadets are integrated with many things you do such as classes, extracurriculars, and you even have the same dining hall. After a while, it's easy to forget that you've taken different pathways of life. I've always felt that everyone here is very polite, and there's definitely a sense of community within Norwich. Hockey is also a big thing, as Norwich has one some pretty incredible titles for such a small school. I've also found all my teachers to be very helpful here, and readily available through office hours and email, and most will give out their phone numbers too. The class sizes make the classes and education very personable, where the professors know you by name. All in all, I wasn't sure about Norwich coming into it, but now I know that I would rather be here for my four years than anywhere else.
Daniel
02/16/2019
Norwich isn’t your typical college so don’t compare it to one. It has a phenomenal environment that will constantly challenge you but your sense of humor will grow dark, you will learn to embrace the suck, and overall you will become a much better you but you will be different and that might shock you.
Joshua
01/31/2019
Norwich is a great school for those who have dreams of serving this great country. It is perfect for those who seek a military school but are unable to get into a military academy due to the low acceptance rates. Also it is a beautiful campus and if you love the outdoors this is the place for you.
Ben
09/06/2018
I love Norwich University. I believe it is the perfect fit for me. Yes, there are some downsides, and there have been some bad experiences. However, as far as my education, and the career I am pursuing, Norwich is the perfect place to springboard me towards being successful in the careers I choose to do.
Celenee
05/21/2018
I believe they are a great school who just happens to be in the middle of almost nowhere. they have a great campus and involvement with the military life. Just as much as the civilian life. it gives the best of both worlds and the chance for people to see what it's like to have civilian and cadets interacting with one another.
Lorel
05/20/2018
Norwich seems to a pretty good school. The school makes sure that the students are active and try to make sure there students graduate. Also, Norwich may not have the best food but at least there is the fact that you can get what ever you want that there severing that day.
Alexa
05/17/2018
Norwich University is a great place for not only academics, but to enhance a professional civilian career or military style of life. Being a small campus is pretty safe, with lots of clubs and a decent amount of people to where you can still meet new people, but have friends.
dylan
05/09/2018
I will be planning to attend in the fall if I can get all the money I need for my tuition, I really want to go and would be devastated if i could not attend, I am looking forward to being a cadet! I went to visit the school and I was very impressed with the people, the classroom and the overall appearance of the school. The classrooms are small student size giving the students a better chance to have a one on one relationship with their professors. That is important to me because i like having a good relationship with my teachers. The facility is very nice and secluded making the campus very safe. I love this school!
Rob
04/20/2018
Norwich University is great for those looking for a proper college education without all of the partying. The campus is generally quiet, which allows students to get their work done regardless of where they choose to do it. The professors are generally helpful in directing their students.
The fall 2020 acceptance rate for Norwich University is 69%. That means, out of _____ applications received in 2020, _____ students were offered admission.
What should every freshman at your school know before they start?
Do your homework on schools. Don't choose one because a friend is going, or thaqt you think it is a cool place.
Set goals in High School, and work to achieve them.
Think about a career that fits you, but know that you whole liife isn't based on what you decide at age 18.
This school feels like a family. Everyone knows everyone else, and there is usually a helping hand or a kind ear if you need it. The classes are small so you get a lot of attention, and the professors are usually willing to give you extra help if you need it.
Describe how your school looks to someone who's never seen it.
Norwich's administration runs the school like a business and is losing the school's proud traditions; this will haunt the school in future years as alumni stop supporting the instituiton.
Here's your chance: Say anything about your college!
I spent a big part of my life at Norwich. I was a member of their Corps of Cadets, attended their graduate school and eventually worked their as an employee.
I've moved on to bigger and better things, but I'll say thing. The school of graduate studies is the best part of the University. The graduate programs are top notch. Unfortunately, I can't say the same about the undergraduate side or the administration. They are the most dishonest, underhanded and unprofessional people I have ever had the displeasure of dealing with. I am ashamed to have placed so much stock in Norwich. I only wish I could go back and decide to go to another school.
What kind of person should not attend this school?
Anyone who is against the military and what they stand for. Yes there is a civilian side to this school but if you do not respect military personnel and what they do for this country then this is the absolute wrong school for you.
Someone that has an interest in the military as a career, or that wants the discipline of that lifestyle to assist him/her in suceeding at college. It is highly competitive, but people do bond and help more than my friends tell me about "standard" colleges.
What's the most frustrating thing about your school?
The most frustrating thing about the school is the fact that a lot of students are rooks. So they cannot talk to anyone for a few weeks at the beginning of the year, unless they are in class or an academic setting. Living with people training to be in the military can get hard sometimes but for the most part it is not bad.
Norwich has a wonderful tradition and a great military past. Business wise, the Development Department is falling apart and the school is well on its way to being a sinking ship. The leadership at the top is dishonest. Dave Whaley (Vice President of Development) and Paul Bova (Assistant VP Development) are pathological. They can look you square in the eye, smile in your face and stab you in the back. Paul Bova is this fat old guy and he makes passes at girls half his age...freaks some people out.
The President, GEN Schneider, is absolutely oblivious to the idiocy going on underneath him. It is almost as though he is senile. He knows the language of money but when it boils down to integrity and hiring the right people, his head is in the clouds. He only knows how to beg for money...it's his only function.
What are the most popular student activities/groups?
Norwich has very little social life. Mostly work with very little play. They do have a small pub on campus but it is a dry campus overall. If you're caught drinking outside the pub, you will get suspended from the school. If you get drunk at the pub, you'll get suspended if you're seen stumbling outside of the pub...it's a catch 22.
The most popular athletic events are hockey and football games. We usually lose the football games. The football team usually loses...the hockey team usually wins. The school doesn't allow fraternities or sororities...but the school does have a Corps of Cadets which is, in many ways, similar to a fraternity or sorority.
There is no night life. There is no dating scene. There are no clubs. There is one bar about a mile and a half down the road called "The Rustic". It's a nice place, but the locals in there are a little freaky.
Norwich continues to accept new students but the professors are paid to have 13 students per professor. Now, there are 30 students or more per class. The professors asked for a raise, but the administration and President Schneider told them to stick it.
As as result, the professors purchase the worst academic materials and deliver the content in a manner that is most likely to make students fail. The goal of many professors is for students to fail (not to hurt the students) but to "stick it" to the school for not giving them a raise for having more students.
Overall, some of the professors are really great guys and truly care about their students, but many of them harbor an "us vs them" mentality against the school administration and many students end up becoming the fodder.
Is the stereotype of students at your school accurate?
Somewhat but not quite. While not many people have heard of Norwich and most people do initially think it is in CT, the student body is good. The students are generally cordial and fun to talk to. There are some tools and "tight-asses", but that comes with every military school. Overall, the students are great!
All students must apply yearly for financial aid. This process starts with the FAFSA.
Though financial aid deadlines vary by school, it is a good idea to apply as soon as possible. For the upcoming school year, you can apply as early as October 1 for the FAFSA. Additional school aid will be dependent on the FAFSA results.
100% of students attending Norwich University receive some sort of financial aid.
31% were awarded federal grants.75%received federal loans. Many students do also need to apply for additional private student loans.