Expect Challenge. Achieve Distinction.
At a Glance
For 200 years, Norwich University’s Guiding Values and mission have helped create an atmosphere of excellence. We are the nation’s oldest private military college and the birthplace of ROTC, serving a diverse student body that reflects the world today.
Two-thirds of our residential students join our Corps of Cadets, challenging themselves physically, mentally and morally to excel as leaders in a structured military-style environment.
We also serve civilian residential and commuter students and a large online graduate and continuing-education student body.
Norwich faculty and staff challenge all of our students to push themselves academically, socially, and as leaders. Our graduates build upon their Norwich educations to launch or grow careers and make outsized contributions to their communities, the nation and the world.
THE NUMBERS SPEAK FOR THEMSELVES: TOP 7%
Mission
Norwich’s mission statement is one of the most unique statements found in higher education. We know exactly who we are, why we are here, and where we are going.
Guiding Values
Norwich University was founded in 1819 by Captain Alden Partridge, U.S. Army, and is the oldest private military college in the country.
History of NU
Few American institutions of higher learning as old as Norwich University still closely adhere to the educational principles of its founders.
Norwich Firsts
New Frontiers in Education
- Norwich was the first private institution in the country to teach engineering.
- Norwich was the first of all private military colleges in the nation.
- Norwich was the birthplace of ROTC.
Legacy
A Tradition of Innovation
There are more than 3,500 colleges in the USA from which to choose. How is Norwich University different from them, and does it matter? The answer depends on what you want from your college experience.
NU’s Five Colleges
Norwich University comprises five colleges: the College of Graduate and Continuing Studies, the College of Liberal Arts, the College of National Service, the College of Professional Schools, and the College of Science and Mathematics. You will find much interdisciplinary thought and dialogue among our colleges. We invite you to explore what each has to offer and discover the contribution you want to make to the evolving discussions.
Campus
Norwich University’s campus is nestled in the Green Mountains of central Vermont, USA. Montpelier, the state capital, is about a half-hour’s drive from the university, and Boston, New York and Montreal are just a few hours’ drive. The Northfield campus is small, safe, and community-oriented. This year, Norwich is home to students from 40 states and 38 countries from across the globe.
Spaces for Teaching and Learning
The infrastructure for active learning requires a new architecture for student success in today’s and tomorrow’s world. Advances in technology open new possibilities for how faculty teach and how students learn. Taken together, Norwich University’s physical campus demonstrates the institution’s commitment to engaged teaching and learning.
President’s Message
Student Outcomes & Student Right to Know
Norwich University, acting in compliance with the Student Right to Know Act, connects consumers to the data we are required to submit to the Department of Education/National Center for Education Statistics/IPEDS (found on the College Navigator site). Information found on College Navigator will contain the most recent publicaly released enrollment, retention, graduation rates, (and other information) released by the Department of Education on Norwich’s behalf.
“To give our youth an education that shall be American in its character – to enable them to act as well as to think – to execute as well as to conceive – to tolerate all opinions when reason is left free to combat them – to make moral, patriotic, efficient, and useful citizens, and to qualify them for all those high responsibilities resting upon a citizen in this free republic.”
First Published — 1843 Catalog
Internationalized Education
Norwich University values and actively supports opportunities for faculty, staff and students to be globally engaged.
We host a diverse student body of international students who come to Norwich to pursue their academic goals.
We support our faculty by empowering them to travel, teach, and engage in research overseas to build intercultural proficiency and incorporate international perspectives into their teaching.
Our U.S. students take advantage of CityLAB:Berlin, an instructional location in Germany, and a host of partner programs for education abroad and international service learning on all six continents. For the full breadth of our international offerings, contact the NU International Center.
Success After Norwich
Norwich students turn their passions and experiences into real-world opportunities, internships, and careers, thanks to one-on-one career advising, academic mentoring, and a network of thousands of alumni and parents ready to offer advice and networking.
Norwich’s 27,000-plus alumni span the globe, living and leading as entrepreneurs, advancing science and technology, improving communities, and serving our nation’s military. Their affinity for Norwich extends to every student and graduate, and they love to come back, give back, and pay it forward.
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“No one cared about my gender or physiological capabilities,” Bernheim said, reflecting on Army Ranger School. “They cared that I did the work.” Read More
10th Woman in U.S. History to Graduate Army Ranger School
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“When it came time to expand Studio 355, I made a conscious effort to hire Norwich graduates because I know what they were taught...” Read More
Founder, Studio 355 Architecture
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“I love that a small chunk of the research I’m doing will go toward the reduction of nutrients in the ocean and cleaning the water.” Read More
Graduate Student in Oceanography, UMass-Dartmouth
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Accreditation and Recognition
Norwich University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), known formerly as the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. (NEASC). Learn more about Norwich University’s NECHE 2020 Comprehensive Report here. 
The National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security have designated Norwich University as a Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense. 
Norwich University has been approved by the Vermont Agency of Education to participate in the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA). Participation in NC-SARA provides Norwich University with reciprocity to offer online/distance learning programs to residents of the other NC-SARA states. 
Norwich University's Project Management concentration in both the MBA and Master of Science in Information Security and Assurance programs is accredited by the PMI Global Accreditation Center for Project Management Education Programs (GAC). 
The baccalaureate degree program in nursing and master’s degree program in nursing at Norwich University are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education — ccneaccreditation.org.
The program is also approved by the Vermont Board of Nursing.
Norwich University's Civil Engineering & Environmental Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering programs are accredited by the Engineering Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. 
Norwich University's Architecture program is accredited by the National Architecture Accreditation Board. 
Norwich University is a member of the Associate of Collegiate Schools of Architecture 
Norwich University is a member of the Architectural Research Centers Consortium. 
Norwich University's MBA program, BS in Management and BS in Accounting are accredited by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs.
Assessment Reports:
School of Business
Norwich University's Athletic Training program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Athletic Training Education 
Norwich University's education preparation programs are accredited by Vermont’s Agency of Education’s Result’s Oriented Program Approval (ROPA) 