Landmark College

Landmark College is a private college in Putney, Vermont, designed exclusively for students who learn differently, including those with a learning disability (such as dyslexia), ADHD, autism or executive function challenges. Established in 1985, Landmark College was the first institution of higher learning to pioneer college-level studies for students with dyslexia.

Offering associate and bachelor's degree programs in the liberal arts and sciences, Landmark College is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

History
The campus the college occupies originally belonged to Windham College. After Windham shuttered in 1978, the campus remained unused. Plans for a prison and a conference center fell through. Putney Selectman Peter Shumlin persuaded the government to allow Landmark School in Beverly, Massachusetts, to start a college on the dormant campus. Landmark College was established in 1985.

Lynda Katz was president from 1994 to 2011, succeeded by Peter Eden.

Landmark began offering bachelor's degrees in 2012.

The college built a $9.6 million, 28,500-square-foot science and technology center named the MacFarlane Building in 2015. It was the first building erected since the college's founding.

Educational approach
Applicants are required to document average to above-average intelligence with the ability to complete college level work, along with a condition that impairs learning. Students are offered personal assistance in their studies. The student-to-faculty ratio is 6:1. Classroom faculty employ universal design principles and multi-modal teaching strategies.

Costs
Tuition and fees for 2022–23 were $76,680, making it the 50th most expensive college, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Tuition and fees for the 2015–2016 year were $51,330. In 2015, it topped CNN Money's list of the most expensive colleges. It was also the most expensive four-year private non-profit by list price according to the Department of Education's rankings for the 2012–2013 year; fees including room and board were reported to be $59,930 in 2013 and $61,910 in 2015. Scholarships of up to $30,000 are available.

Students
The average age is 20 years old, and about 97% of students live on campus. The male-to-female student ratio is about 3:1. Students are not required to have taken the SAT or ACT examinations. About half of Landmark's full-time students transferred from another college. Student turnover is high; there are now several bachelor's degrees offered.

Academics
The college offers associate degrees and, since 2012, has offered bachelor's degrees. Additionally, a post-baccalaureate certificate in Learning Differences and Neurodiversity aimed at education professionals was introduced in 2018.

Secondary school students in several areas of Landmark's county, Windham, can access dual-enrollment NEASC-accredited courses. Middle school students can participate in a summer program called "Expanded Learning Opportunities in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics."

In 2011, The New York Times reported that 30% of students in the associate program graduated within three years; many dropped out in their first or second semester. Of those that graduate, a third drop out.

High school program
The three-week-long High School Program is intended to assist high school students entering their junior or senior year.

Facilities
Rooms are either doubles or singles. Residential halls are equipped with wireless Internet, cable television, laundry facilities, and common lounge space, as well as full-time residential staff. Some suite buildings have kitchens.

Impressions literary magazine, The Independent student newspaper, and WLMC student internet radio station are among the print and audio media. The Landmark College Athletic Department provides fitness activities for students.

Notable alumni

 * Quinn Bradlee, filmmaker, author, and disability advocate
 * Dave Cole, visual artist and sculptor
 * Ennis Cosby, only son of American comedian Bill Cosby

Notable staff

 * Alice B. Fogel, poet and writer; English professor
 * Lesle Lewis, poet; English professor