Southern Vermont College has its roots in Saint Joseph College which was established in downtown Bennington by the Sisters of Saint Joseph in 1926. In 1974, the Sisters of Saint Joseph turned the College over to an independent board of trustees and the College moved to its current location on the Everett Estate. Within a few months the name of the College was changed to Southern Vermont College an
d it became a private, independent college no longer having a religious affiliation. Southern Vermont College is a career-enhanced liberal arts college, offering 18 majors. The College is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.