Vermont scholarships can make a significant difference for students facing high college costs in the Green Mountain State. Vermont has some of the highest tuition rates in the nation. However, the state offers strong financial aid through the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC). VSAC awarded over $40.
6 million in grants, scholarships, and forgivable loans in fiscal year 2024. The organization administers more than 150 scholarship programs for Vermont residents. This guide covers every major program available to Vermont students. You will find specific dollar amounts, eligibility requirements, and application strategies. Whether you attend a public university or community college, Vermont scholarships can help cover the gap between aid and cost.
Vermont State-Funded Scholarships and Grants
The largest source of Vermont scholarships comes from VSAC. The Vermont Grant is the state’s primary need-based aid program. Awards range from $1,000 to $15,350 for the 2025-2026 academic year. Students must be Vermont residents enrolled in an approved undergraduate program. You cannot already hold a bachelor’s degree. Funding is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. As a result, filing your FAFSA early is critical.
Vermont also funds two free tuition programs. The 802Opportunity program covers full tuition at the Community College of Vermont. Families earning $100,000 or less qualify for this program. The Freedom & Unity program covers tuition at Vermont State University for families earning $65,000 or less. Both programs combine federal and state grants to eliminate tuition costs. In most cases, students only need to file the FAFSA and the Vermont Grant Application through VSAC to be considered.
The Vermont Advancement Grant helps adults not enrolled in degree programs. It covers non-degree courses that improve job skills. Students can take up to two courses per term. Typically, this grant serves career changers and working adults returning to school.
Top Vermont Scholarships Programs
| Scholarship Name | Award Amount | Deadline | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont Grant (Need-Based) | $1,000–$15,350 | First-come, first-served | VT residents, undergraduate, FAFSA required |
| 802Opportunity (CCV Free Tuition) | Full tuition | Rolling | VT residents, family income ≤$100,000, no bachelor’s degree |
| Freedom & Unity (VTSU Free Tuition) | Full tuition | Rolling | VT residents, family income ≤$65,000, no bachelor’s degree |
| Vermont Advancement Grant | Varies | Rolling | VT residents, non-degree courses for job skills |
| VSAC General Scholarships (150+ programs) | $500–$10,000+ | Varies by program | VT residents, criteria vary by scholarship |
| VSAC Military Service Scholarships | Varies | Varies | VT military service members and families |
| VSAC Foster Care Scholarships | Varies | Varies | VT students who experienced foster care |
| Federal Pell Grant | $767–$7,395 | FAFSA filing date | Undergraduate, financial need, no bachelor’s degree |
| FSEOG | $100–$4,000 | Varies by school | Pell recipients with greatest need |
VSAC administers over 150 individual Vermont scholarships through a unified application portal. Students apply through the MyVSAC portal to access all available programs. For example, there are dedicated scholarships for military families, foster care students, and specific career fields. The full scholarship booklet is available at VSAC Publications.
Competition for Vermont scholarships varies by program. However, many awards go unclaimed each year. Students should apply to every scholarship they qualify for. Even small awards of $500 to $1,000 add up quickly over four years.
Cost of College in Vermont
Vermont’s college costs run higher than national averages. At the University of Vermont, in-state tuition is $16,606 per year for 2025-2026. The total cost including room and board reaches approximately $33,770 annually. Out-of-state students pay roughly $61,810 per year. UVM’s 2026-2027 in-state tuition will rise to $16,938. These figures make Vermont scholarships essential for most families.
Vermont State University charges $11,088 per year in general tuition for residents. Specialized programs like nursing cost more. However, the Freedom & Unity program can eliminate tuition entirely for qualifying families. The Community College of Vermont charges $290 per credit. A full-time student pays approximately $6,960 per year before aid. With the 802Opportunity program, that cost drops to zero for eligible students.
The national average for in-state tuition at public four-year schools is around $11,000 per year. Vermont’s flagship university costs roughly 50% more than that average. As a result, Vermont students should aggressively pursue every available scholarship. Students renting near campus should also compare renters insurance at Home Insure Guide to protect their belongings affordably.
Vermont FAFSA Tips and State Deadlines
Vermont does not set a hard state deadline for financial aid. Instead, Vermont scholarships and grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. The FAFSA opens October 1 each year. Filing early gives you the best chance at full funding. For the 2026-2027 academic year, the FAFSA uses 2024 income information.
Both students and parents need separate FSA ID accounts at StudentAid.gov. Create these accounts before October 1. When filling out the FAFSA, list your top-choice Vermont schools in the first three positions. VSAC automatically receives your data when Vermont is listed as your state of residence. After filing, you must also complete the Vermont Grant Application through MyVSAC.
VSAC offers free one-on-one FAFSA filing appointments. Students can call the FAFSA helpline at 833-802-8722 for assistance. Typically, students who file before December receive the most aid. Students who cannot complete the FAFSA may use the Vermont Grant Pathway Application instead.
Best Vermont Universities for Financial Aid
The Community College of Vermont offers the best deal for Vermont students. The 802Opportunity program makes tuition free for families earning under $100,000. CCV offers 12 associate degree programs and 26 certificate programs. Many are available fully online. This is an excellent starting point before transferring to a four-year school.
Vermont State University provides free tuition through Freedom & Unity for families under $65,000. VTSU offers over 100 undergraduate programs across multiple campuses. The University of Vermont distributes over $180 million in financial aid annually. UVM claims some Vermont residents attend tuition-free through combined aid packages. For example, students who earn extra cash through bank sign-up bonuses at Bonus Bank Daily can use those funds toward textbooks or living expenses.
Among private institutions, Middlebury College meets 100% of demonstrated financial need. Middlebury uses need-blind admissions for domestic students. Champlain College awarded $43.6 million in institutional scholarships in 2023-2024. Merit-based aid at Champlain is awarded automatically with your application.
How to Maximize Vermont Scholarships
Start by filing your FAFSA on October 1. Vermont awards aid first-come, first-served. Every day you wait reduces your chances. Complete the Vermont Grant Application through MyVSAC immediately after filing. Then browse all 150+ scholarships available through the VSAC portal. Many Vermont scholarships have unique eligibility criteria that reduce competition.
Apply to community college first if cost is your primary concern. The 802Opportunity and Freedom & Unity programs can eliminate tuition entirely. After earning an associate degree, transfer to UVM or VTSU with credits intact. This strategy can save $20,000 or more over four years. In most cases, transfer students retain eligibility for Vermont scholarships at their new institution.
Do not overlook the Vermont Advancement Grant for short-term training. Adults returning to school can use this grant for career-focused courses. Also explore VSAC’s military and foster care scholarship categories. These specialized Vermont scholarships often have fewer applicants and higher award rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the largest Vermont scholarship available to state residents?
The Vermont Grant offers up to $15,350 per year for qualifying students. However, free tuition programs at CCV and VTSU can be worth even more. Typically, combining multiple Vermont scholarships produces the best financial aid package.
Can I use Vermont scholarships at out-of-state colleges?
Yes, the Vermont Grant is portable to approved schools nationwide. You must attend a program approved for Federal Title IV aid. As a result, most accredited colleges and universities qualify for Vermont scholarships funding.
When should I apply for Vermont scholarships through VSAC?
File your FAFSA starting October 1 and complete the Vermont Grant Application right away. Vermont awards aid on a first-come, first-served basis. For example, funding for the 2025-2026 cycle was exhausted by January 2026.
Explore More Scholarship Resources
Looking for more scholarships, financial aid guides, and strategies to pay for college? Browse our complete library of scholarship resources.
Official Sources & Resources
For verified information on scholarships, financial aid, and federal student programs:
- Federal Student Aid: studentaid.gov
- U.S. Department of Education: ed.gov
- College Board: collegeboard.org
- NASFAA (National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators): nasfaa.org
- NCES (National Center for Education Statistics): nces.ed.gov
- IRS Education Credits: irs.gov
Content last reviewed April 2026. If you notice any outdated information, please contact us.