University of Vermont Scholarships — Automatic Merit and Honors Awards

← Back to College Scholarships

🎓 University of Vermont Scholarships: What Parents Need to Know

The University of Vermont is a public flagship with a beautiful campus, a reputation for environmental science and health programs—and surprisingly strong scholarships for out-of-state students. What most families don’t realize is that UVM offers automatic merit aid based on GPA and participates in regional tuition discount programs that can seriously cut costs.

That means even families from New York, Massachusetts, or New Jersey might see a much lower price than expected. And for students with solid grades, the automatic aid can be a game-changer.

This guide will show you what’s available, what GPA levels typically qualify, and how to know if UVM is a good financial fit for your family.

📚 Cost of Attendance | 📘 Automatic Scholarships | 🏆 Competitive Scholarships | 💎 Hidden Gems | 🎓 Honors College | 📝 What To Do Next

💰 Cost of Attendance at UVM (2025-2026)

The sticker price for the University of Vermont can look steep for out-of-state families. But UVM offers automatic scholarships and participates in regional tuition exchange programs that reduce costs significantly—especially for students from nearby states like New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, and Connecticut.

Category In-State Out-of-State
Tuition & Fees $20,174 $46,116
Housing & Meals $15,104 $15,104
Books, Supplies, Other $2,600 $2,600
Total Estimated Cost $37,878 $63,820
🎯 Out-of-State Savings Tip:
If your student is coming from out of state, don’t panic at the $60K+ sticker price. UVM offers automatic merit scholarships that can cut that number down by thousands—no extra application required.

On top of that, students from the six New England states—Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont—may qualify for discounted tuition through the NEBHE Tuition Break, a regional program that lowers costs for students in certain majors. Be sure to check out our plain English guide to NEBHE.

While it’s not a full tuition waiver, it often knocks $10,000–$15,000 off the total price—and it stacks with other scholarships. The key is to apply early and choose an eligible major.
📊 What Families Actually Pay:
According to federal data, the average net price (after grants and aid) for UVM students is:
  • $19,732 for families earning $48–75k
  • $26,749 for families earning $75–110k
This includes both in-state and out-of-state students, and shows how much aid can move the needle—especially for middle-income families.

📘 Automatic Scholarships at UVM (2025–2026)

UVM awards generous merit scholarships to out-of-state students automatically based on high school GPA. No separate application is required, and no test scores are needed. These awards are renewable for up to four years as long as your student maintains the required GPA in college.

📝 Test Scores and Superscoring at UVM:
UVM is test-optional, and you don’t need to submit ACT or SAT scores to qualify for automatic merit scholarships or the Honors College. These awards are based on your student’s GPA and high school coursework.

But if your student chooses to send test scores, UVM will superscore — meaning they’ll take the highest scores from each section across all test dates to give your student the best possible composite score.

While not required, strong test scores might help with certain competitive or named scholarships, especially those with limited spots or program-specific criteria.
Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility (HS GPA) Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins?
Presidential Scholarship $20,000/year 3.95+ GPA No Yes Top out-of-state students with excellent academics
Trustees Scholarship $18,000/year 3.80–3.94 GPA No Yes Strong academic applicants from out of state
Dean’s Scholarship $15,000/year 3.60–3.79 GPA No Yes Well-prepared students with solid academic records
Achiever Scholarship $12,000/year 3.40–3.59 GPA No Yes Most solid B+/A- students from out of state
🎓 First-Gen Tip: These scholarships are awarded automatically—no separate forms, no extra essays. As long as your student meets the GPA range, they’ll be considered when they apply to UVM.

🤔 Automatic Scholarship FAQs

Does UVM use weighted or unweighted GPA?
UVM uses your student’s weighted GPA as reported on their high school transcript. This includes any extra points given for honors, AP, IB, or dual enrollment classes. They do not recalculate GPA on their own.
Are test scores required for automatic scholarships?
Nope. UVM is test-optional, and all automatic merit scholarships are based on GPA alone. Submitting ACT or SAT scores will not impact eligibility for these awards.
Can in-state students receive these scholarships too?
These automatic scholarships are primarily for out-of-state students. In-state students may receive other forms of aid, but they are not typically eligible for these listed merit awards.

🏆 Competitive Scholarships at UVM

In addition to automatic merit aid, UVM offers a few competitive scholarships for high-achieving students. These awards may require additional application materials, early deadlines, or invitation into specific programs. While test scores are optional, they may be considered for certain awards if submitted.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable? Who Actually Wins?
Green & Gold Scholarship Full tuition (in-state rate) Top student at each Vermont high school By nomination Yes One graduating senior from each Vermont high school, selected by their guidance counselor as the top student academically
Patrick Family Scholarship $5,000–$7,000/year High GPA, community leadership, commitment to Vermont Yes Yes Vermont students with a GPA above 3.8 who’ve shown leadership in their community or school (e.g. service clubs, student council, civic involvement)
UVM Honors College Invitation Stackable with merit; Honors benefits Top 5–10% of admitted students; strong essays No (invitation only) Yes Students with a 3.9+ GPA (weighted), challenging coursework (AP, IB, or dual enrollment), and a thoughtful Common App essay that shows curiosity and critical thinking

🤔 Competitive Scholarship FAQs

Do you need to submit test scores for competitive scholarships?
Most competitive scholarships at UVM are still test-optional. However, submitting strong ACT or SAT scores may help in borderline cases or for selective opportunities. Superscoring is used if scores are submitted.
Can out-of-state students win these scholarships?
Yes, though many named scholarships (like Green & Gold or Patrick Family) are reserved for Vermont residents. Out-of-state students are typically considered for merit and Honors invitations instead.
Do competitive awards stack with automatic scholarships?
In many cases, yes. If your student is invited to the Honors College or receives a named scholarship, it may stack with their automatic merit award. Be sure to review your financial aid offer closely.

💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships at UVM

These scholarships aren’t always highlighted on the main admissions page—but they can make a meaningful difference, especially for first-generation, military-affiliated, or creatively involved students.

Scholarship Award Amount Eligibility Separate App? Renewable?
First-Generation Student Scholarship Up to $5,000/year Must be the first in your family to attend college May require FAFSA and brief essay Yes
Music Performance Scholarships Varies ($1,000–$4,000/year) Must audition and participate in UVM ensembles Yes (audition required) Yes (based on continued participation)
Army ROTC Scholarships Full tuition + stipend Must commit to ROTC and meet physical/academic requirements Yes (via national ROTC process) Yes (up to 4 years)
Community Service Scholarships Up to $2,500/year Active involvement in volunteering or service projects during high school Yes (short essay or resume may be required) Some are renewable
📣 Parent Tip: These scholarships often live outside the admissions office. If your student is involved in music, ROTC, or service—and UVM is on their list—it’s worth reaching out to the specific department directly.

🤔 Hidden Gem Scholarship FAQs

How do I apply for these smaller scholarships?
It depends on the scholarship. Some, like music performance awards, require an audition through that department. Others—like first-gen or service-based scholarships—may ask for a short essay or resume. These awards are often managed outside the admissions office, so reach out directly to the relevant program or department if your student qualifies.
Can these scholarships stack with my student’s automatic merit award?
Yes—most hidden gem scholarships at UVM can stack on top of the main merit award. For example, your student might receive $15,000/year in automatic aid and still get an extra $2,000 for music or community service.
Are these awards just for in-state students?
No. Many are open to both in-state and out-of-state students. The ROTC and music awards, for example, are available to all qualified applicants. Always double-check with the specific department to confirm eligibility.
Are there other scholarships we might qualify for that aren’t listed?
Yes—UVM has dozens of small, donor-funded scholarships tied to specific majors, identities, or life experiences. These are usually awarded after your student enrolls or applies to their academic college. It’s worth submitting the FAFSA and checking in with the financial aid office or academic advisor once admitted.
🎓 Departmental Scholarships at UVM:
Once your student declares a major and starts college, UVM offers even more scholarships through its academic departments. These awards are typically based on grades earned in college, involvement in the major, or faculty nominations. While they aren’t guaranteed, doing well academically can unlock thousands in additional aid—especially in STEM, business, and environmental programs.

🎓 UVM Honors College

UVM’s Honors College offers a small-campus experience within a public university—complete with dedicated housing, smaller classes, and close faculty mentorship. Students benefit from research opportunities, priority course registration, and an academic community that spans all majors.

Students are automatically considered for the Honors College during the admissions review process. There’s no separate application, and **no test scores required**, though students may submit them if they feel it adds to their profile.

Feature Details
Invitation Criteria Top 5–10% of admitted students, based on GPA, course rigor, and application strength
Separate Application? No — reviewed automatically during admissions
Test Scores Required? No — test-optional and not required for Honors consideration
Scholarships Included? No separate Honors scholarship, but eligible students often receive UVM’s highest merit awards
Housing Guaranteed Honors housing in Central Campus Residence Hall (freshman year)
💡 CRP Tip: The Honors College doesn’t come with a separate scholarship, but many invitees also qualify for UVM’s Presidential or Trustees Scholarships. These can stack with other awards to significantly reduce costs.

🤔 Honors College FAQs

Do you have to apply separately to the Honors College?
No. UVM reviews all applicants for Honors College consideration during the regular admissions process. There’s no extra application or essay needed.
What kind of students get invited?
Students with a GPA of 3.9 or higher (weighted), who took AP, IB, or dual enrollment courses, and who submit a strong application—especially in their essay. UVM looks for intellectual curiosity, not just grades.
Does Honors housing cost more?
Not significantly. Honors students live in Central Campus Residence Hall, which is newer and includes study spaces and support staff. You’ll still pay standard room & board, though prices vary by residence hall.
Can Honors College students still get other scholarships?
Yes. Most Honors students also receive UVM’s top automatic merit scholarships—and may qualify for additional awards through departments or outside organizations.

📝 What to Do Next

If the University of Vermont is on your student’s list, here’s how to make the most of their scholarship opportunities:

  • Apply early — UVM uses a rolling admissions process, and early applicants are more likely to receive top merit offers.
  • Don’t stress over test scores — merit scholarships are based on GPA. But if your student has high ACT/SAT scores, submit them (UVM superscores).
  • Watch for Honors invitations — if your student is in the top 5–10% of applicants, they may be invited to the Honors College automatically.
  • Contact departments directly — for music, ROTC, or service-based scholarships, reach out to the program office early in senior year.
  • Submit the FAFSA — even if you don’t think you’ll qualify for aid, some UVM scholarships require it.
💡 CRP Resources:
Use our free parent toolkits to stay ahead of deadlines and reduce college costs:
Scroll to Top