University of Vermont Scholarships (2026–2027)
← Back to college scholarships hub • See Vermont aid & Grants
Last Updated on June 19, 2026
What This Page Covers:- Tuition, housing, and average family net price
- Automatic merit ranges and qualifier benchmarks
- Flagship and hidden-gem awards
- Honors and stacking strategy
📊 Admissions Snapshot
- Acceptance Rate: ~65%
- Middle 50% ACT: 30
- Middle 50% SAT: 1310
- Average GPA: 3.8
🧭 Quick Admissions Strategy (based on where your student falls)
- Below the typical ranges: UVM is still within reach for many students, but don’t expect strong merit. Focus on improving GPA and rigor senior year and consider submitting test scores if they help.
- In the typical ranges: This is a solid match school. You’re in range for automatic merit, but the exact amount can vary a lot—apply early and present the strongest possible transcript.
- Well above the ranges: You’re in the sweet spot for top automatic awards, but the full-ride Green & Gold scholarship is highly competitive—treat it as a bonus, not a plan.
Comparing multiple schools?
Try the Scholarship Tool to search by GPA, test scores, and state →
📌 University of Vermont at a Glance
🏆 Full tuition available (Green and Gold Scholars Award)
Average Net Price
$20,860/year (in-state estimate)
Average paid for residents.
Automatic Merit
$2,000–$25,000/yr
No separate application.
Scholarships Tracked
12 opportunities
8 automatic · 1 competitive · 3 hidden gem
Typical Qualifiers
GPA 2.8+; ACT TBD+ / SAT TBD+
Benchmarks for top-tier awards.
Testing Policy
Test-optional
Superscores ACT/SAT.
Key Deadlines
Priority: Nov 1 • FAFSA: Mar 1
Full-Tuition / Full-Ride
Green and Gold Scholars Award
Honors College
Honors Program Available
University of Vermont is one of those Northeast schools where strong students can actually get rewarded with real merit—not just small discounts. Automatic scholarships like Presidential and Trustee are common, especially for out-of-state students with solid academics.
The other piece parents miss is the NEBHE Tuition Break. If your student qualifies based on major and state, that discount can stack with merit and bring the cost down significantly. It’s not the cheapest school upfront—but it’s one where the final price can look very different once everything is applied.
FAQ
Is this college test-optional? Yes — University of Vermont is test-optional.
What is the middle 50% ACT/SAT? ACT: 30; SAT: 1310.
Average net price? About $20,860/year after aid.
Does this school use waivers/reciprocity?
Yes — participates in NEBHE.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Vermont 2026-2027
📅 2027–2028 Planning Note: The costs below reflect the most recently published figures (2026–2027). Universities typically finalize the next year’s rates in the spring, and we’ll update this page once official 2027–2028 numbers are released.
Planning tip: At large public universities, tuition, fees, and housing usually increase modestly each year (often in the 2–5% range). For early budgeting, families may want to plan for roughly $1,000–$1,500 more in-state or $2,000–$3,000 more out-of-state in total direct costs once new rates are published.
| Category (2026–2027) |
In-State |
Out-of-State |
| Tuition & Mandatory Fees (2 semesters) |
$19,514 |
$47,554 |
| Housing & Meals (typical) |
$14,256 |
$14,256 |
| Total (Direct Costs) |
$33,770 |
$61,810 |
Average Federal Net Price: $20,860 — this is what families actually paid after grants and scholarships (no loans), based on the most recent federal data. Your specific cost could be significantly lower or higher depending on your financial aid eligibility and merit scholarships. New to Net Price & SAI? Read our guide.
🌎 Out-of-State Tuition Savings
- UVM automatically awards $5,000–$20,000 per year in merit aid to strong applicants.
- Students from New England states may qualify for NEBHE Tuition Break savings for select majors.
- These discounts can stack, often bringing out-of-state tuition closer to in-state levels.
Sources:
https://www.uvm.edu/studentfinancialservices/costs-attending •
https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/school/?231174-University-of-Vermont •
https://www.uvm.edu/registrar/tuition-break-policy
📘 Automatic Scholarships at UVM
UVM awards generous merit scholarships to out-of-state students automatically based on your weighted high school GPA—no separate application and no test scores required. Awards are renewable for up to four years if you maintain a 3.0+ GPA and enroll full time.
📝 Test Scores and Superscoring at UVM:
No test scores are required for the major merit scholarships or for the Honors College. UVM will superscore (pick the best combination of section scores) if you do submit SAT or ACT, but scores only help with some specialty scholarships. GPA and course rigor are what count most for automatic merit.
Automatic
Presidential Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Automatic with admission application
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$20,000–$25,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Out-of-state first-year admits only. UVM does not publish a GPA cutoff — the Presidential goes to the strongest academic performers in the admitted out-of-state class.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Layers with UVM need-based aid, but cannot be combined with the Green and Gold Scholars Award. Presidential is UVM's top merit-only offer for out-of-state students, so if this comes through, you're already at the ceiling of the merit tier.
💡
Strategic Detail
Renewable for up to 4 years (8 semesters). To keep the award, students maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and enroll in at least 12 credits per semester. Renewal is evaluated at the end of each spring semester.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Out-of-state admits at the very top of the class — A-heavy transcripts, rigorous course loads (AP/IB/Honors), and a resume that reads as consistently exceptional across the board. UVM doesn't publish a GPA floor, so treat this as reserved for the strongest academic profiles in the OOS pool.
Automatic
Trustees Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Automatic with admission application
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$10,000–$14,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Out-of-state first-year admits only. UVM does not publish a GPA threshold — the Trustees goes to strong academic profiles just below the Presidential tier.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with UVM need-based aid, but cannot be combined with the Green and Gold Scholars Award. This is the second-highest OOS merit tier — if you're offered Trustees, Presidential was likely just out of reach.
💡
Strategic Detail
Renewable for up to 4 years (8 semesters). Students maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and enroll in at least 12 credits per semester to keep the award. Renewal is evaluated at the end of each spring semester.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Out-of-state admits with outstanding academic performance — one notch below the Presidential ceiling. Think strong A-average transcripts, rigorous coursework, and a well-rounded application, without needing to be at the absolute top of the admitted class.
Automatic
Vermont Scholars Award
📅 Deadline: Automatic with admission application
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$8,000–$10,000/yr
✔ Stackable
Vermont resident first-year admits only. UVM does not publish a GPA cutoff — this award goes to the highest academic performers in the VT admitted class.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with UVM need-based aid, but not combinable with the Green and Gold Scholars Award. If your student is a Green and Gold nominee, they'll receive Green and Gold instead — it's the larger award.
💡
Strategic Detail
Renewable for up to 4 years (8 semesters). Students maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and enroll in at least 12 credits per semester to keep the award. Renewal is evaluated at the end of each spring semester.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Vermont resident first-year admits at the top of the academic pile — the strongest transcripts and course rigor within the VT applicant pool. This is the highest UVM merit tier reserved specifically for Vermont residents outside the Green and Gold pipeline.
Automatic
Patrick Family Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Automatic with admission application
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Vermont resident first-year admits only. No published GPA cutoff — awarded to VT students with outstanding academic performance in the admitted class.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with UVM need-based aid, but cannot be combined with the Green and Gold Scholars Award. Sits just below the Vermont Scholars Award in the VT-resident merit hierarchy.
💡
Strategic Detail
Renewable for up to 4 years (8 semesters). Students maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and enroll in at least 12 credits per semester to keep the award. Renewal is evaluated at the end of each spring semester.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Vermont resident first-year admits with outstanding academic performance — one tier below Vermont Scholars. Strong A-average transcripts and rigorous coursework land students here even if they're not at the very top of the VT pool.
Automatic
Justin Morrill Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Automatic with admission application
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Vermont resident first-year admits only. No published GPA threshold — awarded to VT students with strong academic performance.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks with UVM need-based aid, but cannot be combined with the Green and Gold Scholars Award. This is UVM's entry-tier merit award for Vermont residents — solid academic performance still gets rewarded.
💡
Strategic Detail
Renewable for up to 4 years (8 semesters). Students maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and enroll in at least 12 credits per semester to keep the award. Renewal is evaluated at the end of each spring semester.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Vermont resident first-year admits with strong academic performance — the broadest VT merit tier. Well-prepared students who may not have the very highest GPAs but bring consistent college-prep coursework and solid academic records.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Onlytransfer
Dean's Merit Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Automatic with transfer admission application
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
$5,000–$10,000/yr
✔ Stackable
⚠ Transfer students only — awarded automatically based on the UVM transfer admission application.
🏫 3.5+ GPA🎓 TransferTransfer applicants admitted to UVM. Typically requires 21+ completed college credits with a 3.5+ cumulative GPA; students with fewer credits are reviewed on combined high school and college performance.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot be combined with the Pathway Scholarship — if a student is eligible for both, UVM awards whichever is more beneficial. Stacks with UVM need-based aid otherwise. Vermont residents receive $5,000/year; out-of-state transfers receive $7,000-$10,000/year depending on academic strength.
💡
Strategic Detail
Renewable for up to 4 years (8 semesters) or until graduation, whichever comes first. Students maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and enroll in at least 12 credits per semester. Renewal is evaluated at the end of each spring semester.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Transfer students with the strongest academic records — typically 21+ college credits completed with at least a 3.5 cumulative GPA. Students with fewer credits get reviewed on both their high school and college performance combined.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Onlytransferpipeline
Pathway Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Automatic with transfer admission application
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 3 yrs)
$6,000–$12,000/yr
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Only for transfers entering UVM through an approved Pathway articulation agreement; cannot be combined with the Dean's Merit Scholarship.
🏫 2.8+ GPA🎓 TransferTransfer applicants admitted through a UVM Pathway articulation agreement. Requires a 2.8+ cumulative GPA in all prior college work.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot be combined with the Dean's Merit Scholarship — UVM awards whichever is more beneficial if a student qualifies for both. The Pathway pays out for 3 years (6 semesters), so the total value depends on how close to graduation the student is when they transfer in.
💡
Strategic Detail
Renewable for up to 3 years (6 semesters) or until graduation, whichever comes first. Vermont residents receive $6,000/year and out-of-state transfers receive $12,000/year. Students maintain enrollment in at least 12 credits per semester to keep the award.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Transfer students entering UVM through an approved Pathway articulation agreement with a partner community college or institution. The GPA threshold is comparatively accessible at 2.8, making this one of UVM's most reachable transfer awards.
Automatic⚠ Transfer Onlytransferidentity
Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Automatic with transfer admission application
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
⚠ Out-of-state community college transfers with active Phi Theta Kappa membership only; stacks with other UVM merit awards.
🎓 TransferOut-of-state transfer students from a community college with active Phi Theta Kappa membership. Proof of PTK membership required with the admission application.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stacks on top of other UVM merit scholarships — including Dean's Merit or Pathway — which makes it a nice bonus for eligible community college transfers. Also stacks with UVM need-based aid.
💡
Strategic Detail
Renewable for up to 4 years (8 semesters) or until graduation, whichever comes first. Students maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA and enroll in at least 12 credits per semester. Proof of Phi Theta Kappa membership must be submitted with the admission application.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Out-of-state transfer students coming into UVM from a community college with active Phi Theta Kappa membership. If your student earned PTK at their community college, this $2,000 rider stacks on top of their main UVM merit award.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Does UVM use weighted or unweighted GPA?
UVM uses your weighted GPA as reported on your high school transcript, which can include honors/AP points. They do not recalculate GPA themselves.
Are test scores required for automatic scholarships?
No. UVM is test-optional for admission, automatic merit, and the Honors College. Your GPA is what counts. Test scores may only factor into a few specialty or competitive awards requiring a separate application.
Can in-state students receive these scholarships too?
Not typically. The listed automatic scholarships are mainly for out-of-state students. Vermont residents are usually offered separate aid and scholarship programs through UVM and the state.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships at UVM
UVM offers a handful of competitive scholarships for top applicants. These awards often require an extra essay or nomination, and may take test scores into account if submitted—though most are still test-optional. Special consideration is given to Vermont residents for some of these named scholarships.
Full TuitionAutomaticgeographicpipelinehonors
Green and Gold Scholars Award
📅 Deadline: Nomination timeline set by each eligible high school; typically end of junior year
✓ Renews (3 GPA, 4 yrs)
Full Tuition
full in-state tuition
✘ Not stackable
⚠ Only Vermont residents nominated by their eligible Vermont (or select border) high school as the top academic student in the junior class; cannot be combined with other UVM merit awards.
👥 ~One per eligible high school winners/yrVermont residents attending an eligible Vermont public or select private high school, or select border high schools. Nominated by the high school at the end of junior year — students cannot self-apply. Includes automatic invitation to the Patrick Leahy Honors College.
✚
Stacking & Combining
Cannot be combined with any other UVM merit scholarship. Because Green and Gold covers full in-state tuition for four years (currently valued at over $67,000), it's the top of the pyramid for Vermont residents — even top Vermont Scholars recipients yield to this award.
💡
Strategic Detail
Full in-state tuition for 4 years (8 semesters), currently valued at over $67,000 total. Includes an invitation to UVM's Patrick Leahy Honors College. Renewal requires 12+ credits per semester and a 3.0 cumulative GPA, evaluated each spring.
🕵
Who Actually Wins
One Vermont resident student at each eligible high school — chosen by the school as the most academically talented member of the junior class. Selection criteria vary by school, but the profile is consistently the strongest transcript and course rigor in the graduating class.
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
Do you need to submit test scores for competitive scholarships?
Most competitive scholarships at UVM are still test-optional. Submitting strong ACT or SAT scores may help in close decisions or for certain select opportunities. If you submit, UVM uses your superscore.
Can out-of-state students win these scholarships?
Yes, but many named awards, such as Green & Gold or Patrick Family, are reserved for Vermont residents. Out-of-state students are typically considered for merit and Honors College invites.
Do competitive awards stack with automatic merit scholarships?
In many cases, yes. An Honors College invitation or certain named scholarships can be stacked with your automatic merit offer. Always check your official aid package for the final answer in your case.
💎 Hidden Gem Scholarships at UVM
These scholarships aren’t always highlighted on the main admissions page—but can make a meaningful difference, especially for first-generation, military-affiliated, or creatively involved students.
App Required
First-Generation Student Scholarship
📅 Deadline: Jan–Feb (priority FAFSA)
✓ Renews
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with main merit aid
📄
How to Apply
May require FAFSA and short essay; application through Student Financial Services
Selection criteria: Need, essay
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Need preferred; awarded by Student Financial Services
🕵
Who Actually Wins
First-generation students with need and strong personal story
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Music Performance Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Feb–Mar (audition cycle)
✓ Renews
$1,000–$4,000/yr
✔ Stackable
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Renewable if student participates in ensemble
📄
How to Apply
Audition required; contact UVM Music Department
Selection criteria: Musicianship, ensemble commitment
💡
Strategic Detail
Open to all majors, must remain active in ensemble
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: Talented musicians active in UVM ensembles
Full TuitionApp Required
Army ROTC Scholarships
📅 Deadline: Dec (national); rolling for campus applications
✓ Renews (4 yrs)
Full Tuition
full tuition + stipend
✔ Stackable
Holistic / Status Based
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with automatic merit but not to exceed COA
📄
How to Apply
Apply through national ROTC process; meet physical/academic requirements
Selection criteria: ROTC selection
💡
Strategic Detail
Full tuition support, plus stipend
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Most winners: New or current ROTC cadets meeting standards
App Required⚠ All Undergrad Only
Community Service Scholarships
📅 Deadline: March 1 (typical, varies by fund)
✓ Renews
🎓 All Undergrad
✚
Stacking & Combining
Stackable with merit aid
📄
How to Apply
Essay or resume required; application via UVM Student Financial Services or department
Selection criteria: Service record
✎ Essays
💡
Strategic Detail
Service and leadership are the main focus, amount and duration vary
🕵
Who Actually Wins
Students with significant volunteer/service in high school
* GPA/test bands are estimates based on official selectivity and prior cohort profiles. "Who Actually Wins" insights are pulled from external peer-sourced data where students and parents have reported real-world award results. Because colleges can change funding thresholds and deadlines at any time, always verify these details with the institution before finalizing your application strategy.
How do I apply for these smaller scholarships?
Some, like music scholarships, require an audition with the Music Department. Others (first-gen, service-based) may require a FAFSA and a short essay or resume. Awards are typically managed by the relevant program, not the central admissions office.
Can these scholarships stack with automatic merit aid?
Most of these awards can stack on top of main merit scholarships. For example, you might receive $15,000/year in automatic aid and another $2,000 for music or service.
Are these awards just for in-state students?
No. Many (such as ROTC and music/arts) are open to in- and out-of-state applicants. Check specifics with each department.
Are there other scholarships we might qualify for that aren’t here?
Yes—once enrolled, many additional small donor and departmental awards are offered (often by faculty nomination or college application). Submitting FAFSA and meeting with your academic advisor can help surface these.
🎓 Departmental Scholarships at UVM:
After you declare a major, UVM departments may award additional scholarships based on grades, involvement, or research. Academic performance matters for these opportunities in your sophomore year and beyond.
🎓 UVM Honors College
UVM’s Honors College provides a close-knit academic environment with small, seminar-style classes, priority course registration, honors housing, and access to research and faculty mentorship across all majors.
All applicants are automatically considered for the Honors College—there’s no extra application or required test scores (though optional scores may be submitted if they strengthen your profile).
This institution does not offer designated Honors College scholarships at this time.
| Feature |
Details |
| Invitation Criteria |
Top 5–10% of admitted students—typically GPA 3.9+ (weighted), AP/IB/dual courses, strong essay |
| Separate Application? |
No—reviewed automatically via admissions |
| Test Scores Required? |
No—Honors selection is test-optional |
| Scholarships Included? |
No direct Honors College scholarship; most invitees also win top UVM merit awards |
| Housing |
Honors living/learning in Central Campus Hall (first year guaranteed for Honors) |
💡 CRP Tip: The Honors College doesn’t come with its own scholarship, but many invitees qualify for Presidential or Trustees Scholarships. These can be combined with other aid to further reduce costs.
Do you have to apply separately to the Honors College?
No—UVM automatically reviews all applicants for Honors invitations; no separate application or essay is required.
What students get invited?
Those with a 3.9+ weighted GPA, rigorous course load (AP, IB, dual), and a thoughtful essay. UVM looks for evidence of academic curiosity, not just raw numbers.
Does Honors housing cost more?
Not meaningfully. Honors housing is in new, centrally located halls that include study spaces and strong community support, but you pay regular room and board based on your residence.
Can Honors students get other scholarships?
Yes—most Honors invitees also receive UVM’s top automatic merit awards (Presidential/Trustees) and may also qualify for donor, departmental, or outside scholarships.
⭐ College Specialty
The University of Vermont blends the feel of a classic New England flagship with a strong environmental and health sciences identity. Families often know UVM for its location in Burlington and its outdoorsy culture—but academically, it stands out in environmental studies, health professions, neuroscience, and sustainable agriculture. As a public research university with deep ties to Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains, UVM integrates hands-on research, sustainability, and community health into many of its strongest programs.
Nationally Known Focus:
Environmental & Sustainability Studies (Rubenstein School of Environment & Natural Resources) — one of the university’s signature strengths, with nationally recognized programs in environmental science, wildlife biology, and sustainable development. Students benefit from field research opportunities tied directly to Vermont’s ecosystems and climate initiatives.
- Nursing & Health Sciences: The College of Nursing and Health Sciences is highly regarded in the region, with strong NCLEX pass rates and clinical placements across Vermont and northern New England.
- Neuroscience & Biological Sciences: Backed by active research funding and lab opportunities, UVM’s neuroscience and biology programs attract students interested in pre-med and biomedical research pathways.
- Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems: Vermont’s agricultural identity is reflected in UVM’s programs, which combine science, policy, and community-based food systems research.
- Business (Grossman School of Business): AACSB-accredited and increasingly recognized for its focus on sustainable business and socially responsible leadership.
📎 Official Links — University of Vermont
💬 Final Thoughts
The University of Vermont combines the feel of a small liberal arts college with the reach of a public research university.
Known for its strengths in environmental science, health, and education, UVM offers a supportive academic environment in one of the country’s most beautiful college towns.
Automatic scholarships for strong out-of-state students help make this New England flagship surprisingly affordable.
For families looking for a balance of academic challenge, personal attention, and quality of life, UVM is a top-tier choice.
Was this helpful? Share it with another parent who’s comparing college costs!
Back to top ↑
