🎓 Vermont State Grants & Scholarships for College
What financial aid can your kid get from Vermont—without taking on massive debt? This page breaks it down in plain English.
🎁 Types of Aid | 📝 How to Apply | ❓ FAQs | 🏫 Vermont Public Colleges
🎁 What Aid Does Vermont Offer?
Vermont doesn’t just offer one grant—it runs multiple programs based on where your kid goes to school and what type of education they’re pursuing. The **Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC)** manages all state aid and requires its own applications on top of the FAFSA.
| Program | Type | Who It Helps | Notes / Extra Steps |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont Grant | Need-based | Full-time & part-time undergrads | Must file FAFSA + separate VSAC application |
| Advancement Grant | Need-based | Non-degree & certificate programs | Short-term training; apply through MyVSAC |
| Nursing Forgivable Loan | State workforce loan | Nursing students (LPN, RN, APRN) | Forgiven with in-state service; requires USA via MyVSAC |
| Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Loan | Graduate loan program | PMHNP students | Forgiven with full-time in-state work |
| Dentist Forgivable Loan | Medical workforce | Dental students | Up to $50K/year; must practice in VT post-graduation |
| VSAC Scholarships & Loan Programs | Various | Broad pool of majors | Submit USA app through MyVSAC; >150 awards available |
| Curtis Training Scholarship | Workforce grant | Short-term certificate seekers | Apply via EOC/Adult Ed counselor |
📝 How to Apply
- Submit the FAFSA. Opens October 1 at studentaid.gov
- Create a MyVSAC account. Go to my.vsac.org and register
- Complete the Vermont Grant application and/or Unified Scholarship Application (USA).
- Upload any requested tax documents. VSAC will notify you in MyVSAC if anything’s missing
Pro tip: Apply early! While there’s no hard deadline, funds are limited and some programs (like forgivable loans) have their own application timelines. Start in October through February for the best shot.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Does Vermont use the FAFSA?
Yes — Vermont requires the FAFSA to determine financial need, just like federal aid does. But you also need to submit a separate application through MyVSAC to actually receive state aid.
Do I have to submit anything beyond the FAFSA?
Yes. Vermont requires a separate state grant application through my.vsac.org. For scholarships or forgivable loans, you’ll often need to complete the Unified Scholarship Application (USA) and upload tax documents.
What’s the deadline to apply for Vermont grants?
There’s no firm cutoff — but funds are limited. VSAC recommends applying between October and February for the best shot. Forgivable loan programs have their own deadlines (often spring/summer), so check MyVSAC regularly.
Can I use Vermont grants at out-of-state colleges?
Sometimes. The main Vermont Grant can be used at many eligible out-of-state colleges. You’ll need to check if your college participates in the program. Here’s the list.
Can my kid use Vermont aid at private colleges in Vermont?
Usually not. The Vermont Grant only applies to public colleges in Vermont or approved schools out of state. Most forgivable loans and workforce programs follow similar rules.
What’s a forgivable loan?
It’s a loan you don’t have to repay — if your kid meets the conditions (like working in Vermont after graduation). If they leave the state or change fields, they may owe part or all of it back. It’s important to read the fine print before accepting one.
What are the work commitments for forgivable loans?
Most require full-time work in Vermont for a certain number of years. For example, the Nursing Forgivable Loan is forgiven over 1–2 years of in-state service, depending on the degree. If your kid doesn’t follow through, repayment kicks in — so make sure they’re committed to the field and location.
Can homeschooled or nontraditional students qualify?
Yes — Vermont’s grants and scholarships are open to homeschooled, adult, and part-time students. If your kid is taking a nontraditional path, reach out to VSAC’s Education Opportunity Center for 1-on-1 guidance.
🏫 Vermont Public Universities
Download our College Offer Comparison Sheet (PDF) to make sense of costs, aid, and out-of-pocket totals.
📝 What To Do Next
- ✅ Submit FAFSA and create a MyVSAC account
- ✅ Complete the Vermont Grant or Advancement Grant application
- ✅ Check eligibility for any forgivable loans (like nursing or dental)
- ✅ Ask your kid’s college if they’ve received the state grant yet
- ✅ Build a Brag Sheet and prep essays for other VSAC scholarships