A college education has become a significant expense for most families and requires careful planning. Whatever your financial situation is, we encourage you to use this information to help you understand college funding so you can navigate the financial aid process with greater ease.

State Financial Aid

States provide many financial aid opportunities to help ease the cost of a college education. Please select the state you reside in to learn about state sponsored internships, scholarships and financial aid programs for undergraduate students and assistantships, fellowships, and residency programs for graduate and professional students.

STATE OF VERMONT FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS

For more detailed information on state financial aid programs contact:

Vermont Student Assistance Corporation

P.O. Box 2000

Champlain Mill

Winooski, VT 05404

General Information (802) 655-3798

Toll-free 800-253-4819

http://services.vsac.org/wps/wcm/connect/vsac/vsac/pay+for+college

The following are financial aid programs available to students who are residents of the state of Vermont.

Vermont Incentive Grants

Any Vermonter who plans to attend college full-time, and doesn’t already have a bachelor’s degree, is eligible to apply for a Vermont Incentive grant. The grants are based on financial need, and range from $500 to $10,600. The grants can be used at schools both within and outside Vermont. To apply, complete a “Financial Aid Packet for Vermont Students,” which is available from schools or VSAC. (Completing this application is a good start in applying for all available grant funds, whether from the state of Vermont, the federal government, or the college you’ll be attending.) You can also complete financial aid applications online.

Vermont Part-Time Grants

Any Vermonter accepted or enrolled in an undergraduate degree, diploma, or certificate program is eligible to apply for a Part-Time Grant. Applicants must be taking fewer than 12 credits per semester and not have received a bachelor’s degree. The size of awards, which are based on need, varies depending on credit hours. Applications are available at college financial aid offices or VSAC.

Vermont Non-Degree Grants

Any Vermonter enrolled in any non-degree course that will improve employability or encourage further study is eligible to apply for a Non-Degree Grant. The grants are based on financial need, and in the 2013-14 school year ranged up to 0. Applications are available at Vermont Department of Employment and Training offices, vocational centers, other schools, and VSAC.

Vermont Higher Education Investment Plan

The Vermont Higher Education Investment Plan was established by the Vermont Legislature and signed into law by Gov. Howard Dean in April 1998. The Plan is designed to encourage Vermonters to invest for college or other post-high school programs. Investors can contribute even small amounts, and favorable tax treatment may help boost growth of contributions and earnings.

The Plan is managed on behalf of the State of Vermont by the Vermont Student Assistance Corp., a public nonprofit corporation created by the state in 1965 to provide Vermonters with the information and financial assistance they need for education beyond high school. TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing, Inc. (TFI) is investment manager for two of the Plan’s three savings Options (the Managed Allocation Option and the 100% Equity Option), as well as program administrator for the other Option (the Interest Income Option). TFI is part of TIAA-CREF, a New York-based financial services organization with more than 80 years of experience and more than $250 billion in assets under management.

NOTE: Changes to federal tax laws effective Jan. 1, 2012 make the Vermont Higher Education Savings Plan an even more attractive investment option.

You can get more information about the Plan by calling 1-800-637-5860 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Emily Lester Vermont Opportunity Scholarship

If you are, or were, under the custody of the Vermont Department for Children and Families (formerly Social and Rehabilitation Services), you may qualify for scholarships established to help you pay for college.

Applicant Must:

  • Be between the ages of 18 and 24
  • Be or have been under the custody of the Vermont Commissioner of Children and Families for at least six months between the ages of 16 and 18
  • Be enrolled in an undergraduate degree program at a Vermont college or university.

How to Apply

Applicant must complete:

  • An application form
  • A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • A Vermont State Grant Application.

If you need help with the application have questions contact a VSAC counselor by calling 888-253-4819 or send an email to info@vsac.org

Vermont Chafee Education and Training Scholarship

If you are, or were, under the custody of the Vermont Department for Children and Families (formerly Social and Rehabilitation Services), you may qualify for scholarships established to help you pay for college.

Applicant Must:

  • Be 21 years of age or younger
  • Be or have been under the custody of the Vermont Commissioner of Children and Families through their 18th birthday OR adopted from foster care after turning 16
  • Be enrolled in a U.S. Department of Education-approved college or career school (in Vermont or out-of-state)

How to Apply

Applicant must complete:

  • An application form
  • A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • A Vermont State Grant Application.

If you need help with the application have questions contact a VSAC counselor by calling 888-253-4819 or send an email to info@vsac.org