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Frequently Asked Questions
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Vermont Grants
What grants can I apply for online?
You can apply online through your MyVSAC account for the Vermont Incentive Grants and an Advancement Grant (previously the Vermont Non-Degree Grant).
Do I need an account number to apply for a Vermont grant?
No, you don't need an account number to apply for a Vermont grant. Create a MyVSAC account or log in to your existing account. Once logged in, click on "Work with Grants."
I'm a Vermont resident. Am I eligible for a Vermont grant if I go to a school outside Vermont?
Yes, Vermont grants are "portable," meaning they can be used at any approved school within or outside Vermont.
I’m thinking of transferring to another school. Do I need to reapply for financial aid?
Contact the college you'll be transferring to for information on the financial aid forms you'll be required to submit. Also notify VSAC’s Grant and Scholarship programs of your new school.
Do I need to apply for financial aid every year?
Students must apply for financial aid every year they're in school, whether or not they transfer.
Are grant decisions based solely on income?
No, VSAC looks at a number of factors when determining grant eligibility: income, assets, family size, number of family members in college, the age of the older parent, the cost of the school the student is attending, and several other factors. Grades do not enter into grant decisions.
How do I check the status of my Vermont grant?
Log in to your MyVSAC account and click on "Work with Grants." You’ll see your To-Do List, which will let you know about any remaining information that VSAC needs. To check your eligibility or disbursement status, click on "View Awards."
Can I email my tax return and W-2s to you?
Email is not a secure form of communication, so we don’t recommend that you email your tax return. You can upload your tax return and W-2s through MyVSAC by clicking on the Tax Return or W-2 link on your Grant To-Do List.
I submitted my federal income tax return, but you're asking for my W-2s. What are W-2s?
Your W-2s are the wage statements that your employer sends to you so you can complete your federal income tax return. They're used to verify the wage amounts reported on your tax return.
I submitted the required information yesterday. When will my account be updated?
Once you submit required documents, it can take up to 3 business days for your account to reflect the documents as received. Your application will then be reviewed for eligibility 7–10 business days after the documents are entered onto your account.
How do I add a course to my Advacement (non-degree) Grant application?
Please call or email us to request a form to add a course to your Advancement (non-degree) Grant application.
My class is already over. Is it too late to apply for an Advancement (non-degree) Grant?
It isn't too late, as long as funding is available. You may apply for an Advancement (non-degree) Grant for a course that you've already completed, as long as the course began in the academic year for which funding is still available.
When will my grant be disbursed to my school?
Your grant will be disbursed to your school once your school verifies your enrollment for the term or your class. Your school will verify your enrollment online through its MyVSAC account once the term or your class begins.
I made a mistake on my application. How do I fix it?
Please send a letter or e-mail to VSAC briefly describing the error and providing the correct information. Please don’t attempt to complete a new application.
My family’s income has gone down. What should I do?
Send a letter or e-mail to VSAC describing your situation. VSAC can consider your family’s reduced income. You should also contact your school’s financial aid office separately.
How do I change my school?
In the Work with Grants section of MyVSAC, click on “View/Update Schools” under My Schools. Click the “Remove School” button next to the schools you want to remove and follow the prompts.
To add a school to your list, click the “Add a School” tab. When searching for a school, the best rule is “less is more.” For example, if you want to add Community College of Vermont, simply type Community in the “Name (contains):” box, and select the correct state from the “State” drop-down box. Click the “Add School” button next to the school(s) you want to add and follow the prompts.
My to-do list says my parents need to complete a worksheet; why can’t I open it?
Some worksheets can’t be completed online and therefore need to be completed on paper. Please watch your postal mail for a letter from VSAC.
There's nothing on my to-do list, but VSAC sent me an e-mail. What should I do?
At the time the e-mail was sent to you, there was something on your to-do list. If your to-do list is now empty, nothing further is needed at this time.
How does my school find out I have a Vermont grant?
Just like each student, your school has a MyVSAC account. The administrator can sign in and view the status of your grant application, including your award amount.
My school wants something in writing that says I’ve been awarded this grant.
VSAC and your school communicate your grant status online, through MyVSAC. Please have your school view your award online. You can also print a copy of your View Awards page and provide it to your school.
When will my Vermont grant be sent to my school?
When classes begin for each term, VSAC sends your school an e-mail prompting the school to verify enrollment and financial aid for each student receiving a Vermont grant at their school. Once they verify enrollment, the funds will be sent to your school.
Why was my Vermont grant reduced?
There are many reasons why your eligibility may have changed. Reasons for changes are displayed in the View Awards tab. Click on the red question mark in the status column for details. Call us if you have questions regarding your eligibility.
I just completed my FAFSA, but my to-do list says you still need it. Why?
VSAC begins downloading FAFSAs in mid-October. VSAC will receive your FAFSA within 7 business days after it is processed. Be sure you listed your state of legal residence as Vermont.
My to-do list says you’re missing something from my school. What do you need?
Commonly, VSAC is waiting for a school to complete a budget-related task. We’re in communication with your school via MyVSAC in order to obtain the necessary information.
If my school is not on the drop-down list what do I do?
When searching for your school, make sure the state you selected is correct. Also, sometimes school names are shortened—Vermont may be VT. If you still can’t find your school, enter your school name in the “Add a School” section and select the correct “School State” from the drop-down. The next screen will allow you to enter more information, including a mailing address, phone number, and e-mail address.