Financial Aid Videos

We understand the importance of a smooth transition from high school to higher education or career training, and we're here to ensure you don't miss a beat. VSAC’s commitment to your success is reflected in our collection of live-recorded financial aid workshops available throughout the year.

Navigating the world of financial aid and college costs can be tricky, but you’re not alone. We’ve turned to our expert team to support families, answer questions, and share all the details for a successful financial aid journey.

Our list of college and career training planning videos and resources meet you at every stage of the planning process, providing valuable insights and detailed instructions. It’s never too early (or late) to start refining your strategy with our financial aid videos. Get the answers you need to feel empowered and guided toward a successful college and career training journey.

Financial Aid & Managing College Costs Video

Financial Aid & Managing College Costs presentation

Learn about managing college costs and the types of financial aid available to your family.

View the 2023 Financial Aid & Managing College Costs financial aid video session

View or download the companion slide presentation

Download relevant Financial Aid and Managing Career Cost PDFs

Managing College Costs workshop handout (PDF)
VSAC's financial aid brochure (PDF)
High School Junior Year Planning Checklist (PDF)
High School Senior Year Planning Checklist (PDF)

How to Fill Out Your FAFSA

Watch the Federal Student Aid's Youtube video: Start Your 2024–25 FAFSA® Form
Watch the Federal Student Aid's Youtube video: How to Create an FSA ID for StudentAid.gov

Filing a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the starting point for:

federal grant programs, such as Pell grants
state grants and scholarships, and
college/university grants and scholarships

The FAFSA is free to file, and is worth your time. If you don’t know what you want to do after high school, or you don’t believe you’ll qualify for financial aid, you should still file a FAFSA. Filing an FAFSA offers a clearer picture of how you can cover future education expenses.

Download key FAFSA PDFs:

VSAC's Forms Workshop Summary (PDF)
Q&As from the webinar
High School Senior Year Planning Checklist (PDF)
VSAC's 2024-2025 FAFSA Filing Guide (PDF)
Creating and Using the FSA ID (PDF)
My Education Loans, VSAC's guide to education loans (PDF)

How to Apply for Grants & Scholarships

VSAC walks you through completing the Vermont state grant application, question-by-question. We also show you how to apply for any of the 150+ VSAC-assisted scholarships.

Grants and scholarships are free aid that don’t need to be repaid.

There are three main grants:

state grants
federal grants
college grants

Scholarships are student aid offered by different groups, organizations, and even individuals. Many students qualify for at least one scholarship during their education lifetime.

Watch our most up-to-date Applying for Grants and Scholarships financial aid video

Please note: Although the deadline has passed for all VSAC-assisted scholarships, students can still apply for the scholarships that are administered by other organizations. Refer to the "Other Scholarships" section on pages 47–62 of the VSAC scholarship booklet for all deadlines through July 30th.

Here are some key grants and scholarship resources:

VSAC PDFs

VSAC Links

How to Choose a Student Loan

You’ve gotten your free federal aid, applied for state grants, and maybe have some scholarships set. You’ve looked at your savings, but you still come up short on what you’ll need to pay. That’s where student loans come in.

For more than 50 years, Vermont families have trusted VSAC as their source for information, counseling, financial aid, and loans to achieve their education goals.

Learn the ins and outs of choosing the best student loan for your situation.

Watch our most up-to-date student loan video:

Additional student loan resources:

My Education Loans, VSAC's guide to student loans (PDF)
Learn what to look for and how your choices can help reduce the amount you’ll repay.
What to consider to make your decision.

Interest rates change annually. View VSAC's current fixed interest rate loans.