Free Tuition at CCV (Yes, really.)

For students with a family income of $50,000 or less.

VSAC and the Community College of Vermont have teamed up to offer Vermonters with a family income of $50,000 or less the opportunity to attend CCV tuition free.

Funded by the Vermont Legislature, the 802 Opportunity is open to new or returning students of any age, starting in the fall of 2021 and continuing for two academic years.  

Choose from 33 flexible programs. Day and evening classes. In person or online. 

Get the training you need for the job you want.

The high-demand, high-pay jobs in Vermont require college or training.

An associate degree or certificate from CCV can provide the knowledge and skills you’ll need to pursue a higher paying job, advance in the job you have, or build a foundation for further study.  

For instance …

  • an Early Childhood Education associate of arts (A.A.) degree helps students develop knowledge, skills, and experience to work effectively with young children and families.
  • an Information Technology associate of science (A.S.) degree prepares students for the exciting and ever-changing field of information technology.
  • a Pharmacy Technician certificate prepares students to work as a pharmacy technician under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
  • a Workplace Skills certificate provides students with the skills necessary to be successful in today's workplace: good communication, problem solving, critical thinking, and decision making.

Explore all CCV programs here.

Finish what you started. Complete your associate degree.

If you have some college credits but have not finished your degree, now is the perfect time to finish what you started, tuition free.  

CCV offers associate degree programs leading to associate of arts (A.A.) and associate of science (A.S.) degrees. And with CCV’s transfer agreements within the Vermont State College System and schools such as UVM, students can apply their associate-program credits toward bachelor’s degrees.  

Consider this opportunity: If you start a CCV program in the fall of 2021, you could attain a two-year associate degree (or the first two years of a bachelor’s degree if you transfer from CCV to another college), entirely tuition-free.

Flexible programs with your busy life in mind.

CCV offers 11 associate degree programs and 22 certificate programs with day and evening classes. Some programs can be completed entirely online.  

Spring classes start on January 24, 2022. 


WHO IS ELIGIBLE?  

Vermont residents of any age whose family adjusted gross income is $50,000 or less as reflected on their FAFSA. New or returning CCV students are eligible.

See the FAQs below for other eligibility criteria or contact the VSAC grant department by email or by phone at 800-882-4166.

 

WHEN CAN I TAKE COURSES?  

The program covers courses beginning in fall 2021 as well as spring classes start on January 24, 2022. 

 

WHAT COSTS ARE COVERED?

Tuition for eligible students is covered in full when the 802 Opportunity grant is combined with federal and state grants. 

The $100 CCV administrative fee is also covered by the program.

Other costs, such as textbooks, materials, or other fees are not covered and will be the responsibility of the student.

Check the course descriptions and contact CCV by email or by phone at 800-228-6686 for more information.

 

HOW DOES IT WORK?

  1. Complete a FAFSA and the Vermont grant application through VSAC.
  2. Apply for Admission at CCV (if you haven't already).
  3. Explore courses and register for classes.
  4. VSAC will work with CCV to pay the tuition and administrative fee. 

QUESTIONS about eligibility or how to complete the FAFSA or Vermont grant? Contact the VSAC grant department by email or by phone at 800-882-4166.

QUESTIONS about how to apply to CCV or how to register for classes? Contact CCV by email or by phone at 800-228-6686.

 

You may also be eligible for other tuition-free and scholarship programs

This year, the State of Vermont is offering millions of dollars in scholarships, free tuition, and other financial aid opportunities at the Vermont State Colleges, including CCV.

A full list of programs can be found here. There's never been a better time to pursue college or training in Vermont! 

 

Frequently Asked Questions 

Who is eligible?

A student is eligible for the 802 Opportunity grant if:

  • they are a Vermont resident
  • they are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • they are pursuing an associate degree or certificate at CCV
  • they have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a Vermont grant application 
  • the student's and/or the family's adjusted gross income is $50,000 or less as reported on the FAFSA
  • they are a high school graduate or equivalent
  • they do not already have a bachelor's degree
  • if already enrolled at CCV, the student is making Satisfactory Academic Progress
  • they are not in default on an education loan
I am already enrolled at CCV. Am I eligible?

Yes. Returning CCV students who meet the eligibility criteria will now be able to attend CCV tuition free.

Who do I call with questions about eligibility?

Contact the VSAC grant department by email or phone at 800-882-4166 Mon – Fri 8:00am – 4:30pm.

How do I complete a FAFSA and Vermont grant application?

A student must complete both a FAFSA and a Vermont grant application to determine eligibility. If you have any questions about either of these forms, contact the VSAC grant department by email or phone at 800-882-4166 Mon – Fri 8:00am – 4:30pm.

When will I know if I will receive the 802 Opportunity grant?

VSAC will notify you of your eligibility after you have completed these steps:

  1. Complete the FAFSA
  2. Complete the Vermont grant application
  3. Apply for Admission at CCV
  4. Explore courses and register for classes
How do I apply for the 802 Opportunity program?

There isn’t a separate application for the 802 Opportunity program. To qualify, complete these steps:

  1. Complete the FAFSA
  2. Complete the Vermont grant application
  3. Apply for Admission at CCV
  4. Explore courses and register for classes
  5. VSAC will work with CCV to pay the tuition and enrollment fee
What can I study?

CCV offers 11 associate degree programs and 22 certificate programs with day and evening classes. Some programs can be completed entirely online.

When is the deadline to enroll in a degree program at CCV?

Fall 2021 classes begin Sept 7, 2021. Visit CCV’s academic calendar for dates and deadlines.

What costs are covered?

Tuition for eligible students is covered in full when the 802 Opportunity grant is combined with the federal Pell grant, the Vermont state grant and the Green Mountain Grad. The $100 CCV administrative fee is also covered. Course fees and textbooks are not covered. Check course descriptions and contact CCV for more information. 

Are textbooks, course fees or other non-tuition expenses included?

No. The program covers tuition and the $100 CCV administrative fee for eligible students.

I already have a bachelor’s degree. Am I eligible?

No. Refer to Who is eligible? above.

I’m in default on an education loan. Am I eligible?

Not as long as you are in default. However, VSAC may be able to help. A VSAC EOC counselor can work with you directly to help you determine whether you can remove your loans from default and regain your eligibility for federal and state aid, including 802 Opportunity. Contact VSAC at 877-961-4369 to be connected to a counselor in your area.

How will the 802 Opportunity grant impact my eligibility for other sources of aid, including my federal financial aid package?

The value of 802 Opportunity is factored into the total financial assistance you are eligible for under federal regulations. For more details and how this might impact your aid, speak with your local financial aid counselor at CCV.

What if I don’t have transportation?

CCV offers 12 locations in Vermont and the Center for Online Learning with hundreds of online courses to choose from. If you have a laptop and internet connection where you live, online courses let you access your education without needing to travel. Some programs can be completed entirely online.

What if I don’t have broadband internet?

Please speak with your local financial aid counselor at CCV about options for assistance with internet, technology, and computer access. They will work with you to ensure that you have the tools you need to be successful.