Vermont National Guard Tuition Benefit Program
A program to increase the number of active National Guard in Vermont
Are you looking for a career that's rewarding, challenging, and serves your community and country? Joining the Vermont National Guard offers unique opportunities to develop skills that last a lifetime.
National Guard members receive training in various fields, from engineering to medical support, along with tuition assistance, potential student loan repayment, and healthcare benefits. The National Guard provides part-time service options, allowing members to pursue civilian careers or education while serving.
Some key roles include:
- Aviation Maintenance
- Cybersecurity Specialist
- Combat Medic
- Engineering & Construction
- Emergency Response
- Logistics Specialist
- Communications Operator
Vermont National Guard Tuition Benefit Program
Established by the Vermont Legislature in 1999 and updated in 2018, the Vermont National Guard Tuition Benefit Program provides tuition coverage (amount varies by institution and program) for active Vermont National Guard members in good standing (as defined by the Vermont National Guard), regardless of residency. The goal of this program is to recruit and retain high-quality Vermont National Guard members.
Workforce development funding for this program is limited and is awarded to qualifying students on a first-come, first-served basis until all available funds are awarded.
Awards are forgiven when you sign an agreement and complete the following work obligations:
- Complete 2 years of service (after the benefit is first disbursed) in the VTNG for each full academic year the award is disbursed
- Members participating on less than a full-time basis must complete one month of service (after the benefit is first disbursed) for each credit hour attempted, not to exceed 12 months of service for a single semester.
- Members participating in training programs must complete 6 months of service (after the benefit is first disbursed) for each credential earned and 1 month for every credit hour for certificates.
Note: You must attend a Vermont university, college (unless the degree program is not available in Vermont), or an eligible training institution for a non-degree, certificate training, or continuing education program. The National Guard training program does not have to be in Vermont.
Vermont National Guard Tuition Benefit Program FAQ
- Who is eligible?
Active members in good standing (as defined by the Vermont National Guard) of the Vermont National Guard that:
- Are Vermont or non-Vermont residents
- Have successfully completed basic training
- Exhausted any post 9/11/2011 tuition benefits and other federally funded military tuition assistance. The following are not included:
- Montgomery GI Bill benefits
- post-September 11, 2001 educational program housing allowances
- federal educational entitlements
- National Guard scholarship grants
- loans under the National Guard Educational Assistance Program, and
- other non-tuition benefits
- Are not in default on a federal education loan
- Attend a Vermont university, college (unless the degree program is not available in Vermont), or an eligible training institution for a non-degree, certificate training, or continuing education program
- Demonstrate satisfactory academic progress
- How much is the award?
The award amount varies based on your enrollment and chosen college. It can cover up to full tuition at Vermont State University or UVM, or up to UVM's tuition rate if attending a Vermont private college or an out-of-state institution.
Note: This tuition benefit exclusively covers tuition. If you receive other grants or scholarships that partially or fully cover your tuition, the award amount will be adjusted, and the school will need to return any excess funds to VSAC.
- What period does this cover?
Funding awarded will be applied towards the costs of programs you attend during the 2026-2027 academic year (July 1, 2026-June 30, 2027).
- When should I apply?
Funding is limited and not guaranteed. The postmark deadline was February 11, 2026, to submit the Unified Scholarship Application (USA) and all required documents. Awards are determined on a first-come, first-served basis, as long as funding is available. Those who apply by the postmark deadline will be considered first, in the order applications were received. For more information on eligibility and required documents, review the Scholarships & Forgivable Loans for Vermonters booklet.
- How do I apply?
- For detailed information about this tuition benefit program and the application process, review the Scholarships for Vermonters booklet.
- Complete the Unified Scholarship Application online through your MyVSAC account, click on "Work with Scholarships & Tuition Benefit Programs", look for “Submit Application” and “Unified Scholarship Application (USA)” and follow the instructions.
- VNGTBP Certification Form. Guard members work with their Guard Education Office to complete and submit the VNGTBP Certification Form.
- How will I know the status of my application?
Log into your MyVSAC account and click on "Work with Scholarships & Tuition Benefit Programs" to check the status of your application.
- What is a tuition benefit program?
The State of Vermont offers several tuition benefit programs to encourage students to enter Vermont's workforce in specific high-demand fields. These unique benefits:
- Are typically interest-free (the Tuition Benefit Agreement will provide the interest rate, if applicable)
- If awarded, require you to
- sign an agreement committing to specific work obligations when you accept the funding
- complete annual verification with the VSAC Scholarship Program each year
- Do not require payment while you're enrolled in the applicable program
- Are “forgiven” — which means that the tuition benefit does not have to be paid back — when you meet the work obligations outlined in the agreement you signed
- Must be repaid if you don't meet the conditions of the Tuition Benefit Agreement – including, but not limited to: not completing the program, not receiving your license, and not working in your field of study, in Vermont, following licensure/completion of program
For example: Mary received $16,000 in a National Guard tuition benefit at UVM. Upon completion of the program, Mary completes 2 years of service. One year later, her service was confirmed and the benefit was forgiven.
- Is other education funding available?
VSAC, the Veterans Administration and other organizations offer scholarships for Vermont military service members.
Additional questions?
If you have additional questions about the program, contact the Education Liaison at the Vermont National Guard. If you questions about your application or status, Contact VSAC or call 888-253-4819.