The best student loan might be closer to home

When it’s time to pay for college or training, many students and families start looking at national lenders. Big names and big banks may dominate search results, but if you’re a student or parent, the best loan option for students may actually be right here at home.

Why local matters when choosing a student loan 

As you compare student loans, don’t just look at interest rates—consider who the lender is and what they stand for. National private lenders serve borrowers across the country, but they often serve their shareholders first.  That’s where VSAC (Vermont Student Assistance Corporation) is different. VSAC is a nonprofit, Vermont-based organization. We don’t serve shareholders—we serve students and families. Every dollar we earn is reinvested into our mission: helping students plan, pay, and save for education and career training.

More than loans: Our commitment to families

When you borrow from VSAC, you’re doing more than just covering a tuition bill—you’re supporting the mission of a 60-year institution that helps thousands of families each year. Here’s some of our recent and ongoing work.

Grant and scholarship support

• In the 2023–2024 academic year, 12,246 Vermont students received VSAC education grants totaling over $22.4 million.
• We administered 4,879 scholarships and forgivable loans worth over $18.2 million.

Loan services you can trust

• VSAC issued $38 million in student and parent loans and continues to service over $419 million in private loans.
• Our borrower benefits have saved students and families $183 million since 1995.
• VSAC provides free loan counseling to help you borrow smart and plan repayment with confidence.

Vermont-Based 529 college savings plan

• More than 29,000 accounts hold over $673 million invested for future education through VSAC’s VT529 college savings plan.

Personalized outreach and support

• Our outreach teams support over 5,900 first-generation or modest-income students through mentoring and counseling programs throughout Vermont.
• We host in-person and online events that serve thousands of Vermonters each year, helping families understand the financial aid process.
• We work with middle and high school students through initiatives like GEAR UP, helping them explore careers and plan for college or training.

Student loans for all types of learners

VSAC offers loan options for:

• Full- and part-time undergraduate students
• Graduate and professional students
• Parents looking for private college loans
• Adult learners returning to school or job training 

No matter which college, in or outside the state, you’re planning to attend, if you’re a Vermont resident or if you or your parents/guardian live in Vermont, VSAC has a private student loan option that fits. And if you’re moving to the Green Mountain State for your education goals, our student and parent loans can help you too.

Where to apply for student loans

Before deciding on a  lenders, start your search close to home. VSAC offers student loans with options to fit your situation. We offer flexible repayment plans, loans for students and parents, no origination fees, and fixed rates ranging from 5.26%* to 9.48% APR (*with the 0.25% auto-debit discount).

Plus, we’re here to help you borrow only what you need—and nothing more. We call it Know More. Borrow Less.

Bottom line: Choose a loan with you in mind

You have choices when it comes to student loans. But the best loan options for students and families aren’t always the ones with the flashiest ads or biggest names.

They’re the ones that offer:

• Transparent, competitive rates
• Personalized customer service
• A mission that puts students first

Explore VSAC Student Loans