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Freedom & Unity: Free Tuition at Vermont State University

For students with a family income of $65,000 or less.

VSAC and Vermont State University (VTSU) have teamed up to offer Freedom & Unity, an opportunity for Vermont students with a family income of $65,000 or less to attend VTSU tuition free. Freedom & Unity builds upon VTSU’s Free Tuition promise. 

Funded by the Vermont Legislature, Freedom & Unity is open to new or returning students of any age who do not have a bachelor's degree and are enrolled in degree-seeking programs at VTSU.

Students from almost half of Vermont households may now pursue an associate or bachelor’s degree at Vermont State University—tuition-free.

Choose from 100 undergraduate programs offered in-person, in flexible learning formats, and online.

Get the training you need for the job you want.

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

A degree from VTSU 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.  

Choose your path with VTSU's rigorous and rewarding academic programs, in areas like applied technology, engineering, science, healthcare, education, business, psychology, computer science, and the arts.

  • Already have your RN and looking to upskill to your BSN? Continue your nursing education with Vermont State and earn your Bachelor of Science in Nursing through our online nursing degree completion program.
  • Whether you hope to become a software engineer, UI/UX developer, or full-stack developer, you’ll be prepared to enter a rapidly growing field with a variety of career opportunities when you study Software Engineering at VTSU.
  • Perhaps you’re looking for a fulfilling career helping others. VTSU’s Bachelor of Social Work offers four concentrations in different social work settings and students have the opportunity to help local agencies while learning how to provide services to individuals, families, groups, communities, and organizations.

Explore all VTSU programs here.

Explore the VTSU Academic Calendar for registration deadlines, semester start dates and more.

Who is eligible?

Vermont residents of any age who do not have a bachelor’s degree are eligible for tuition support at VTSU based on their family income. 

Building upon the VTSU Free Tuition promise, Freedom & Unity enables full- and part-time students with family income of $65,000 or less to pursue an education at VTSU tuition-free.

New or returning VTSU 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 fall or spring semester courses.

What costs are covered?

General Tuition (for courses registered for by the end of the add/drop period) for eligible students is covered in full when Freedom & Unity is combined with federal, state and institutional grants.

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

Check course descriptions and contact VTSU at: FinancialAid@VermontState.edu. 

How do I apply for Freedom & Unity?

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

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

QUESTIONS about how to apply to VTSU or how to register for classes? Contact VTSU by email or by phone at 888-398-8878.

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 VTSU.

A list of VTSU 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?

Vermont residents of any age are eligible for tuition support at VTSU if they meet the following requirements:

  • are a Vermont resident
  • are pursuing a full- or part-time degree program at VTSU
  • 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 (AGI) is $65,000 or less, as reported on the FAFSA
  • are a high school graduate or equivalent
  • do not have a bachelor's degree
  • if already enrolled at VTSU, the student is making Satisfactory Academic Progress
I am already enrolled at VTSU. Am I eligible?

Yes. Returning VTSU students who meet the eligibility criteria will now be able to attend VTSU 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.

Students who are ineligible to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may be eligible to complete the Vermont Grant Pathway Application or the Advancement Grant Pathway application.

When will I know if I will receive Freedom & Unity funding?

If you are enrolled part-time, 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 VTSU
  4. Explore courses and register for classes

If you are enrolled full-time, contact VTSU’s Financial Aid Office at financialaid@VermontState.edu.

How do I apply for Freedom & Unity?

There isn’t a separate application for Freedom & Unity funding. To qualify, complete these steps:

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

VTSU offers over 100 degree programs. Some programs can be completed entirely online, while others are offered in-person, or in flexible formats that meet your needs.

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

VTSU has rolling admissions. Visit VTSU's academic calendar for dates and deadlines, or learn more about applying to.

What costs are covered?

General Tuition (for courses registered for by the end of the add/drop period) for eligible students is covered in full when Freedom & Unity is combined with the federal Pell grant, the Vermont state grant.  Program tuition, mandatory fees, course fees, program fees and textbooks, computers and other supplies are not covered. Check course descriptions and contact VTSU for more information.

Are there any programs that VTSU offers that are not covered by Freedom & Unity?

Graduate and Certificate programs are not covered.

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?

Yes, you are eligible for Freedom & Unity if you are in default on an education loan.

How will Freedom & Unity impact my eligibility for other sources of aid, including my federal financial aid package?

The value of Freedom & Unity 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 VTSU's Financial Aid office.

What if I don’t have transportation?

VTSU offers hundreds of online courses and several of our degree programs are available entirely online! If you have a laptop and internet connection where you live, online courses let you access your education without needing to travel.

Please speak with VTSU's Financial Aid office 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.