Earn a graduate degree and qualify to teach nursing in Vermont — tuition free
A program to increase the number of nursing educators in Vermont
Are you looking for a rewarding career that combines hands-on experience, leadership, and the opportunity to shape the future of nursing? Consider becoming a nurse faculty member and play a vital role in educating the next generation of nurses.
Nurse educators are essential in preparing skilled, compassionate professionals while advancing the nursing field through mentorship, research, and curriculum development. With strong earning potential, opportunities for career growth, and a high demand for qualified educators, your expertise will have a lasting impact on healthcare.
Some key areas of focus for nurse faculty include:
- Nursing Education & Curriculum Development
- Clinical & Classroom Instruction
- Student Mentorship & Leadership
- Evidence-Based Practice & Research
- Healthcare Policy & Advocacy
- Simulation & Innovative Teaching Techniques
Vermont Nurse Faculty Tuition Benefit Program
Funded by the Vermont Legislature, the Nurse Faculty Tuition Benefit Program covers up to full tuition, (which may also cover include room, board, books and supplies) for qualified students enrolled in a program at an accredited school that leads to a graduate degree in nursing, including APRN, MSN and DNP, that qualifies them to teach at a nursing school in Vermont.
Funding is awarded to qualifying students on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds have been depleted.
Awards are forgiven when the student signs an agreement and has completed the following work obligations:
- Agree to work full-time as a member of the nurse faculty at a nursing school in Vermont for a minimum of one year following licensure for each year of assistance received
Vermont Nurse Faculty Tuition Benefit Program FAQ
- Who is eligible?
Students who are:
- Vermont & non-Vermont residents
- Enrolled at least half time
- Maintaining good standing at their school
- Enrolled in a program at an accredited school that leads to a graduate degree in nursing, including APRN, MSN and DNP, that qualifies them to teach at a nursing school in Vermont
- How much is the award?
Recipients are eligible for up to full tuition for their program, not to exceed UVM’s in-state tuition rate. The amount disbursed will be your actual tuition charges, as verified by your school, at the time of disbursement, up to your award amount. This means the amount disbursed to your school may be lower than your award. If you are receiving other tuition-specific aid, this award may be used to pay for room, board, and the cost of books and supplies, however, the total award amount cannot exceed the cost of your program’s tuition or UVM’s in-state tuition rate, whichever is less.
- 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 submit the Unified Scholarship Application (USA) and all required documents. Awards are determined on a first-come, first-served basis, as long as the 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.
Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until all funds have been awarded.
- How do I apply?
- For detailed information about this tuition benefit program and the application process, review the Scholarships & Forgivable Loans 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.
- Complete the FAFSA for the academic year you’re attending or planning to attend
If selected as a recipient by the selection committee, recipients sign an agreement when they accept funding that commits them to the following work arrangements. The benefit will be forgiven when the work obligation is met:- Agree to work full-time as a member of the nurse faculty at a nursing school in Vermont for a minimum of one year following licensure for each year of assistance received
- 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.
- If I'm unemployed, why do I have to register with the Vermont Department of Labor?
In addition to funding for tuition, exams, and licensing, you also qualify for additional help from the State of Vermont. A career counselor from the Department of Labor will help you with job search and placement with an employer upon completing your training program. If you don't have a Vermont Job Link account, someone from the Vermont Department of Labor will reach out to you to get started.
- 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, required you to
- sign an agreement committing to specific work obligations when they accept the funding
- complete annual verification with the VSAC Scholarship Program each year
- Do not require payment while the student is enrolled in the applicable program
- Are “forgiven” — which means that the tuition benefit does not have to be paid back — when the student meets the work obligations outlined in the agreement they 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, or not working in your field of study, in Vermont, following licensure
For example: Mary received $16,280 in a nursing faculty tuition benefit for one year while she finished her graduate degree in nursing at UVM. Upon completion of her graduate program, Mary took her nursing exams, received her license, and began working as a member of the nurse faculty at a nursing school in Vermont. One year later her employment was verified, and the benefit was forgiven.
- Is other education funding available?
Vermont residents may also qualify for the Advancement Grant or the Vermont Grant.
Additional questions?
If you have additional questions about your application or status, Contact VSAC or call 888-253-4819.