Grants—federal, college & VT state grants

Vermont Grants

If you're a Vermont resident, you may be eligible to receive grant money from the state through VSAC.

Vermont Incentive Grant

Who should apply?

Vermont residents who:

• Are accepted or enrolled full-time (> 12 credits per term) in an undergraduate degree or certificate program that is approved by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in the Federal Title IV aid programs
• Do not already have a bachelor's degree, unless you're:
  • Enrolled as a medical student in the M.D. program at the Larner College of Medicine at the University of Vermont, or
  • Enrolled in an accredited doctor of veterinary medicine program

How much grant money will I receive?

Grant amounts vary by student and by year, depending on available funding. During the 2018-2019 academic year, eligible students received awards ranging from $1,000 to $12,200.

The amount you receive will depend on your:

• Financial need
• Total cost of attendance at your college of choice
• Timing (applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis as long as funding is available)

Is there a limit to the number of grants that I can receive?

Yes. You can receive up to 10 semesters of full-time grants until you receive your first bachelor’s degree—unless you're enrolled in the Doctor of Medicine program at the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine or enroll in an accredited doctor of veterinary medicine program.

How do I apply?

1. First, fill out the FAFSA. Get tips for filling out the FAFSA > 
2. Then, complete a Vermont Grant application. Get tips for applying for a Vermont Grant > 

Vermont Part-Time Grant

Who should apply?

Vermont residents who:

• Are accepted or enrolled part-time (< 12 credits per term) in an undergraduate degree or certificate program that's approved by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in the Federal Title IV aid programs
• Do not already have a bachelor's degree, unless you're:
  • Enrolled as a medical student in the M.D. program at the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine or
  • Enrolled in an accredited doctor of veterinary medicine program

How much grant money will I receive?

Grant amounts vary by student and by year, depending on available funding. During the 2018-2019 academic year, eligible students received awards ranging from $500 to $9,150.

The amount you receive will depend on your:

• Financial need
• Total cost of attendance at your college of choice
• Total number of credit hours in which you enroll each semester/trimester/etc.
• Timing (applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis as long as funding is available)

Is there a limit to the number of grants that I can receive?

Yes. You can receive the equivalent of 10 semesters of full-time grants until you receive your first bachelor’s degree—unless you're enrolled in the Doctor of Medicine program at the University of Vermont Larner College of Medicine or enroll in an accredited doctor of veterinary medicine program.

How do I apply?

1. First, fill out the FAFSA. Get tips for filling out the FAFSA > 
2. Then, complete a Vermont Grant application. Get tips for applying for a Vermont Grant >

Vermont Non-Degree Grant

Who should apply?

Vermont residents who:

• Are not enrolled in high school
• Are enrolled in a non-degree (non-matriculated) course or program that will improve your ability to get a job or that encourages further study

How much grant money will I receive?

Grant amounts vary by student and by year, depending on available funding.

The amount you receive will depend on your:

• Financial need
• Total course cost
• Program type
• Timing (applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis as long as funding is available)

Is there a limit to the number of grants that I can receive?

Yes. You can receive a Vermont Non-Degree Grant for up to 2 courses per enrollment term—up to 2 enrollment terms per financial year (July 1–June 30) and 6 enrollment terms total. 

How do I apply?

Complete a Vermont Non-Degree Grant application. Get tips for applying for a Vermont Non-Degree Grant > 

Federal Education Grants

You also may be able to receive grant money offered by the U.S. federal government. Below are 3 grant options that many Vermont residents receive:

Federal Pell Grants

Who should apply?

All undergraduate students who:

• Are enrolled or accepted for enrollment in eligible degree programs
• Do not yet have a bachelor’s or professional degree
• Are not currently incarcerated (in jail or prison) or subjected to an involuntary post-incarceration commitment (like probation)

Sometimes, students enrolled in a post baccalaureate teacher certification program can also receive Pell Grants. Visit StudentAid.edu.gov and search for “Pell Grants” to learn more about eligibility.

How much grant money will I receive?

Grant amounts vary by student and by year, depending on available funding. During the 2017-2018 academic year, eligible students received awards ranging from $606 to $5,920.

The amount you receive will depend on your:

• Financial need
• Total cost of attendance at your college of choice
• Student status (full-time or part-time)
• Commitment to attending school for a full academic year or less

 

Is there a limit to the number of grants that I can receive?

Yes. You can receive up to 12 semesters—or the equivalent (roughly 6 years)—in Pell Grants. You'll receive a notice if you're getting close to your limit. Contact your financial aid office with questions.

How do I apply?

Fill out the FAFSA. Remember to be in touch with your college financial aid office to find out what other forms they may require you to complete. Get tips for filling out the FAFSA > 

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Who should apply?

All undergraduate students who:

• Are enrolled or accepted for enrollment in eligible degree programs
• Do not yet have a bachelor’s or professional degree
• Are not currently incarcerated (in jail or prison) or subjected to an involuntary post-incarceration commitment (like probation) 

 Visit https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/grants-scholarships/fseog for more information about eligibility for FSEOG.

How much grant money will I receive?

Grants range from $100 to $4,000 per year. Not every school offers FSEOG funding. If your school offers FSEOG grants, the amount you receive will depend on your:

• Financial need (FSEOG grants are reserved for those with the greatest financial need)
• Other forms of financial aid (priority is given to Pell Grant recipients)
• School’s total available FSEOG funds (apply early; funding is often limited!)

 

How do I apply?

1. Fill out the FAFSA. Get tips for filling out the FAFSA >
2. Ask the college’s financial aid counselor or look on the school’s website to see if the school offers the FSEOG. If yes, look for financial aid deadlines and forms that may be required in addition to the FAFSA.

The TEACH grant program

Before you consider a Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant, you should know that it works differently than other student grants. To get this grant, you’ll need to take certain classes. And after you graduate, you’ll need to do a certain kind of job. Otherwise, the grant will turn into a loan that you’ll need to pay back with interest.

Who should apply?

All students who:

• Are enrolled in a TEACH-Grant-eligible undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or graduate program at a school that participates in the TEACH Grant Program
• Are willing to sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to serve and to teach at an elementary or secondary school or educational service agency that serves students from low-income families for at least 4 complete academic years within 8 years after completing (or ceasing enrollment in) the course of study for which you received the grant.
• Are willing to teach in a high-need field
• Meet the program’s academic requirements
• Are not currently incarcerated (in jail or prison) or subjected to an involuntary post-incarceration commitment (like parole)

Visit StudentAid.ed.gov and search for “TEACH Grant” to learn more about eligibility. Are enrolled in a TEACH-Grant-eligible undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, or graduate program at a school that participates in the TEACH Grant program.

How much grant money will I receive?

The TEACH Grant program offers grants of up to $3,736 per year.

How do I apply?

1. Fill out the FAFSA. Get tips for filling out the FAFSA >
2. Visit the U.S. Department of Education’s Federal Student Aid website for more information on the TEACH Grant program.
3. Contact your school’s financial aid office to ask if the school participates in the TEACH Grant program.

Iraq and Afghanistan service grant

Who should apply?

All students who:

• Meet most of the Federal Pell Grant eligibility requirements, but aren’t eligible because of their Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
• Have a parent or guardian who was a member of the U.S. armed forces and died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001
• Were under 24 years old or enrolled in college at least part-time when their parent or guardian died

How much grant money will I receive?

Grant amounts range up to $5,529 for the 2017-2018 award year. The award amount equals the year’s maximum amount of the Federal Pell Grant, but can’t be more than your total cost of attendance that year.

Visit StudentAid.ed.gov and search for “Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant” to learn more.

The federal government and nonprofit organizations offer other opportunities to get money for college to veterans, future military personnel, active duty personnel, or those related to veterans or active duty personnel—like the Vermont State Scholarships for military service members.  

Get more information for members of the military >

 

How do I apply?

1. Fill out the FAFSA. Get tips for filling out the FAFSA >  

College-specific grants

Who should apply?

All students attending a college or career training program should ask about other grant opportunities. Your school may have its own grants to offer. College-specific grant eligibility is based on factors that differ from school to school, depending on the kinds of students the school wants to attract and the amount of money they have to give away.

How do I apply?

To apply, check with each school’s financial aid office to ask about the grants they may offer and the forms they may require.

1. Fill out the FAFSA. Get tips for filling out the FAFSA now >
2. Ask the school’s financial aid counselor or look on the school’s website to see what grants may be offered. Be sure to look for financial aid deadlines and additional forms that may be required.