Grants—Free aid that doesn't need to be paid back

Vermont grants are intended to exclusively support Vermonters. If you're a Vermont resident considering a college program or short-term career training, you may be eligible to receive grant money from the state of Vermont through VSAC. And whether you plan to pursue your studies in Vermont or in another state, being a Vermont resident means you can apply for these additional funds. 

Vermont Grant

Who should apply?

Vermont residents who:

• Are accepted or enrolled in a full-time or part-time undergraduate degree or certificate program that's approved by the U.S. Department of Education to participate in the Federal Title IV aid programs
• Don't 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. The amount you receive will depend on your:

• Financial situation
• 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?

Follow these 3 steps to apply for a Vermont grant:

1. Log into your MyVSAC account.

If you don’t have a MyVSAC account, click on “Register now” in the box labeled “New to MyVSAC?” and follow the directions to create one.

Our Guide to Creating a MyVSAC Account

2. Fill out the Vermont Grant Application.

Once logged into MyVSAC, click on “Work with Grants” and then choose "Apply for a Vermont Grant" under the left menu.

3. Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). 

   If you're applying for the Vermont Grant, make sure you submit your FAFSA every school year.

Information you'll need for your application

Before you start your Vermont grant application, be sure to gather what you need:

• Your Social Security number
• Information on whether you’re enrolling in an early college program 
• Financial information (yours, and your spouse if applicable, or your parents’—depending on your responses to specific questions in the application), including the value and any debt of your or your parents’ current home
• If you are prompted for financial information on your parents:
  • you'll also need their Social Security number
  • 1 parent will need to sign the online application before you submit it

Short-term Training: Advancement 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 situation
• 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 an Advancement 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?

Follow these steps to apply for the Advancement Grant (non-degree courses):

1. Log into your MyVSAC account.

If you don’t have a MyVSAC account, click on “Register now” in the box labeled “New to MyVSAC?” and follow the directions to create one.

Our Guide to Creating a MyVSAC Account

2. Fill out the Advancement Grant application (for non-degree courses).

Once logged into MyVSAC, click on “Work with Grants” and then choose "Apply for a Vermont Grant" under the left menu.

Information you'll need for your application

Before you start your Advancement Grant application, be sure to gather what you need:

• Your Social Security number
• Your school or program and enrollment term (summer, fall, winter, spring)
• The name of the course you're taking plus course cost information and course start date
• The source and amount of other aid you're receiving
• Financial information (yours, your spouse if applicable, or your parents’) depending on your responses to specific questions in the application, including:
  • Yearly amount of child support (only the amount paid)
  • Federal Income tax return (if filed)
  • Untaxed income (income not included on tax return, such as child support received)
  • Assets—including savings and checking accounts, value and any debt for your current assets (home, farm, and/or business), and other real estate/investment equity

The Vermont Advancement Grant is an option if you are taking a course or program to improve your ability to get a job or further expand your skills. Learn more about the Advancement Grant.

Hear from previous Vermont Grant awardees

Additional Vermont Grant FAQs

What grants can I apply for online?

You can apply online through your MyVSAC account for the Vermont Incentive Grants and an Advancement Grant (previously the Vermont Non-Degree Grant).

Do I need an account number to apply for a Vermont grant?

No, you don't need an account number to apply for a Vermont grant. Create a MyVSAC account or log in to your existing account. Once logged in, click on "Work with Grants."

I'm a Vermont resident. Am I eligible for a Vermont grant if I go to a school outside Vermont?

Yes, Vermont grants are "portable," meaning they can be used at any approved school within or outside Vermont.

I’m thinking of transferring to another school. Do I need to reapply for financial aid?

Contact the college you'll be transferring to for information on the financial aid forms you'll be required to submit. Also notify VSAC’s Grant and Scholarship programs of your new school.

Do I need to apply for financial aid every year?

Students must apply for financial aid every year they're in school, whether or not they transfer.

Are grant decisions based solely on income?

No, VSAC looks at a number of factors when determining grant eligibility: income, assets, family size, the age of the older parent, the cost of the school the student is attending, and several other factors. Grades do not enter into grant decisions.

How do I check the status of my Vermont grant?

Log in to your MyVSAC account and click on "Work with Grants." You’ll see your To-Do List, which will let you know about any remaining information that VSAC needs. To check your eligibility or disbursement status, click on "View Awards."

Can I email my tax return and W-2s to you?

Email is not a secure form of communication, so we don’t recommend that you email your tax return. You can upload your tax return and W-2s through MyVSAC by clicking on the Tax Return or W-2 link on your Grant To-Do List.

I submitted my federal income tax return, but you're asking for my W-2s. What are W-2s?

Your W-2s are the wage statements that your employer sends to you so you can complete your federal income tax return. They're used to verify the wage amounts reported on your tax return.

I submitted the required information yesterday. When will my account be updated?

Once you submit required documents, it can take up to 3 business days for your account to reflect the documents as received. Your application will then be reviewed for eligibility 7–10 business days after the documents are entered onto your account.

How do I add a course to my Advancement (non-degree) Grant application?

Please call or email us to request a form to add a course to your Advancement (non-degree) Grant application.

My class is already over. Is it too late to apply for an Advancement (non-degree) Grant?

It isn't too late, as long as funding is available. You may apply for an Advancement (non-degree) Grant for a course that you've already completed, as long as the course began in the academic year for which funding is still available.

When will my grant be disbursed to my school?

Your grant will be disbursed to your school once your school verifies your enrollment for the term or your class. Your school will verify your enrollment online through its MyVSAC account once the term or your class begins.

I made a mistake on my application. How do I fix it?

Please send a letter or e-mail to VSAC briefly describing the error and providing the correct information. Please don’t attempt to complete a new application.

My family’s income has gone down. What should I do?

Send a letter or e-mail to VSAC describing your situation. VSAC can consider your family’s reduced income. You should also contact your school’s financial aid office separately.

How do I change my school?

In the Work with Grants section of MyVSAC, click on “View/Update Schools” under My Schools. Click the “Remove School” button next to the schools you want to remove and follow the prompts. 

To add a school to your list, click the “Add a School” tab. When searching for a school, the best rule is “less is more.” For example, if you want to add Community College of Vermont, simply type Community in the “Name (contains):” box, and select the correct state from the “State” drop-down box. Click the “Add  School” button next to the school(s) you want to add and follow the prompts.

My to-do list says my parents need to complete a worksheet; why can’t I open it?

Some worksheets can’t be completed online and therefore need to be completed on paper. Please watch your postal mail for a letter from VSAC.

There's nothing on my to-do list, but VSAC sent me an e-mail. What should I do?

At the time the e-mail was sent to you, there was something on your to-do list. If your to-do list is now empty, nothing further is needed at this time.

How does my school find out I have a Vermont grant?

Just like each student, your school has a MyVSAC account. The administrator can sign in and view the status of your grant application, including your award amount.

My school wants something in writing that says I’ve been awarded this grant.

VSAC and your school communicate your grant status online, through MyVSAC. Please have your school view your award online. You can also print a copy of your View Awards page and provide it to your school.

When will my Vermont grant be sent to my school?

When classes begin for each term, VSAC sends your school an e-mail prompting the school to verify enrollment and financial aid for each student receiving a Vermont grant at their school. Once they verify enrollment, the funds will be sent to your school.

Why was my Vermont grant reduced?

There are many reasons why your eligibility may have changed. Reasons for changes are displayed in the View Awards tab. Click on the red question mark in the status column for details. Call us if you have questions regarding your eligibility.

I just completed my FAFSA, but my to-do list says you still need it. Why?

VSAC will receive your FAFSA within 7 business days after it is processed. Be sure you listed your state of legal residence as Vermont.

My to-do list says you’re missing something from my school. What do you need?

Commonly, VSAC is waiting for a school to complete a budget-related task. We’re in communication with your school via MyVSAC in order to obtain the necessary information.

If my school is not on the drop-down list what do I do?

When searching for your school, make sure the state you selected is correct. Also, sometimes school names are shortened—Vermont may be VT. If you still can’t find your school, enter your school name in the “Add a School” section and select the correct “School State” from the drop-down. The next screen will allow you to enter more information, including a mailing address, phone number, and e-mail address.

Federal college and career training grants offer students additional funds to bridge financial gaps. These government grant programs encourage students from diverse backgrounds to join the national workforce.

You may be able to receive grant money offered by the U.S. federal government. Below are 3 grant options that many students receive to minimize education costs: 

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 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 2023-2024 academic year, eligible students received awards ranging from $767 to $7,395.

The amount you receive will depend on your:

• Financial situation
• 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 Student Aid 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 situation (FSEOG grants are reserved for students in more challenging financial situations)
• 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?

Find TEACH grant eligibility requirements at Student Aid.

How much grant money will I receive?

The TEACH Grant program offers grants of up to $4,000 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?

Find Iran and Afghanistan service grant eligibility requirements at Student Aid.

How much grant money will I receive?

Grant amounts range up to $7,395 for the 2023-2024 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 Student Aid 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 Financial Aid information for members of the military 

How do I apply?

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

Many college and career training programs provide private grants to attract new students. Program-specific grants for college and career training offer targeted financial support. Typically, students receive financial assistance based on academic achievement or specific qualifications, such as actively contributing and supporting their community. 

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
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.