Pursue a career in nursing—tuition free

A program to increase the number of nursing professionals in Vermont  

Are you looking for a career that’s hands-on, impactful, and in high demand? Nursing offers the chance to build lifelong skills while making a real difference in patient care.

A nursing degree opens the door to a rewarding, high-demand career with strong job stability and competitive salaries. Nurses have the flexibility to work in diverse healthcare settings, from hospitals to community clinics, and often enjoy opportunities for advancement and specialization in areas like:

• Public Health
• Patient Assessment & Care
• Acute and Chronic Care Management
• Critical and Emergency Care
• Pediatric and Geriatric Nursing
• Mental Health Support
• Medication Administration
• Health Education and Promotion

Vermont Nursing Workforce Incentive Loan Program

Funded by the Vermont Legislature, VSAC and the Vermont Department of Health have teamed up to offer the Vermont Nursing Workforce Incentive Loan Program (Interest-free and forgivable). More nurses are needed to fill available positions in hospitals and health care facilities across Vermont, and this program covers up to full tuition to qualified students pursuing a nursing career in Vermont.

Funding is limited and awarded to qualifying students on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds have been depleted.  

Awards are in the form of an interest-free loan that is forgiven when you sign a promissory note and complete the following work obligations:

• Completion of a training program leading to the eligibility to sit for nursing licensure exams
• Successful passing grade on NCLEX exam and Vermont state licensing exams
• Worked as a nurse full-time in VT, employed directly by a Vermont health care provider, for a minimum of one year following licensure for each year of award received
  • Note: Employment as a traveling nurse does not meet this employment commitment

Vermont Nursing Workforce Incentive Loan Program FAQ

Who is eligible?

Students who are:

• Vermont residents
• Non-Vermont residents who plan to work in Vermont after completion of their degree program
• Enrolled in one of the following nursing programs:
  • a practical nursing certificate program, after which you're eligible to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam
  • an associate of science degree in nursing program, after which you're eligible to sit for the NCLEX-RN exam
  • a bachelor of science degree in nursing
  • a graduate degree in nursing (such as APRN, MSN, DSN)
• Maintaining good standing at your school
• Agreeing to work full time as a nurse in Vermont employed directly by a Vermont health care provider for a minimum of one year following licensure for each year of forgivable loan awarded. 
  • Note: Employment as a traveling nurse does not meet this employment commitment
• Agreeing to complete a promissory note agreeing to repay the loan if the employment service commitment is not met
• Enrolled at least half time
• Attending an accredited school approved for federal title IV funding (Pell grants, federal Direct loans).

Note: Preference given to students enrolled in an accredited school within Vermont

How much is the award?

The award covers full tuition at a Vermont public institution, or up to $16,280 at a Vermont private or out-of-state institution. This award can also be used to pay for fees, room, board and the cost of books and supplies.

What period does this cover?

Funding awarded awarded after June 28th will cover the costs of programs you attend during the 2024-2025 academic year (July 1, 2024-July 1, 2025).

When should I apply?

Funding is limited. Applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until all funds have been awarded.

How do I apply?

1. Complete the Unified Scholarship Application online through your MyVSAC account, click on "Work with Scholarships & Forgivable Loans", look for “Submit Application” and “Unified Scholarship Application (USA)” and follow the instructions.
2. Complete the FAFSA for the academic year you’re attending or planning to attend a qualifying program.
3. Submit essay #1 (general essay) and transcript. For more information on these required documents, review the Scholarships for Vermonters booklet.
4. If selected as a recipient by the selection committee, you must sign a promissory note that will be mailed to you with your award notification, committing to the conditions and specific work obligations of the program. The loan will be forgiven when all  of these work obligations are met:
   • Successfully complete the nursing program
   • Pass the nursing exam
   • Receive your Vermont nursing license
   • Work for one year as a nurse for each year you receive funding
   • Work full-time in Vermont as a nurse, employed directly by a Vermont health care provider, for a minimum of one year following licensure for each year of funding received

How will I know the status of my application?

Log into your MyVSAC account and click on "Work with Scholarships & Forgivable Loans" to check the status of your application.

What is an interest-free forgivable loan?

The State of Vermont offers several forgivable loan programs to encourage students to enter Vermont's workforce in specific high-demand fields. These unique loans:

• Are interest-free
• Require awarded students to
  • sign a promissory note committing to specific work obligations when you accept the funding
  • complete annual verification with the VSAC Scholarship Program each year
• Do not require payment while you're enrolled in the applicable program
• Are “forgiven” — which means that the loan does not have to be paid back — when you meet the work obligations outlined in the promissory note you've signed
• Must be repaid if you don't complete the program, doesn't receive their license, or doesn't work in the field in Vermont following licensure 

For example: Mary received $16,280 in a nursing forgivable loan program to study nursing at Vermont Tech for her senior year. Upon completion of the program, Mary took her nursing exams and received her license and began working as a nurse in Vermont. One year later her employment was verified, and the loan was forgiven.

Is other education funding available?

Vermont residents may also qualify for the Vermont Grant.

Additional questions?

If you have additional questions about your application or status, Contact VSAC or call 888-253-4819.

Education professionals and industry partners

promote this Program to students