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Vermont Grant Pathway Applications

The Vermont Grant and Advancement Grant Pathway Application are the applications students should complete to apply for grant money, if they're not eligible to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

If you’re a Vermont resident, and you are not a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen, and you’re considering a college program or short-term career training, you may be eligible to receive grant money from the State of Vermont through VSAC.

Vermont Grant Pathway Application

The Vermont Grant is intended to support Vermont residents considering a college program or short-term career training, whether you plan to pursue your studies in Vermont or in another state.

Short-term training Advancement Grant Pathway Application

The Advancement Grant is intended to help Vermonters enhance job skills that improve employability or to provide non-traditional students with an introduction to a postsecondary educational program. 

Who should apply?

Vermont residents who:

  • have lived in the state of Vermont for one year prior to the start of your class
  • are enrolled in or will be enrolling in an undergraduate program leading to a degree, diploma, or certificate
  • have financial need as determined by the VSAC Grant Program
  • are maintaining satisfactory academic progress
  • are attending an eligible institution
  • have not yet received the equivalent of 10 semesters of Vermont grants UNLESS you’re enrolled in the Doctor of Medicine program at the UVM Larner College of Medicine or enrolled in any accredited Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program
  • have not yet received your bachelor’s degree UNLESS you’re enrolled in the Doctor of Medicine program at  the UVM Larner College of Medicine or enrolled in any 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 Vermont 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?

Download and complete the fillable Vermont Grant Pathway application PDF, and return it to VSAC.

  • Applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis as long as funding is available.
  • You’ll be considered for a Vermont Grant if you are enrolled as a:
    • full-time student (at least 12 credits per semester) during the 25–26 academic year, OR
    • part-time student (less than 12 credits per semester) during the 25–26 academic year
Who should apply?

Vermont residents who:

  • have lived in the state of Vermont for one year prior to the start of your class
  • are enrolled in a non-degree or non-matriculated program at a school or business approved by VSAC
  • have financial need as determined by the VSAC Grant Program
  • have not already received six terms of the Advancement Grant (formerly the VT Non-Degree Grant)
  • are not  receiving a Vermont Incentive Grant (for full-time study) or a Vermont Part-Time Grant for the  same semester, or for two semesters during the 2025–2026 academic year
  • have a high school diploma or G.E.D. If you don’t have either of these, you must not have been enrolled as a traditional high school student within the past three months
  • haven not previously received an Advancement Grant (formerly the VT Non-Degree Grant) for the same course for which you’re now applying
  • are not enrolled in a correspondence, self-improvement, recreational, peer review, or testing preparatory course
  • are not  enrolled in a course located outside of the United States
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?

Download and complete the fillable Vermont Advancement Grant Pathway application PDF, and return it to VSAC

  • Applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis as long as funding is available
  • If you filed a 2023 federal income tax return, attach a copy of your return (and your spouse’s, if applicable), including all schedules. VSAC will follow up for your parent(s)’ information, if needed.
  • If eligible, the amount of the Advancement Grant awarded to a student is calculated based on the your financial need and the cost of the course, up to a maximum award (based on program type) that is determined each year. Because of limited funds, students will be considered for only two courses per enrollment term, up to two enrollment terms per year.
  • VSAC will contact your school to verify enrollment and costs after your course has started. Once enrollment has been verified, the Advancement Grant will be disbursed directly to your school.