Vermont National Guard Tuition Benefit Program

A program to increase the number of active National Guard in Vermont

Are you looking for a career that's rewarding, challenging, and serves your community and country? Joining the Vermont National Guard offers unique opportunities to develop skills that last a lifetime.

National Guard members receive training in various fields, from engineering to medical support, along with tuition assistance, potential student loan repayment, and healthcare benefits. The National Guard provides part-time service options, allowing members to pursue civilian careers or education while serving.

Some key roles include:

• Aviation Maintenance
• Cybersecurity Specialist
• Combat Medic
• Engineering & Construction
• Emergency Response
• Logistics Specialist
• Communications Operator

Vermont National Guard Tuition Benefit Program

Established by the Vermont Legislature in 1999 and updated in 2018, the Vermont National Guard Tuition Benefit provides tuition coverage (amount varies by institution and program) for active Vermont National Guard members in good standing, regardless of residency. The goal of this program is to recruit and retain high-quality Vermont National Guard members.

Funding for this program is limited and is awarded to qualifying students on a first-come, first-served basis until all available funds are awarded.

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

• Complete 2 years of service (after the scholarship is first disbursed) in the VTNG for each full-time (12 credits or more) academic year paid for through this program 
  • If you're enrolled in a graduate degree program in addition to the above service commitment, you must also work full time in Vermont (or be looking for work in Vermont) until Vermont National Guard service commitment is satisfied.
  • Service commitment is pro-rated below 12 credit hours
  • Certificate programs require a 6-month service commitment per certificate (up to two certificates per year)

Note: You must attend a Vermont university, college (unless the degree program is not available in Vermont), or an eligible training institution for a non-degree, certificate training, or continuing education program. The National Guard training program does not have to be in Vermont.

Vermont National Guard Tuition Benefit Program FAQ

Who is eligible?

Active members in good standing of the Vermont National Guard that:

• Are Vermont or non-Vermont residents
• Successfully complete basic training
• Exhausted any post 9/11/2011 tuition benefits and other federally funded military tuition assistance. The following are not included:
  •  Montgomery GI Bill benefits
  • post-September 11, 2001 educational program housing allowances
  • federal educational entitlements
  • National Guard scholarship grants
  • loans under the National Guard Educational Assistance Program, and
  • other non-tuition benefits
• Are not in default on a federal education loan
• Attend a Vermont university, college (unless the degree program is not available in Vermont), or an eligible training institution for a non-degree, certificate training, or continuing education program
• Demonstrate satisfactory academic progress

Note: If you're pursuing a second bachelor’s degree, your first bachelor’s degree must not be funded through either VNGTBP or NGEAP (National Guard Education Assistance Program)

How much is the award?

The award amount varies based on your enrollment and chosen college. It can cover up to full tuition at Vermont State University or UVM, or up to UVM's tuition rate if attending a Vermont private college or an out-of-state institution.

Note: This award is a loan that exclusively covers tuition. If you receive other grants or scholarships that partially or fully cover your tuition, the award amount will be adjusted, and the school will need to return any excess funds to VSAC.

What period does this cover?

Funding 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. For detailed information about this forgivable loan program and the application process, review the Scholarships for Vermonters booklet.
2. 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.
3. VNGTBP Certification Form. Guard members work with their Guard Education Office to complete and submit the VNGTBP Certification Form.

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 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 $16,000 in a National Guard forgivable loan program at UVM. Upon completion of the program, Mary completes 2 years of service. One year later, her service was confirmed and the loan was forgiven.

Is other education funding available?

VSAC, the Veterans Administration and other organizations offer scholarships for Vermont military service members.

Additional questions?

If you have additional questions about the program, contact the Education Liaison at the Vermont National Guard. If you questions about your application or status, Contact VSAC or call 888-253-4819.