Vermont National Guard Tuition Benefit Program
Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC), on behalf of the State of Vermont
Up to full tuition at Vermont State University or UVM (or up to UVM's rate elsewhere) for active Vermont National Guard members, forgiven through continued Guard service.
- How much
- Up to full tuition at Vermont State University or UVM (up to UVM's rate at private or out-of-state schools); varies by school and enrollment
- Who qualifies
- Active member in good standing of the Vermont National Guard
- Completed basic training or commissioning; federal military tuition assistance used up first; not in default on a federal student loan; satisfactory academic progress; attend a Vermont college or university (out of state only if the program isn't offered in Vermont) or an eligible training institution.
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students, trade school students, adults going back to school, transfer students
- When to apply
- Open now · due February 10, 2027 Priority/postmark deadline in February (February 10, 2027 for 2027-28); after that, first-come, first-served while funds last. The application opens October 1.
- How to apply
- Submit VSAC's Unified Scholarship Application in MyVSAC ('Work with Scholarships & Tuition Benefit Programs') and work with your Guard Education Office to submit the VNGTBP Certification Form
- If selected, sign a Tuition Benefit Agreement
- Reapply each year
- What you'll need
- state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (vsac.org), page 2 and page 3
The details
Established by the Vermont Legislature (1999, updated 2018) to recruit and retain Guard members. Covers tuition only; the amount depends on your enrollment and school: up to full tuition at Vermont State University or UVM, or up to UVM's tuition rate at a Vermont private college or an out-of-state school (allowed only when the degree program isn't available in Vermont). Also covers non-degree, certificate and continuing-education programs at eligible training institutions. Other grants or scholarships that cover tuition reduce the award. Eligibility: active Vermont National Guard member in good standing; basic training (or commissioning) completed; Vermont residency NOT required; federal tuition assistance and post-9/11 tuition benefits used up first (Montgomery GI Bill, housing allowances, other federal entitlements, National Guard scholarship grants and non-tuition benefits don't count); not in default on a federal education loan; satisfactory academic progress.
More money from Vermont
- Governor Phil Hoff Vermont Honor Scholarship$1,000 (one-time)
- 802Opportunity (free tuition at Community College of Vermont)Full CCV tuition plus the $125 administrative fee (combined with Pell and Vermont grants)
- Freedom & Unity (free tuition at Vermont State University)Full general tuition at Vermont State University (combined with Pell, Vermont and institutional grants)
- Vermont Advancement Grant (formerly Vermont Non-Degree Grant)Varies with need, course cost and program type (annual maximum set by VSAC; not published)
- Vermont Grant (Vermont Incentive Grant and Part-Time Grant)Varies; eligible students received $1,000 to $15,350 for 2025-2026
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.