Vermont Trades Tuition Benefit Program
Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC), on behalf of the State of Vermont
Up to full tuition (max $23,000), plus initial licensing and exam fees, for industry-recognized trades and high-demand certificate training, forgiven by working in Vermont one year per year funded.
- How much
- Up to full tuition, maximum $23,000, plus initial licensing and exam fees
- Who qualifies
- Industry-recognized certificate/non-degree training in a high-demand sector; financial need; unemployed applicants must register with the Vermont Department of Labor; open to non-residents who plan to work in Vermont.
- For trade school students, adults going back to school
- For skilled trades, emergency services/paramedic, energy students
- Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.
- When to apply
- Open now · due February 10, 2027 Postmark/priority deadline in February (February 10, 2027); after that, rolling first-come, first-served until funds run out. The application opens October 1.
- How to apply
- Submit the Unified Scholarship Application in MyVSAC ('Work with Scholarships & Tuition Benefit Programs') with family income information (federal tax return, or a Vermont Grant/Advancement Grant application)
- 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 in 2022 (funding depends on annual appropriation). Two parts, applied for through the same application: (1) Tuition, covering up to full tuition (excluding fees, books and supplies), up to $23,000 per VSAC's program page, paid at actual tuition charges; (2) initial licensing and exam fees, for students enrolled in or who have completed a qualifying program. Eligible fields: building, mechanical, industrial or medical trades; emergency services including paramedics; energy (clean energy, efficiency, weatherization); transportation; broadband; robotics; and other high-demand sectors. Must be enrolled in an industry-recognized training and certification program (certificate or non-degree). Financial need is required and is the selection basis. Vermont residency is NOT required, but Vermont-based training programs get preference. If you're unemployed you must register with the Vermont Department of Labor for job referrals. Example from VSAC: a $16,000 award for a welding certification, forgiven after one year working as a welder in Vermont.
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.