Vermont scholarships and grants
Every program the state of Vermont runs for students, checked against its official page. For a list matched to you, answer a few questions.
Show service scholarships (4) These pay for school in exchange for working in a job or place afterward.
Open to most students
802Opportunity (free tuition at Community College of Vermont)
Full CCV tuition plus the $125 administrative fee (combined with Pell and Vermont grants)Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) and Community College of Vermont; funded by the Vermont Legislature
Apply any timeFree tuition at Community College of Vermont for residents of any age with family adjusted gross income of $100,000 or less, combined with federal and state grants.
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For students starting college, undergrads, adults going back to school, transfer students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Freedom & Unity (free tuition at Vermont State University)
Full general tuition at Vermont State University (combined with Pell, Vermont and institutional grants)Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) and Vermont State University; funded by the Vermont Legislature
Apply any timeFree general tuition at Vermont State University for full- or part-time degree students with family adjusted gross income of $85,000 or less.
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For students starting college, undergrads, adults going back to school, transfer students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Vermont Advancement Grant (formerly Vermont Non-Degree Grant)
Varies with need, course cost and program type (annual maximum set by VSAC; not published)Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC), on behalf of the State of Vermont
Apply any timeNeed-based Vermont grant for residents taking non-degree courses or short-term job training that improve employability or introduce them to college.
- What it takes: state application
- For adults going back to school, trade school students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Vermont Grant (Vermont Incentive Grant and Part-Time Grant)
Varies; eligible students received $1,000 to $15,350 for 2025-2026Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC), on behalf of the State of Vermont
Apply any timeVermont's need-based state grant for residents in undergraduate degree or certificate programs, full- or part-time, in Vermont or out of state. Awards for 2025-26 ranged from $1,000 to $15,350.
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For students starting college, undergrads, adults going back to school, transfer students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen via the FAFSA; Vermont residents who can't file a FAFSA can use the Vermont Grant Pathway Application
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Vermont Micro Grant (emergency micro grant)
Not published (small emergency award)Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC), on behalf of the State of Vermont
Apply any timeSmall emergency grant for Vermont students at risk of dropping out because of small, unexpected expenses during the school year; your college nominates you.
- What it takes: school nomination
- For undergrads
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Governor Phil Hoff Vermont Honor Scholarship
$1,000 (one-time)Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC), on behalf of the State of Vermont
Opens later$1,000 one-time state scholarship for one outstanding graduating senior nominated by each eligible high school or tech center (about 100 a year).
- What it takes: school nomination + state application
- For high school seniors
- Usual timing: Annual school nomination in spring of senior year; the 2026-27 deadline was April 13, 2026 (2027-28 date not yet posted).
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
For specific students
Military families, foster youth, certain careers and more. Each card says who qualifies.
Emily Lester Vermont Opportunity Scholarship
Generally $1,000-$2,000; may not exceed $3,000Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC), on behalf of the State of Vermont
Open now · due February 10, 2027State-funded scholarship (generally $1,000-$2,000, max $3,000) for current or former Vermont foster youth in undergraduate degree programs at Vermont colleges.
- Who it's for: Current or former foster youth (Vermont DCF custody)
- What it takes: state application + FAFSA
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Vermont Armed Services Scholarship
Up to full-time tuition at a Vermont public college or university (up to 130 credits); Pell Grant is deductedVermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC), on behalf of the State of Vermont
Apply any timeFree tuition at Vermont public colleges (or the equivalent at another Vermont school) for the children, stepchildren and spouses of Vermont National Guard, reserve and active-duty members who died on duty.
- Who it's for: Child, stepchild or spouse of a Vermont National Guard, U.S. reserve or active-duty member who died on duty (Gold Star family)
- What it takes: state application + FAFSA
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students, adults going back to school, transfer students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.