Free tuition opportunities for Vermonters
Fact: Education after high school can be expensive.
Fiction: Education after high school HAS to be expensive.
When starting your education journey, the price tags that come with postsecondary learning can seem overwhelming. Luckily, there are lots of opportunities that Vermonters can take advantage of to find the right program at the right cost.
Many financial aid programs cover a portion of the costs of education and training, but did you know that in Vermont there are ways for eligible students to get their whole tuition bill covered?
There are a number of programs that are funded by the state, philanthropic organizations, and individual colleges and universities that cover the full cost of tuition. Eligibility is typically based on income and may be limited to those who have not yet completed a degree program. Many of these programs run out of money each year, so it is best not to wait until the last minute to apply.
FAFSA First
The key to accessing this aid is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is the first step for any student interested in education after high school. If you’ve decided to join a training or education program, filling out the FAFSA is the best way to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
Free Tuition Programs
802 Opportunity
Institution: Community College of Vermont
Costs covered: Tuition and $100 administrative fee.
Who qualifies: Students of any age who have not completed a bachelor’s degree and whose family adjusted gross income is $75,000 or less.
Students must fill out the FAFSA and Vermont Grant application, and apply for CCV and register for classes. Once these steps are complete, VSAC and CCV will work together to cover tuition costs.
Learn more about 802 Opportunity
Free Tuition Guarantee for Qualified Vermonters at VTSU
Institution: Vermont State University
Costs covered: Tuition
Who qualifies: Vermont residents that have a student or family adjusted gross income of $50,000. Students can be of any age and must start in Fall 2024 or Spring 2025. Only students who are completing their first associate or bachelor’s degree are eligible.
To take advantage of free tuition at VTSU, apply to the school and complete both a FAFSA and a Vermont Grant application.
Learn more about this aid program from VTSU
UVM Promise
Institution: University of Vermont
Costs covered: Tuition and acceptance fee
Who qualifies: New or transfer students whose family adjusted gross income up to $100,000. Students must be starting full time at UVM in Fall 2024 or later.
To receive this aid, students must apply for the FAFSA and the Vermont Grant. Eligibility will be reviewed every year.
Learn more about the UVM Promise program
Career Targeted Forgivable Loan Programs
Did you know that if you’re a student pursuing an in-demand career in Vermont, there are forgivable loan programs that can pay up to 100% of your tuition?
Upon making a commitment to work after graduation in their field of study in Vermont for a certain number of years, students are awarded an interest-free loan to cover the cost of their education. These loans can often include tuition, fees, room and board, and the cost of books and supplies. After the student graduates and the work commitment has been met, the loan is forgiven.
Members of the Vermont National Guard can access a similar forgivable loan program. Learn more here.
Jumping ahead in high school
High school students in Vermont have a chance to get free tuition to get a head start on a college through three different programs.
Dual Enrollment
Institution: Most colleges in Vermont
Costs covered: The cost for up to two college courses
Who qualifies: Junior and seniors in high school
Program details: Students can take two college courses for free. Classes typically take place in-person on a college or high school campus, or online.
Early College
Institution: Community College of Vermont (CCV), Norwich University and Vermont State University
Costs covered: Tuition for the first year college. Eligible families can access stipends to help with additional costs.
Who qualifies: High school seniors
Program details: High school seniors in Vermont spend their last year of high school as their first year of college tuition free. These students complete a full-time college course load that also counts towards their high school graduation.
Early college students enrolled at CCV can earn a free associate degree one year after graduating from high school, thanks to the McClure Free Degree Promise. High schoolers through the class of 2026 are eligible. Students participate in early college at CCV for their first year, and continue their studies at CCV the year after for free.
Fast Forward
Institution: Vermont technical centers
Costs covered: Up to two college courses
Who qualifies: High school students enrolled in a technical center program
Program details: Through these courses, students earn credit for their technical program in addition to earning college credits at CCV. Courses are taught at a student’s technical center during the regular school day.
Learn more about these programs and flexible pathways for high school students.
Other Assistance
There are additional opportunities for Vermonters to access free money to support their education and training. Depending on the program and various eligibility requirements, some of these aid options may cover up to full tuition.
Navigating how to pay for education and training can feel like a big task but there are resources to make it easier. If you would like some one on one support, VSAC has a great team of financial aid counselors ready to help.
But first, take a deep breath and remember that there are people and programs in place to help you get the education you deserve.
