How to win Vermont scholarships
Vermont is a small New England state with lots of qualities you can’t find anywhere else! In order to win Vermont scholarships, you should consider highlighting these unique facts in your scholarship application while simultaneously connecting to your own special interests and passions.
For example, perhaps you enjoy baking with fresh Vermont maple syrup which led you down a path towards culinary school. Or perhaps skiing in Stowe, Vermont led you to be interested in studying environmental science. Whatever your personal interests, connect it back to your life as a Vermonter (or hopeful future Vermonter!)! This will help you stand out in the scholarship application pool as well as show how meaningful Vermont is in your higher education journey!
Writing resources for writing Vermont scholarship essays
Many Vermont scholarships may have you write an essay about yourself. These scholarship essays can vary in length from 250 words up to 500 words. Therefore, make a point to read over our Scholarships360 ultimate guide to finding and winning scholarships to ensure you are well prepared to not only reply to these Vermont scholarships but also win them! Additionally, check out our guides on how to start a scholarship essay and how to end a scholarship essay to ensure your Vermont scholarship application is flawless.
Vermont student debt snapshot
According to the Department of Education, in total, Vermont residents owe $2.9 billion in federal student loan debt. Student borrowers owe an average of $37,516 each (those numbers do not include private loans). Around 57.1% of loan borrowers are under the age of 35. As you are starting your higher education journey, remember that scholarships allow students to take fewer loans. Make sure that you apply to as many scholarships as you qualify for!
Keep on reading to learn more about top scholarships in Vermont, as well as merit scholarships from colleges in Vermont!
Merit scholarships at Vermont colleges and universities
University of Vermont – Burlington
- Eligibility: First time undergraduate students are automatically eligible
- Amount: $12,000 up to $20,000
- Deadline: Admission to the University of Vermont
Bennington College
- Eligibility: First time students who have strong applications and potential to contribute to the campus community
- Amount: $5,000 up to $30,000
- Deadline: Admission to the Bennington College
Champlain College
- Eligibility: First year students who have notable academic achievement and/or extracurricular accomplishments
- Amount: $10,000 up to $25,000
- Deadline: Admission to Champlain College
Saint Michael’s College
- Eligibility: Accepted first-year undergraduate students with strong academic achievement and promise. A complete academic record is considered including high school GPA, strength of schedule, SAT/ACT scores, leadership and school/community engagement
- Amount: $17,000 up to full tuition
- Deadline: Admission to Saint Michael’s College
Castleton University
- Eligibility: First year undergraduate students who have achievement academic excellence and have above-average standardized test scores if optionally submitted
- Amount: $1,000 up to full tuition
- Deadline: Admission to Castleton University
Norwich University
- Eligibility: First year students who demonstrate high academic performance or service in high school
- Amount: $23,000 up to $30,000
- Deadline: Admission to Norwich University
Vermont State University
- Eligibility: New full-time undergraduate students who demonstrate high academic excellence and have completed a rigorous high school curriculum
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: April 1
Sterling College
- Eligibility: Incoming freshmen to Sterling College who have a strong cumulative GPA< composite ACT or SAT scores and participation in certain extracurricular activities
- Amount: $1,000 up to $18,750
- Deadline: Admission to Sterling College
Consider in-state tuition and tuition reciprocity
In-state tuition allows residents of a state to receive cheaper tuition for a college or university in their state. Additionally, many universities and colleges reserve scholarships and financial aid for in-state students, which helps reduce the cost of attending college for those who live there.
Here are a few well-known Vermont universities and their in-state vs out-of-state tuition costs:
University of Vermont – Burlington
- In-state tuition: $16,280
- Out-of-state tuition: $41,280
Vermont State University
- In-state tuition: $9,984
- Out-of-state tuition: $19,992
Castleton University
- In-state tuition: $25,482
- Out-of-state tuition: $42,450
How do you get in-state tuition?
Vermont is a difficult state to establish residency for tuition purposes. Unfortunately, most colleges and universities within Vermont do not allow students to establish domicile or residence in Vermont just for the sole purpose of receiving in-state tuition. Therefore, it is a lot of work and a semi-difficult task to establish residency in Vermont for in-state tuition purposes.
Does Vermont offer tuition reciprocity?
Yes, Vermont is part of the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) Tuition Break program which provides tuition reciprocity savings to residents in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and of course, Vermont. Eligibility for this program varies by state and institution so be sure to double check with your intended institution.
Vermont scholarship spotlight
FMC Skaters Scholarship
- Eligibility: New England college-bound high school seniors who participate in ice sports
- Amount: Varies year to year
- Deadline: May 1
Vermont Golf Association Scholarship Fund
- Eligibility: Graduating Vermont high seniors with current and active affiliation with the game of golf such as competing on a golf team or working at a golf course
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Varies
Choose Vermont Scholarship
- Eligibility: Students planning to attend a Vermont college or university
- Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: June 1
Timothy S. and Palmer W. Bigelow Jr. Scholarship
- Eligibility: New England residents pursuing horticulture
- Amount: $2,000
- Deadline: June 1
Vermont Federal Credit Union Scholarship
- Eligibility: Students who are members of VFCU and are enrolled in an accredited undergraduate program
- Amount: $2,000
- Deadline: End of April
Additional Vermont resources
FAFSA Guide
On October 1st of every year, the FAFSA opens nationwide. Students in Vermont should apply for the FAFSA ASAP as soon as possible after it opens!
Vermont Community Foundation Scholarships
A number of grants are awarded that are specific to a topic and a region, including for college and career training. The Foundation wants to level the playing field so that “every Vermonter has a chance to obtain the education she or he needs, regardless of family background, income level, or birthplace.”
VSAC Scholarships
The Vermont Student Assistance Corporation offers information on more than 140 scholarships available to Vermont residents. Every fall, the scholarship list is updated, so make sure you check out the offerings each year. Also, many of the profiled scholarships are tied to the FAFSA application, so apply for that FAFSA ASAP!
Frequently asked questions about Vermont scholarships
Does Vermont offer free college?
What type of scholarships does Vermont offer?
Do I need to be a Vermont resident to receive Vermont scholarships?
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