Who is eligible?
Vermont residents enrolled in specific programs at VSCS institutions. New or returning VSCS students are eligible.
July 15, 2021 update: Due to outstanding demand and limited program funds, awarding for this program is paused at Castleton University, Northern Vermont University, and Vermont Technical College, with the exception of Vermont Technical College’s paramedicine program. Students admitted prior to this date will be awarded with existing funds. The financial aid offices are keeping a wait list of applications received after July 15, 2021 and will award any additional funds on a first come, first served basis.
The Community College of Vermont is still offering the Critical Occupations Free Tuition Program. Students at all institutions can still take advantage of the opportunities offered with the Green Mountain Grad program, the Welcome Home Scholarship, and the Degree Completion Scholarship. Students at CCV can also take advantage of the 802 Opportunity program. We encourage Vermonters to apply to their VSCS school of choice to take advantage of other existing institutional scholarships and financial aid. There is still time to enroll this fall!
When can I take courses?
The program covers courses in fall 2021 and spring 2022. Due to limited funds, programs with a third semester are not covered by this scholarship, with the exception of Vermont Technical College’s paramedicine program.
What costs are covered?
Tuition for eligible students is covered in full when the scholarship is combined with federal and state grants. This scholarship is last-dollar and is intended to be applied after state and federal grants and scholarships, and tuition waivers. If your employer is offering a tuition reimbursement program, please be in touch with your institution financial aid office.
Other costs, such as textbooks, materials, room and board, or other fees are not covered and will be the responsibility of the student.
Am I eligible if I already have a bachelor's degree?
Due to limited funds, program eligibility is limited to students without a bachelor’s degree.
Why is there a wait list?
This program is a first for Vermont and for the Vermont State Colleges System. We were allocated limited funds by the state to pilot this opportunity and those have unfortunately run out. While we requested and received some additional funds from the state, those resources were quickly depleted due to the astounding demand for this program and we are unable to continue offering this scholarship at this time. We are keeping a wait list in the hope that if funds become available again, we will be able to offer this incredible opportunity to even more students this year.
You may also be eligible for other tuition-free and scholarship programs.
This year, the State of Vermont is offering millions of dollars in scholarships, free tuition, and other financial aid opportunities at the Vermont State Colleges. This is not the only opportunity available to Vermonters this year.
A full list of programs can be found here. There's never been a better time to pursue college or training in Vermont!
