More than 80 percent of Vermont State University students receive some form of financial aid. Our dedicated financial aid team works to bring a Vermont State education within reach for students from all financial backgrounds with grants, scholarships, student loans, and more. We are committed to making your education as affordable as possible so you can confidently invest in your future and be well on your way to a successful career.
Types of Financial Aid at Vermont State
- Scholarships: Institutional merit-based scholarships are awarded by the admissions office using information provided on your admissions application. Scholarships are available for first-year students, returning students, transfer students, international students, out-of-state students, and first-generation students who are registered full-time. Many students also apply for outside scholarships to help with the cost of attendance. Scholarships are aid that you do not have to pay back.
- Tuition Programs: Tuition programs offer a reduced general tuition cost for students who meet the program requirements. Tuition program discounts are awarded on an ongoing basis.
- Grants: Federal and institutional grants are awarded to students who demonstrate financial need. Many Vermont State students are eligible for these grants. Students must be registered full-time for institutional grants. Grants are aid that you do not have to pay back.
- Loans: Federal loans may be awarded as part of your financial aid package. Private loans may help you with the cost of attendance and require a separate application. There are several loan options for you and your family. All loans must be repaid.
- State Aid: Vermont students can apply for the Vermont State Grant through Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) at VSAC.org. Students can contact VSAC to learn more about additional funding options. Out-of-state students should contact their state’s Higher Education agency.
- Work-Study: This aid allows you to work on campus to earn money to help pay for your college costs and daily expenses. Many departments across Vermont State University’s campuses offer work-study opportunities.
What We Know as of October 2025
Key Changes to Federal Student Loans Made in the Recent One Big Beautiful Bill Act
On July 4, the President signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law. While federal student loan programs will remain unchanged for the 2025–26 academic year, several significant updates will take effect on July 1, 2026.
Vermont State University’s Offices of Financial Aid and Student Accounts are carefully reviewing the legislation and awaiting additional guidance from the U.S. Department of Education to understand how these changes will affect students and families.
These updates may impact how you and your family plan and pay for college. We want to ensure that all students are informed and prepared for the adjustments coming in Fall 2026 and beyond.
| Policy Area | Final Measure |
|---|---|
| Pell Grant Eligibility | Maintained for traditional 12 credits/semester. Continued access for part-time students. Ineligible to receive if cost of attendance is already covered by other non-federal grants. |
| Maximum Pell Grant | Amount remains unchanged at $7,395. |
| Student Loan Limits | Undergraduate amounts are unchanged. Graduate Students: $20,500 per academic year/$100k lifetime. Professional Students: $50,000 per academic year/$200k lifetime. Part-time Students: Loan proration for students enrolled less than full-time at all levels. |
| Parent Plus Loan Limits | $20,000 per academic year / $65k parent lifetime limit. |
| Graduate Plus Loan | Eliminated starting on or after July 1, 2026. |
- No change to undergraduate loan structure — but loans now count toward new lifetime limits.
- Parent PLUS Loans (effective July 1, 2026):
- $20,000 annual cap per student
- $65,000 lifetime cap per dependent student
- Transition rules:
- Existing Parent PLUS borrowers (before July 1, 2026) may continue current limits for up to 3 years or until the student’s program ends/changes.
- Borrowers for programs that began before June 30, 2026 are exempt for 3 years (unless the student changes programs).
We’re Here to Help
Our Financial Aid team is here to help you and your family learn how to apply for financial aid and understand all the types of aid you may be eligible for. We know that navigating financial aid can be stressful, and we’re here to help you!
Questions?
If you have questions regarding Financial Aid at Vermont State, please email FinancialAid@VermontState.edu.