Scholarships are offered to new VTSU students in recognition of a strong academic foundation, extracurricular activities, and demonstrated hard work. Tuition programs are offered to new VTSU students based on the geographic and program requirements for each. Students are offered the highest award for which they qualify and may receive a combination of scholarship and tuition program funds.
How it Works
Vermont State University Admissions reviews each applicant holistically, and all application materials submitted are taken into consideration for initial acceptance to Vermont State.
Scholarships are awarded to students seeking to earn their first associate or bachelor’s degree on a first-come, first-served basis. For fall enrollment, all students who are regularly admitted to VTSU by April 1 are considered for VTSU scholarships and reviewed for tuition program eligibility. Scholarships are awarded on a funds-available basis after April 1. Tuition program discounts are awarded on an ongoing basis.
Students must meet all scholarship and tuition program eligibility criteria at the time of acceptance. Students enrolled in online-only academic programs and certificate programs do not qualify for institutional scholarships.
Amounts are non-negotiable and may be used for tuition only. Scholarships are renewable provided the student maintains satisfactory academic progress. Scholarship dollar amounts listed are for new and transfer students for the academic year noted.
Core academic performance is used to determine scholarship eligibility and level. Applicant GPA is calculated by Vermont State Admissions using completed academic coursework on an unweighted 4.0 scale. Where only proficiency-based grading exists, academic excellence is evaluated on an individual basis as described on the high school profile. Candidates need to have completed a rigorous, college preparatory high school curriculum as determined by Vermont State Admissions.
Core academic performance is used to determine scholarship eligibility and level. Transfer applicants will be evaluated based on their prior coursework and corresponding GPA. Candidates who have earned 18 credits or less need to have also completed a rigorous, college preparatory high school curriculum as determined by Vermont State Admissions.
Scholarships and Tuition Programs
VTSU Scholarships for 2025-26
- Better Together Scholarship: This renewable, merit-based scholarship awards up to $5,000 for out-of-state students and up to $2,000 for in-state students. Learn more.
- International Student Scholarship: Open to eligible international students, this scholarship awards up to $3,500 per year. Learn more.
VTSU Tuition Programs for 2025-26
- Free Tuition Guarantee: Vermont residents enrolling in degree programs starting in the Spring 2026 or Fall 2026 semesters with a student/family adjusted gross income (AGI) of $50,000 or less as reflected on their FAFSA are eligible. Learn more.
- Freedom & Unity: VSAC and Vermont State University have teamed up to offer Freedom & Unity, an opportunity for Vermont students with a family income of $65,000 or less to attend VTSU tuition-free. Learn more.
- New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) Tuition Break Program: New England students majoring in eligible programs benefit from a more affordable tuition rate through this program. Learn more.
VTSU Scholarships for 2026-27
- Trailblazer Scholarship: This renewable, merit-based scholarship awards up to $10,000 for out-of-state students and up to $2,000 for in-state students. Learn more.
- International Student Scholarship: Open to eligible international students, this scholarship awards up to $3,500 per year. Learn more.
VTSU Tuition Programs for 2026-27
- Free Tuition Guarantee: Vermont residents enrolling in degree programs starting in the Spring 2026 or Fall 2026 semesters with a student/family adjusted gross income (AGI) of $50,000 or less as reflected on their FAFSA are eligible. Learn more.
- New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) Tuition Break Program: New England students majoring in eligible programs benefit from a more affordable tuition rate through this program. Learn more.
- Good Neighbor Program: This program offers a tuition credit waiver that adjusts cost to match VTSU in-state tuition for new students who reside in counties that neighbor Vermont. Learn more.
Students who plan to attend Vermont State and receive an outside scholarship through an organization not affiliated with VTSU are required to report their scholarship. This can be done through the Portal by following these directions:
- Students should log into the Vermont State Portal and choose the “Finances” tile followed by “Financial Aid.”
- From the Financial Aid menu at the top of the screen, choose “Report/View Outside Awards.” Students should make sure the award year is correct before adding their scholarship. If the scholarship is not meant to be split evenly between the fall and the spring semester, please email the Financial Aid team at FinancialAid@VermontState.edu.
Note: Students who have not yet accessed the portal, you can learn how to do so here: Activating Your VSC Account.
