Vermont Scholarships

Vermont is a good state to consider for higher education as, according to the U.S. News, it ranks at #24 in Education overall. It offers good public institutions to study like the University of Vermont along with opportunities for various outdoor activities and beautiful views of valleys and mountains. The state is known for its focus on sustainability and environmental awareness, which can make Vermont a great place to study if you are passionate about the environment.

However, Vermont has the highest average cost of tuition compared to the whole country. Its average in-state tuition costs are around 88% higher than the national average. Moreover, the cost of living here is also much higher which increases the financial burden of studies that students have to bear in total. This has led to a high student debt in Vermont which is even more than $2.9 billion.

This debt has created a long-term financial burden on student borrowers and also on the state. The students have to forgo a part of their income until the debt is completely paid off which compromises their living standards and spending power for a considerable amount of time after graduation. Therefore, it is best to exhaust all other sources of funding before opting for loans and scholarships are the best way to fund higher education within the state.

These scholarships are ‘gifts’ that do not require repayments and can allow students to fund their education more independently. We have listed many Vermont scholarships for students to choose from. There is also information on how to apply for these awards and some tips to win them more easily.

There are close to 20 colleges and universities active in Vermont and most of them, around 13, are private institutions. There are a few options for trade school in the state too. Some of the best Vermont higher education institutions include the University of Vermont, Middlebury College, and Norwich University.

The University of Vermont is a public institution located in Burlington, VT. Founded in the 1700s, this institution currently has an undergraduate enrolment of more than 11,000 students. The total enrolment reaches above 14,000. It has an average acceptance rate of 60% but it is an expensive institution regardless of being publicly funded. Its in-state tuition and fees is $18,890 and it charges $43,890 from those students with an out-of-state status. There is on-campus housing available for a cost of $13,324 for the academic year ending 2024. Some of the more popular majors here include Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Social Sciences, and Natural Resources and Conservation.

Middlebury College is located in the city of Middlebury and is one of the best National Liberal Arts Colleges in America. However, it has a low acceptance rate of around 13% and not many enrolments as the precious university mentioned. It houses around 2,773 undergraduates and charges $65,280 for tuition and fees. It is is a private institution which is why it costs much more to study here. There is on-campus housing available here but it costs around $18,600 for the current year.

Norwich University has a much higher acceptance rate of around 83%. It is also a private 4-year institution which is located in Northfield, VT, and charges around $50,600 for tuition. Theer are around 3,456 enrolled at this university and most of them are from a white background in terms of ethnicity. Intelligence – General, Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration, and Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse are three of the most popular disciplines to study at this institution. Those who wish to stay on campus have the option available for $14,000 for the year ending 2024.

There are a few colleges in Vermont that accept a GPA of 3.0 like Vermont State University and Sterling College.

Vermont State University is a public university and is located in Montpelier, Vermont. The university requires at least a ‘B’ average or 3.0 GPA student on a 4.0 unweighted academic scale. Whereas, transfer applicants must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA to be considered for admission. Test scores here are optional to submit and will only be considered if provided to the institution.

Sterling College is a private 4-year institution located in the city of Craftsbury Common. It also has a high acceptance rate of 92.9% and it has a ‘test blind policy’ – meaning that test scores will not be considered at all even if submitted. There is also no application fee for this institution and students can apply for free.

Vermont has the highest average tuition costs among all states. Its average in-state tuition is about $17,593 which is around 88% higher than the national average of $9,349. The cost of living here is also about 16% higher than the national average. This makes Vermont an expensive state to pursue higher education in.

Middlebury College and Bennington College are two of the most expensive colleges in Vermont charging tuition and fees of $65,280 and $64,644 respectively. They both are private institutions and the costs of room and board here are also more than $18,600 for the current year.

The lowest cost of tuition and fees in Vermont can be found at Vermont State University. It charges $12,804 for in-state tuition and fees and the room and board are also more affordable here. Out-of-state students, however, have to pay $26,892 for tuition and fees. This university is located in Johnson and it is more affordable as it is a public institution.

Even the public institution in Vermont charges more than most in the country. Therefore, it is necessary to get help from scholarships in this state to be able to afford education here. Some of the best Vermont scholarships include the Stanley R. Arnold Scholarship, the ASHRAE Region I Setty Family Foundation Scholarship, and the NERC College/Graduate Scholarship.

Vermont is one of the smallest states in America that houses only around 35,910 tertiary students out of which 31,028 are undergraduates and the rest are pursuing graduate degrees. More than 20,000 of the total enrolments are women.

Students from white backgrounds are the biggest proportion of the student population in Vermont as they make up around 75% of the total population of students. Hispanics follow with a total of around 2,087 students. Asians and Black/African Americans contribute similar amounts to the total as they have around 1270 and 1250 students respectively. There are barely any Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders in the state of Vermont as their student numbers are even less than 20.

Vermont’s total student debt is around $2.9 billion and the average borrower debt equals $36,990. This exceeds the national average of around $28,950 by around 28%. The total debt is spread over 78,400 students and a reasonable proportion of these, around 24.6%, owe amounts between $20,000 to $40,000 in loans.

How To Apply

The following are the main steps to following when applying for any scholarship:

1. Check Eligibility:

Scholarship websites are the easiest place to find most scholarship opportunities as they list all the available options under one roof. They also list scholarships according to state, college major, demographic, and grade level. You can also filter them according to the parameters provided to narrow down the list. This makes it easier to find scholarships that are best suited to you. Go through the eligibility requirements of the scholarships thoroughly to make sure that you qualify to save time. Some scholarships may be need-based and are awarded based on the financial need of the student, while others may be based on merit.

2. Understand the Application Requirements:

It is important to understand what the scholarship demands for submitting a strong application.

Scholarship applications may require some or all of the following:

• Scholarship Application Form: Scholarship application is unique for each scholarship and is a must to be considered as an applicant. It usually asks for general information about the application like their name, date of birth, education, address, and so on. It may also contain a few short answer questions relevant to the scholarship.
• Essay: Many scholarships require an essay along with the application form. Applicants can make themselves stand out via their essays. Therefore, you should take proper time and put in good effort when writing one. It’s important that your essay is original, and represents your personality and opinions.
• Letters of Recommendation: A letter of recommendation can be written by your personal or professional references. Some scholarships specifically demand letters of recommendation from teachers. The letter contains reasons for why the applicant is a deserving one. It assesses the applicant’s qualities, characteristics, strengths, capabilities, and academic performance, which kind of acts as a character certificate when applying for scholarships.
• Grade Transcripts: Many Vermont scholarships, whether merit-based or need-based, usually require school transcripts that show an individual’s academic performance. You can get a copy through your school’s website or the office and attach it to the application form.
• Resume: A resume is where an applicant can highlight their skills and accomplishments. It does not have to have work experiences only but can also include mentions of any societies or extra-curricular activities that you have been a part of, and any special courses that you have completed that equipped you with a certain skill.
• Financial Information: Many need-based Vermont scholarships may ask you to provide financial information that may include information about your family income and any financial aid that you may have received.
• FAFSA: Some scholarships require applicants to apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for them. These are mainly need-based scholarships.
• Portfolio or Video Submission: There are a few scholarships that ask for video or portfolio submissions. This usually applies to art major scholarships as videos and portfolios are how an applicant can show their skills. Some scholarships do not have other requirements and are like contests where participants have to make a project and provide a picture or video of it to enter and win.
• School Verification: A school verification letter verifies which school the candidate is attending or has attended, the dates when they started and finished a program, and also includes a list of any certificates or degrees earned.
• Standardized Test Scores: Occasionally, you may need to provide a copy of your SAT or ACT scores. These are standardized test scores that most colleges and universities require for admission.

3. Order Scholarships According to Submission Deadlines:

It is important to arrange the scholarships according to the deadlines to ensure you take advantage of every opportunity. Timing is very important and the earlier you apply the better it is. It is always wise to start early too because it may take time to complete all the submission requirements like writing essays and getting letters of recommendation in hand. Time should, especially, be invested in scholarships that require an essay as it takes a lot of time, planning, and effort to write a good one.

4. Proofread:

Once you have completed your application and the associated requirements, make sure to go through them all thoroughly at least once. You can also get a friend or family member to help you proofread for mistakes and errors.

5. Submit your application:

After you have taken your time filling out the application form, writing the essay, collecting all the required documents, and proofreading – it is time to submit. Most applications now require online submissions and may take a few minutes only if you have everything ready to upload. Keep track of the status of your application process and mind that it may take some time to receive an answer. You may put in a follow-up email if you haven’t received any reply for some time.

Tips For Applying

• Start looking early: Don’t wait until the last minute to look for scholarships in Vermont. Many organizations have deadlines that are months before the school year even starts, so it pays to begin your search as soon as possible. Make sure you research, apply, and submit all necessary documents on time to maximize your chances of winning scholarships.
• Network: Many of the scholarship opportunities come through networking and contacts, so make sure you take full advantage of your connections. Utilize family members, friends, contacts from any organizations or clubs you are part of, and even faculty members at your school to learn about different scholarship options in the area.
• Seek out local scholarships: Many organizations in Vermont offer scholarships specifically for local students. Look up businesses and community groups in the area, as they often have scholarship programs available. You can also check with your school’s guidance office or college counseling department to see if they know of any opportunities.
• Read the requirements carefully: Once you have a narrowed-down list of scholarships, make sure to read the requirements carefully so you fully understand what is required.
• Do not rush when applying: Take your time and apply early. This allows sufficient time to gather all the required documents and also write a great essay if needed.
• Brainstorm for an essay and outline: If an essay is required, always start with brainstorming, then arrange your ideas and make an outline to follow. Unique, personalized, and lively essays have a better chance of qualifying than general and dull ones. Make sure that you understand the topic before starting.
• Customize application: Some students submit the same application, essays, and letters of recommendation to all organizations. It is better to thoroughly research the organization and what they are actually looking for before and customize your application and essays accordingly. You can also mention what the organization is looking for to people who are writing your recommendation letters so they can make it more relevant rather than general. However, it is important to be honest and avoid including things just for the sake of qualifying and getting a scholarship.
• Check and Proofread: You may be surprised at the number of grammatical mistakes and other errors that you may come across when rereading your application and essays. Those applicants who submit applications full of errors appear irresponsible and undetermined to scholarship providers.

NERC College/Graduate Scholarship is a $500 to $5,000 award distributed by the Korean American Scholarship Foundation (KASF). KASF is a non-profit organization that works for the benefit of the Korean-American population within the state. To be considered for the awards, students must have a GPA of 3.0 at the minimum.

High school seniors can apply for the following scholarships in Vermont:

1. NERC College/Graduate Scholarship
2. Jon Borowicz Scholarship

Undergraduates in Vermont make up around 86.4% of the total student population enrolled in higher institutions within the state. These students have to pay a higher-than-average fee to study in this state as it is an expensive one in terms of tuition and educational expenses. The following scholarships can help these students cut down their educational costs to some extent.

1. ASHRAE Region I Setty Family Foundation Scholarship
2. Elson T. Killam Memorial Scholarship
3. Francis X. Crowley Scholarship
4. George E. Watters Memorial Scholarship
5. Joseph Murphy Scholarship
6. Michael Garofano Memorial Scholarship

Following are some of the best scholarships for graduate students to consider in Vermont. These scholarships can help minimize the need for student loans to complete the degree.

1. ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award program
2. NEWWA Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship
3. Stanley R. Arnold Scholarship

Teaching students can apply for the following general scholarships available to students from all majors.

1. ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award program
2. NERC College/Graduate Scholarship

There are not many women-specific scholarships available in Vermont. The female student population can apply for all the scholarships that are not limited by gender.

1. Stanley R. Arnold Scholarship
2. NEWWA Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship
3. Jon Borowicz Scholarship
4. George E. Watters Memorial Scholarship

Most Vermont educational institutions offer merit-based scholarships to their new admissions. Some examples include The University of Vermont, Bennington College, and Champlain College.

The University of Vermont offers 5 different scholarship awards to its incoming freshmen based on their academic performances. First-time, first-year undergraduate students are automatically considered for these scholarships based on their application for admission. The scholarships include the Green and Gold Scholars Award which is a full-ride scholarship currently offering over $65,000, the Vermont Scholars Award which awards $10,000 per year, the Patrick Family Scholarship which ranges from $7,000 to $8,000 per year, Justin Morrill Scholarship valued at $5,000 per year and Akol Aguek Scholarship offering $1,000 annually.

Bennington College offers its Vermont Leaders Scholarship to incoming first-years based on merit. APpplicants do need to submit a separate application for this award as they are considered automatically when applying for admission. There are also other awards offered but they are not all based on merit like the Governor’s Institute Scholarship.

Champlain College awarded more than $28M in merit scholarships for the academic year ending 2023. It has multiple scholarships that students with good grades can take advantage of. Some of their main scholarships include the Trustee Scholarship with a $25,000 annual award, the Presidential Scholarship awarding $22k per year, the Provost Scholarship with an award of up to $20,000 per year, and the Dean Scholarship which offers up to $17,500 annually. Some of their other merit-based scholarships include the Faculty Scholarship and Transfer Scholarship both of which award up to 10,000 per year.

Vermont Student Assistance Corporation, or VSAC, is a public nonprofit agency that administers more than 150 scholarships for Vermont residents who are enrolled in colleges and universities within the state. VSAC aims to help all Vermont students plan, save, and pay for college and career training programs. They have awarded around $34.1 million in grants and scholarships in the year 2023. They have a booklet that contains detailed information on all the scholarships they offer including the American Institute of Architects Vermont Scholar Promise Award, the Anderson Scholarship, The Alannas Scholarship, the Jean Andrews Nursing Scholarship, and many more. All their awards vary in amount.

Students can also apply for scholarships with the state through the Department for Children and Families website. Their scholarships are mostly need-based and require students to submit FAFSA that determines their eligibility for the scholarships and grants and also the amount that a student is eligible to receive.

Students can always contact their educational institutions to find out about in-house scholarship options or contact their local churches and regional organizations to see if they have anything to offer.

The state offers grants to students in Vermont and their eligibility is based on the FAFSA. VSAC, or the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation, is a public nonprofit organization that also awards various grants to Vermont residents attending college within the state. VSAC grants are all need-based and the award amounts also depend on the needs of the student and the funds available. Their Vermont Grant is for full-time- or part-time students who are enrolled in an undergraduate degree or certificate program approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Another grant they offer is the Short-term Training: Advancement Grant which is for students enrolled in a non-degree (non-matriculated) course or program.