Vermont Student Assistance Corporation Scholarships

Scholarship Sponsored by Vermont Student Assistance Corporation

Before you get started on applying for VSAC-assisted scholarships, here are 3 things you should know:

1. Scholarships are competitive: Your goal is to help the scholarship committee get to know you and believe in you. From proofreading your application to writing a powerful scholarship essay to getting great recommendation letters, you’ll want to be professional while at the same time being you.
2. Communication is key. To succeed, you’ll need to own the application process. Scholarship committees expect you to complete all requirements on time. So, don’t wait for others to follow up. Be proactive and verify that all items are complete and on time.
3. Eligibility is important: You and others will expend time and energy on the application process. So, before you start, make sure you’re eligible for the scholarships you’re applying for—and make sure you meet all requirements and submit your best work.

Finding scholarships

To apply for a VSAC-assisted scholarship or a forgivable loan, you’ll need to determine which scholarships or forgivable loan you’re eligible for, complete the Unified Scholarship Application (USA, a single application for all VSAC-assisted scholarships), and submit required documents. Look in the VSAC scholarships booklet for a list of all available scholarships.

Download VSAC' Scholarships for Vermonters book download icon  (PDF) for 2024–2025 or order a free print version by mail.

After the deadline for VSAC-assisted scholarships passes, students can still apply for others that are administered by other organizations.  Refer to the "Other Scholarships" section of the VSAC scholarship booklet for all deadlines open through July.

HERE’S THE INFORMATION YOU’LL SEE FOR EACH SCHOLARSHIP:

VSAC ID: A unique code for each scholarship that you’ll need in order to complete the USA. Write down the VSAC ID of any scholarships you’re interested in as you go through the booklet.

Eligibility: The specific criteria you’ll need to meet to be eligible for the scholarship. You're eligible only if you meet all the listed criteria.

To apply for a VSAC-assisted scholarship, you must:

• Be a Vermont resident, unless otherwise specified in the description. If you’re not sure about your residency, download our Vermont residency brochure.  
• Be a United States citizen or an eligible non-citizen (unless a particular scholarship specifies otherwise). If you’re not sure about your status, visit the Student Aid website and search for Are you a U.S. citizen?
• Have Vermont listed as your home of record if you're in the U.S. military

There may be additional eligibility requirements for certain scholarships, such as:

• The type of school you will attend (accredited school approved for federal Title IV funding)
• A specific major or field of study (engineering/technology, social work)
• A certain town or county of residence (Addison, Chittenden, Franklin, Grand Isle etc.)
• A demonstration of financial need, academic achievement, community service, etc.

Renewability: The number of years that the scholarship can be renewed (if applicable). Instructions for renewal will be included in the letter notifying you of the award.

Amount: The number of scholarships available and the possible dollar amount awarded

Selection: The documents and criteria the selection committee will consider when choosing the best candidate for the scholarship

Estimated # of applications: The estimated number of applicants, based on prior years

Estimated awards: The estimated number of scholarships awarded, based on prior years

Important deadlines for VSAC-assisted scholarships 

Starting October 1, 2023

• Review descriptions in VSAC's scholarships booklet and identify those for which you meet all eligibility requirements.
• Submit the Unified Scholarship Application (USA) online.
• Draft your essays and ask for feedback from your guidance counselor. Get tips on writing your admissions essay.
• Identify the people who you will ask to write your letters of recommendation and share your strengths with them. Get tips on getting your college recommendation letters.
• Begin submitting all required documents (transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, etc.).
• View the status of your scholarship applications online through MyVSAC.

In December 2023, submit a FAFSA

On or before February 14, 2024: Submission/postmark deadline!

All required documents (transcripts, essays, recommendation letters, etc.) must be submitted or postmarked on or before this date. If applying for a forgivable loan, you are encouraged to apply by the deadline; however, applications will be accepted after the deadline provided funding is available.

NOTE: After the deadline for VSAC-assisted scholarships passes, students can still apply for the scholarships that are administered by other organizations.  Refer to the "Other Scholarships" section of the VSAC scholarship booklet for all deadlines open through July.

Before May 1, 2024:

VSAC will notify students of scholarships or the forgivable loan for which they were chosen as recipients. Check your MyVSAC account (click on "Work with VSAC-Assisted Scholarships") for the status of all scholarships.

Before June 1, 2024:

Through MyVSAC, colleges/universities can view the scholarships awarded to students.