Eligibility

Students seeking assistance in meeting their university expenses with student loans, grants, or work-study should apply for federal, state, and university financial aid. To apply for financial aid, a student must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen. Most aid programs also require students be enrolled at least half-time (6 credits) in a degree program. Audited credits or credits by exam cannot be included as part of the credit hours to determine financial aid eligibility. Courses taken which are not part of a student's degree requirements are not eligible for financial aid. Students enrolling as non-degree (through Professional and Continuing Education) may be eligible for limited financial aid. Visit the Student Financial Services website for more information.

FAFSA and VSAC

Incoming first-year and returning UVM students who wish to apply for aid should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible to receive an on-time aid offer. Funding for current and returning undergraduates may be limited for FAFSAs submitted after March 1. Students will be notified via email if additional information is required in order to determine financial aid eligibility. Students should apply to their state financial aid grant agency for assistance in addition to filing the FAFSA. Vermont residents should apply for the Vermont Grant through Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) as soon as possible, as funds are limited.  Out-of-state residents should contact their state grant agency for more information. 

Financial Aid Offer Provided by the University

The University of Vermont participates in most federal and state financial aid programs and must adhere to their requirements. Additionally, the university makes available a variety of grant and loan opportunities from its own operating and endowment funds. While most federal and state aid is based exclusively on student need, eligibility for university funds is based on student need and on the strength of the applicant’s academic record. Applicants are considered for all aid programs for which they are eligible. Most aid offers will include student loans.

Student loan funding is available to all eligible students who have applied, regardless of need, in the form of a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Once eligibility has been determined by Student Financial Services, students will be notified by email of their aid offer. Their financial aid offer will indicate if they qualify for “need-based” aid along with the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan.

Aid offers are based on current information available regarding federal, state and University budgets and programs. Any changes to federal, state or University budgets, may result in changes to aid offers.

Federal financial aid regulations require that financial aid recipients maintain satisfactory academic progress in order to remain eligible for financial aid. Learn more about UVM's Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policy for financial aid recipients on our website or by contacting UVM Student Financial Services. All students should review the complete SAP policy to understand the requirements to remain eligible for aid.

Veterans Educational Benefits

The university provides support and information to any veteran or dependent eligible for benefits under Federal Law, Chapters 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, or 1606 and 1607. Students eligible for these benefits should contact Student Veteran Services each semester to request an enrollment certification. Students wishing to register for benefits should be prepared to present their certificates of eligibility. UVM is a Yellow Ribbon school. Eligible students must apply annually.

Student veterans may also be eligible for Federal Financial Aid. Visit Student Financial Services Veteran Information page for aid opportunities for veterans.

Student veterans may also go directly to the FAFSA to apply. Students involved in the Veterans program should contact Veterans@uvm.edu in the event of any change in credit hours, dependency status, address, or major.