University of Vermont Scholarships: A Comprehensive Guide

Scholarships play a crucial role in making higher education accessible and affordable. The University of Vermont (UVM) offers a variety of scholarships to support students in their academic pursuits. These scholarships, considered "gift aid," do not need to be repaid and are awarded based on factors such as academic achievement, leadership, geographic location, and field of study. Many of these scholarships can be renewed each academic year if the student maintains eligibility.

General Scholarship Policies at UVM

Several policies govern scholarships awarded at UVM at the time of admission. A scholarship is defined broadly as any form of award, payment, reimbursement, or transaction intended to aid a student's study, training, or research. This includes payments towards tuition, fees, living expenses, and travel expenses. All scholarships must be processed through Student Financial Services to be considered for financial aid.

GPA Requirements

Maintaining a good academic standing is crucial for scholarship renewal. Unless otherwise stated in the scholarship award, students must maintain a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA), evaluated at the end of each spring term. Cumulative GPAs are calculated according to the Registrar's Policy on Grades and GPA Calculation. Failure to meet the GPA requirement by the end of the spring term will result in non-renewal of the scholarship for the following academic year. However, the cumulative GPA will be reviewed at the end of each subsequent spring term to determine future renewal eligibility. If a merit scholarship is not renewed due to GPA, it will be reinstated for the next academic year if the minimum cumulative GPA is achieved at the end of a future spring term, provided the student continues to be enrolled as an undergraduate and meets all other scholarship criteria.

Enrollment Requirements

Continuous full-time enrollment is typically required to maintain scholarship eligibility. Students must enroll in 12 or more credits per term as an undergraduate. Enrolling at less than full-time will result in the withdrawal of the scholarship for that term. However, the scholarship will be reinstated for the next full-time term if all other scholarship criteria are met.

Exceptions to the full-time enrollment rule:

If a student will complete their program of study in fewer than eight full-time terms, they may enroll in fewer than 12 credits during their final term, provided they are graduating that term and the credits are required for their degree.
Students will receive their scholarship for a maximum of eight terms, unless stated otherwise in their scholarship notification.

Other Important Considerations

Residency Reclassification: If a student receives a residency reclassification (Vermont versus out-of-state), their scholarship eligibility will be re-evaluated.
Need-Based Aid: Merit scholarships are not based on need or financial aid eligibility. Students who apply for need-based financial aid at UVM will receive more information on their total financial aid package directly from Student Financial Services.
NEBHE Tuition Break: If a student receives the NEBHE tuition break and was admitted for Fall 2019 or later, their scholarship will be reduced by 30%. This reduction reflects a proration of the scholarship based on the discounted tuition rate with the NEBHE tuition credit.
Summer Session Courses: Scholarships may not be applied to summer session courses.
Accelerated Master's Pathways (AMP): Students accepted into an Accelerated Master's Pathways (AMP) program will no longer be eligible for their scholarship once they have completed their undergraduate degree. However, if such a student begins their graduate-level coursework while completing their undergraduate degree, the scholarship may still apply as long as they meet all other applicable terms and conditions, including the 8-term maximum, minimum GPA requirement, and full-time enrollment (including graduate-level coursework).
UVM Exchange Programs: If a student enrolls in a UVM exchange program, including bilateral or ISEP, or a "UVM in…" semester program, their scholarship may be used for that term.
Leave of Absence: Students may take an approved leave of absence for up to two consecutive terms and retain their scholarship, provided they continue to meet all other scholarship criteria.
Withdrawal or Inactivity: If a student withdraws or becomes inactive, they will retain their scholarship as long as they return to school with no more than two full, consecutive terms away (not including summer) and continue to meet all other scholarship criteria.
Suspension or Dismissal: If a student is suspended or dismissed from the University, they will lose their scholarship eligibility for all future terms.

Merit-Based Scholarships for First-Year Students

UVM automatically considers prospective, first-time, undergraduate students for certain scholarships when they apply for admission. These scholarships recognize academic excellence and potential.

Presidential Scholarship

The Presidential Scholarship is awarded to admitted out-of-state first-year students who demonstrate the highest academic performance. Recipients are selected based on their application for admission, and no separate application is required. Presidential Scholars receive a four-year (eight-semester) merit scholarship ranging from $18,000 to $25,000 annually. To maintain the scholarship, students must be enrolled in 12 or more credits per semester and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Trustees Scholarship

The Trustees Scholarship is awarded to admitted out-of-state first-year students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance. Recipients are selected based on the application for admission, and no separate application is required. Trustee Scholars receive a four-year (eight-semester) merit scholarship ranging from $10,000 to $14,000 annually. To maintain the scholarship, students must be enrolled in 12 or more credits per semester and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Vermont Scholarships for In-State Students

UVM offers several scholarships specifically for Vermont residents, recognizing the achievements of students from within the state.

Green and Gold Scholars Award

The Green and Gold Scholars Award is a premier scholarship for Vermont students. This full in-state tuition, four-year merit scholarship (currently valued at over $66,000) is awarded to select seniors attending eligible Vermont high schools (including public high schools, select private high schools in Vermont, and a number of border high schools). As a Green and Gold Scholar, an invitation to UVM's prestigious Honors College is included. The most academically talented Vermont resident in each eligible school at the end of their junior year may be considered. Selection criteria are determined by each eligible high school.

By June each year, principals in eligible high schools nominate the most academically talented Vermont student at the end of their junior year, based on the student's ninth through eleventh-grade record. To receive the Green and Gold Scholars Award, selected students must be a competitive applicant, meet or exceed minimum entrance requirements to the University and for the selected academic program, apply for admission by January 15 of their senior year, and must choose to attend UVM by May 1 of the semester prior to enrollment. This award may not be combined with other UVM merit scholarships. Students must be enrolled in 12 or more credits per semester and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.

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Vermont Scholars Award

Vermont Scholars are awarded to admitted Vermont first-year students who demonstrate the highest academic performance. Recipients are selected based on the application for admission, and no separate application is required. Vermont Scholars receive a four-year (eight-semester) merit scholarship ranging from $8,000 to $10,000 annually ($4,000 to $5,000 per semester). To maintain the scholarship, students must be enrolled in 12 or more credits per semester and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Patrick Family Scholarship

Patrick Scholarships are awarded to admitted Vermont first-year students who demonstrate outstanding academic performance. Recipients are selected based on the application for admission, and no separate application is required. Patrick Scholars receive a four-year (eight-semester) merit scholarship for $7,000 per year ($3,500 per semester). To maintain the scholarship, students must be enrolled in 12 or more credits per semester and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0.

Justin Morrill Scholarship

Morrill Scholarships are awarded to admitted Vermont first-year students who demonstrate strong academic performance. Recipients are selected based on the application for admission, and no separate application is required. Morrill Scholars receive a four-year (eight-semester) merit scholarship for $5,000 per year ($2,500 per semester). To maintain the scholarship, students must be enrolled in 12 or more credits per semester and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0. This scholarship is designated for admitted Vermont first-year students who demonstrate strong academic performance. Recipients are selected based on the application for admission. Students must be enrolled in 12 or more credits per semester and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.

Akol Aguek Scholarship

The Akol Aguek Scholarship is designated for new admitted first-year and transfer Vermont residents who have left their home country as a refugee and who have demonstrated academic talent. Recipients are selected based on a review of their admission application and are awarded a merit-based scholarship of $1,000 annually for four years (eight semesters). No separate application is required. The Akol Aguek Scholarship is awarded in addition to any previous scholarships awarded. To maintain the scholarship, recipients must be enrolled in 12 or more credits per semester and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.

Scholarships for Transfer Students

UVM welcomes transfer students and offers scholarships to support their transition. Prospective first-year and transfer undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for most UVM merit-based scholarships when applying for admission, including those listed below.

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Dean's Merit Scholarship

The Dean's Merit Scholarship is awarded to the most academically talented transfer students (from another institution) admitted to UVM. Recipients typically have completed 21 college credits, earning at least a 3.5 cumulative grade-point average in all prior college work. For students who earned fewer than 21 college credits, both the college and high school records are reviewed to determine eligibility. Recipients are selected based on the application for admission. Dean's Merit Scholars are awarded a merit scholarship of $5,000 annually for Vermont residents and $7,000 - $10,000 annually for out-of-state residents. The scholarship may be renewed for up to 4 years (8 semesters) or until the student graduates, whichever comes first, provided all terms and conditions are met each semester. Students must be enrolled in 12 or more credits per semester and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.

Pathway Scholarship

The Pathway Scholarship is designated for new transfer applicants admitted to UVM through a Pathway articulation agreement. Recipients must have earned at least a 2.8 cumulative grade point average in all prior college work. Students are reviewed for eligibility based on the application for admission. The scholarship amount awarded is $6,000 for Vermont residents and $12,000 for out-of-state residents annually for 3 years (6 semesters), or until the student graduates, whichever comes first, provided all terms and conditions are met each semester. The Pathway Scholarship cannot be combined with the Dean's Merit Scholarship; a student will receive the more beneficial of the two if they are eligible for both scholarships.

Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship

The Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship is designated for new admitted out-of-state residents who are members of Phi Theta Kappa and have transferred into UVM from a community college. Recipients are selected based upon review of the admission application and proof of Phi Theta Kappa membership as provided with the admissions application and are awarded a merit-based scholarship of $2,000 annually for up to 4 years (8 semesters) or until the student graduates, whichever comes first, provided all terms and conditions are met each semester. The Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship will be awarded in addition to any previous UVM merit scholarships awarded. To maintain the scholarship, recipients must be enrolled in 12 or more credits per semester and maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0.

Need-Based Scholarships and Financial Aid

In addition to merit-based scholarships, UVM also awards need-based "gift aid" to students who qualify based on financial need as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Gift aid does not need to be repaid. UVM encourages students to complete the FAFSA to be considered for all possible sources of aid.

Simon Family Scholarship

The Simon Family Scholarship requires demonstration of academic excellence, leadership, community service, and high financial need. It is specifically for first-time undergraduate students admitted to the College of Arts and Sciences who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Consideration for this scholarship requires submission of the FAFSA by February 1, 2025, to ensure UVM has received the FAFSA for review by the scholarship application deadline. The Simon Family Scholarship is $20,000 per year, renewable with the maintenance of a 3.0 cumulative GPA, and active participation as a student leader and in service is expected. To apply, students must click the application link and will be redirected to an account creation page for the UVM Scholarship Portal.

Additional Scholarship Opportunities

Beyond UVM's internal scholarships, students can find outside aid from a variety of local, regional, and national sources.

VSAC (Vermont Student Assistance Corporation)

VSAC (Vermont Student Assistance Corporation) offers a guide to scholarships for Vermont students.

ROTC Programs

The Army ROTC Program offers an opportunity for students to earn a degree of their choice and possibly qualify for an officerâs commission. The Air Force ROTC, through a dual enrollment agreement between UVM and Norwich University, offers an opportunity for students to earn a degree of their choice and possibly qualify for an officerâs commission.

Veteran Benefits

UVM participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program for students eligible for Post-9/11 GI BillÂ® benefits for education, including the Yellow Ribbon Program. Students can also explore additional educational benefits through the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

Upskill Vermont Scholarship

Upskill Vermont is committed to providing easy-access pathways that support eligible Vermontersâ pursuit of a rewarding career. This scholarship is for eligible Vermont residents who are looking to gain professional skills to help with a career advancement or career change. Eligible Vermont residents can take up to two courses in a year, one per semester for free, while funds last, during the scholarship award period (August 1, 2023 â June 30, 2024). No, students enrolled as a degree-seeking student (of any level) are not eligible for Upskill Vermont scholarship funding.

Each course will require a separate scholarship application. You are welcome to complete multiple applications, but you will only be approved for a maximum of two (2) courses (one per semester) during the scholarship award period (August 1, 2023 â June 30, 2024). We are thrilled to offer Vermont residents an opportunity to take an additional 2 courses during the scholarship award period (August 1, 2023 â June 30, 2024), even if they took advantage of the initial Upskill offerings in past years. Due to the limited funds and available program/course(s) seats, we ask that you only apply if you are sure you can make the time to focus on the program/course(s). And â we understand that life happens. Please reach out to our Enrollment Coach team as soon as you realize you will not be able to complete the program/course(s).

No, Vermont high school students are not eligible for Upskill Scholarships. However, please refer to the Vermont Dual Enrollment page to learn how Vermont high school students can take up to two tuition-free college courses in a year, one per semester. Yes, you will need to purchase or provide any additional resources or tools that are not part of the program/course(s) fee. The scholarship is intended to assist students in program/course(s) completion. With the limited amount of funds available for students, we ask that you strongly consider your commitment to completing the course of study. Students are strongly encouraged to speak with an Enrollment Coach if they have concerns or issues about starting or completing the program/course(s). You should be prepared to start your course within 3 days of the published start date.

Outside Scholarship Search

Many organizations offer scholarship opportunities for deserving students.

Application Information for Prospective Students

First-Year Students

The University of Vermont considers a first-year student any applicant who is in the process of completing high school or has completed high school but has not yet matriculated to a college or university. Citizens, permanent residents, refugees, or asylees can apply via the Common Application by November 1 for Early Decision I or Early Action and January 15 for Early Decision II or Regular Decision with a nonrefundable application fee of $55.

Transfer Students

Transfer students can apply via the Common Application by June 1 for fall transfer and November 1 for spring transfer with a nonrefundable application fee of $55.

Notification Timeline

Most scholarship notifications are included with the offer of admission. For scholarships requiring an application, students must apply by the application deadline and will be notified as listed in the scholarship information.

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