It’s financial aid time! Start now with the FAFSA.

WINOOSKI (Oct. 12, 2021) — Vermont Student Assistance Corp. (VSAC) has a full line-up of virtual resources to help students and families, and adults returning to school learn about the financial aid that is available and how to apply for it.

October is the official kickoff of the higher education financial aid season with the new 2022 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) application available as of Oct. 1.

With a completed FAFSA application in hand, the doors open wide to a world of financial aid designed to help pay for education and training opportunities beyond high school for graduating high school seniors, returning college students and adult learners. 

Whether you’re new to filling out the FAFSA, or just have questions, plan to attend the free, live, online VSAC Shows You How Zoom webinar, simulcast to Facebook, on Tuesday, Oct. 26, from 6 to 7 p.m. VSAC outreach counselor Carrie Harlow will walk participants through how to complete a FAFSA step by step.

And speaking of questions, participants will have an opportunity to ask their own questions of the VSAC experts throughout the webinar. Register here. Or watch the recorded video at vsac.org later at your convenience.

If you plan to attend a college or training program during the 2022 – 2023 academic year, you will need to file a FAFSA (even if you’ve filed before – students need to file a FAFSA every year they are enrolled). The FAFSA unlocks all sources of aid, including federal grants, the Vermont state grant, aid from your school, need-based scholarships, work-study and more.  And the earlier you file the better – some aid is first-come first-served.

After you file the FAFSA, the next step is to apply for the Vermont state grant, through VSAC. Last year eligible Vermont students received between $1,000 – $12,800 in Vermont grant funding. The math is simple — a completed FAFSA + Vermont state grant = access to $$ for higher education and training opportunities, and all in an hour or two of your time.

VSAC also manages more than 120 scholarships just for Vermonters, awarding more than $6 million last year. Check out the range of offerings in VSAC’s new scholarship booklet available online or you can order a printed copy.

Need additional help? VSAC’s essential college-planning workshops are now online. Check out the VSAC calendar for Financial Aid and Managing College Costs workshops. VSAC also offers virtual 1:1 private meetings on most Fridays and select other weekdays from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. with a VSAC counselor.

Adults returning to learning can speak with VSAC counselors who specialize in working with adult learners, please call (877) 961-4369 to schedule a time.

The information for financial planning for your education is easy to find, easy to use, and available online. VSAC offers a range of pre-recorded content to help students of all ages plan for their college and career training costs. 

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About VSAC – Changing Lives through Education and Training since 1965

Vermont Student Assistance Corporation is a public, nonprofit agency established by the Vermont Legislature in 1965 to help Vermonters achieve their education and training goals after high school. VSAC serves students and their families in grades 7-12, as well as adults returning to school, by providing education and career planning services, need-based grants, scholarships and education loans. VSAC has awarded more than $600 million in grants and scholarships for Vermont students, and also administers Vermont’s 529 college savings plan. Share your VSAC story by email to myVSACstory@vsac.org or submit a video to YouTube. Find us at www.vsac.org or check in on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. #changing lives