How to Apply for Financial Aid

Money for college expenses and job training can come from multiple sources and is commonly known as “financial aid.” For qualified students, financial aid can reduce the cost of attending a college, university, or job program.

VSAC can help you avoid missing out on money that might be available to you. Explore the range of financial aid programs available and learn how to apply.

Filing a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the starting point for:

• federal grant programs, such as Pell grants
• state grants and scholarships, and
• college/university grants and scholarships*  

The FAFSA is free to file, and is worth your time. Not filing a FAFSA tells colleges and job training programs that you can pay full price for your education. And even if you can, you should still file a FAFSA to get some education cost relief.

Even if you don’t know what you want to do after high school, or you don’t believe you’ll qualify for financial aid, or you don’t believe you can afford to continue your education, you should still file a FAFSA. Filing a FAFSA and learning about the financial aid you qualify for, offers a clearer picture on how you can cover future education expenses.

Be sure you only use the United States federal student aid website when filing a FAFSA (StudentAid.gov). While you may receive flyers/solicitations offering a for-fee service to file your FAFSA, there is free help available from both VSAC and the Federal Student Aid office.

Keep in mind:

Some colleges require additional financial aid applications, such as the CSS Profile, which we’ll dive into further below.

Focus on FAFSA.

The CSS Profile is an online application used by colleges and scholarship programs to award non-federal institutional aid (aid offered by the school).

For federal aid, state grants, scholarships and other forms of financial aid, you must complete the FAFSA.  

The CSS Profile is designed to gather as much specific information as possible about your family’s financial situation and assets. For some families, completing the CSS Profile results in accessing institutional scholarships and a lower net cost of education.  

Each school uses the CSS Profile differently, and the questions can vary by school.

The deadlines may also vary by school (and are usually aligned to Admissions deadlines) so be sure to check with each school you’re applying to. Money is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis so don’t wait.

The College Board, who administers the CSS Profile form, offers many resources on their CSS Profile site. You can also check with the school's financial aid office.  They know best how their school uses the form and any specific requirements.

Remember, even if a school requires the CSS Profile, you should still file a FAFSA, because all schools want to maximize federal financial aid first.

Complete your CSS Profile.

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An associate degree or certificate from CCV can provide the knowledge and skills you’ll need to pursue a higher paying job, advance in the job you have, or build a foundation for further study. 

Funded by the Vermont Legislature, 802Opportunity is open to new or returning students of any age with a family income of $75,000 or less and do not already have a bachelor's degree.

• Choose from over 30 flexible programs.
• Day and evening classes.
• In person or online. 

Explore 802Opportunity.

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VSAC is your resource for Vermont grants. College and job training grant amounts vary by student and by year, depending on available funding and financial need. Students must file a FAFSA as part of the application process for Grant assistance. 

There are 3 kinds of grants you can use for your education or training:

Start your Vermont grant application.

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Scholarships are student aid offered by different groups, organizations, and even individuals. They're offered to students based on different reasons. Many students qualify for at least one scholarship during their education lifetime. If you live in Vermont, VSAC can guide you through the scholarship database search process.

VSAC administers more than 150 college and job training scholarships available to Vermont residents (including some for non-residents). And we encourage you to apply! Students must file a FAFSA as part of the application process for scholarship assistance. 

Keep in mind:

Scholarships are competitive.

Communication is key. 

Eligibility is important.

Scholarships have deadlines—apply early and keep track of upcoming due dates.

Explore scholarship options.

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The Federal government and the State of Vermont offer programs that help fund college and training for members of the military, veterans, and their families.

Explore Military funding options.

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VSAC works with the State of Vermont to offer career-specific interest-free forgivable loans to encourage students to enter the Vermont workforce in specific high-demand fields. This new funding will reduce or eliminate tuition for eligible students pursuing careers in critical fields such as skilled trades, nursing, mental health care and more.

View the current offerings on our Workforce Development page.

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Federal Work-Study provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need. The program allows students to earn money to pay for expenses while in school. Federal Work-Study encourages community service work and work related to a student's course of study. Students must file their FAFSA as part of the application process for FWS assistance.

Keep in mind:

While the college awards the aid, students are responsible for finding a job and working the required hours to receive funds.

Work study funds do not go toward a student’s billable expenses. Funds are often used for personal expenses/course supplies.

Contact your school's financial aid office or learn more at the student aid website.

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Even after being awarded grants, scholarships, work-study, and using money from savings, some families and students still need loans to pay for their remaining education expenses. Loans should be your last student aid option since they need to be repaid. 

There are two main options for student loans: federal (government) loans and private loans from banks, credit unions, and nonprofits like VSAC. Before shopping for a private student loan, research all your options for federal student loans, also known as Direct loans. These loans offer flexible repayment options that are meant to support students who are entering the workforce after school.

As Vermont’s nonprofit state agency, VSAC leads with education to help families and students understand the basics of federal and “private" loans (they're not created equal). We’ll also show you ways to compare loan options so you can minimize your monthly payments and the total amount you’ll pay in the long term.

Keep in mind:

Student loans require an application (and usually a cosigner).

Parents (or guardians) can apply for loans for their student.

Lender approval is based on the applicant’s credit-worthiness – not all applicants will be approved.

Learn more about loans.

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