Scholarships for Vermont

Stephen Phillips Memorial Scholarship

Due: 5/1/26
Varies
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Timothy S. and Palmer W. Bigelow, Jr. Scholarship

Due: 5/31/26
$4,500
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American Legion Department of Vermont High School Oratorical Contest

Due: 12/11/26 No essay No Recommendations Required No min. GPA Required No Transcripts Required
$25,000
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Emily Lester Vermont Opportunity Scholarship

Due: 12/12/26 No min. GPA Required
$3,000
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New England FEMARA Scholarship

Due: 12/30/26 No essay No Recommendations Required
$2,000
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CTRI/Chris Seeber, KA1GEU, Memorial Scholarship

Due: 12/30/26 No essay No Recommendations Required
$1,000
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Dr. James L. Lawson Memorial Scholarship

Due: 12/30/26 No essay No Recommendations Required
$1,000
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Byron Blanchard, N1EKV Memorial Scholarship

Due: 12/30/26 No essay No Recommendations Required
$500
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Yankee Clipper Contest Club Youth Scholarship

Due: 12/30/26 No essay No Recommendations Required
$2,000
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Key things to know about Vermont scholarships

  • Vermont scholarships are free money for college. They can help cover tuition, fees, books, housing, and other education-related expenses without needing to be repaid.
  • There are opportunities for different types of students. Vermont scholarships may support high school seniors, current college students, transfer students, graduate students, and adult learners.
  • You may be able to combine multiple awards. Many students stack Vermont scholarships with institutional scholarships, state grants, and other financial aid to reduce overall costs.
  • Eligibility goes beyond grades. While some awards are merit-based, others consider financial need, community involvement, career goals, background, or intended major.
  • Applying regularly improves your chances. Submitting several applications throughout the year can increase your chances of winning scholarship money

Paying for college can feel overwhelming. That's why maximizing free money you don't have to pay back—like scholarships and grants—should be part of your funding plan. If you live in Vermont, you have access to scholarships created specifically with Vermont students in mind.

The time you spend applying for Vermont scholarships can make a big difference in your education journey. Sallie Mae’s How America Pays for College 2025 found that 75% of students who received a scholarship said it made college possible. Whether you are in high school, already in college, or heading back to the classroom after time away, scholarships can help you reduce what you pay out of pocket or borrow.

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What are Vermont scholarships?

Vermont scholarships are financial awards that help students pay for college, graduate school, career training, or other eligible education programs. Scholarships can come from state-connected organizations, local foundations, nonprofits, employers, and Vermont colleges.

Unlike student loans, scholarship funds are free money that do not need to be repaid. While some awards are based on grades, many Vermont scholarships also consider factors like:

  • Community service, leadership, or extracurricular involvement
  • Your intended major, field of study, or career interests
  • Vermont residency or local community ties
  • Identity-based criteria or connection to a specific community
  • Career and technical education or workforce-aligned pathways
  • Artistic, athletic, or technical talents

What scholarships are available for Vermont students?

Most students see the best results when they apply to more than one type of scholarship at once. In Vermont, you can often combine statewide opportunities with local awards and institutional scholarships from your college.

If you want a streamlined way to find options that match your background and goals, tools like Scholly Scholarships can help you search for Vermont scholarships and beyond.

VSAC-Assisted Scholarships

VSAC-Assisted Scholarships include multiple donor-funded and program-specific opportunities that Vermont students can access through a centralized process. Because these scholarships may support different majors, communities, and student backgrounds, they’re often a strong starting point.

Since many scholarship cycles run on a set annual schedule, it helps to prepare your activity list, recommendations, and personal statement early so you can submit on time.

802Opportunity

802Opportunity is designed to help eligible Vermonters afford certain education or training pathways, often tied to approved programs and in-demand fields. If you’re trying to reduce your out-of-pocket costs while staying focused on a clear career goal, this program may be a helpful part of your funding plan.

Eligibility and covered programs can vary, so confirm which schools and programs qualify before you build your course plan around it.

Vermont Military Service Scholarships

Vermont Military Service Scholarships may support eligible service members, veterans, or qualifying family members, depending on program rules. These scholarships can be especially helpful when paired with institutional aid and other education benefits.

If you plan to apply, gather service documentation early so you can meet deadlines without delays.

Foster Care Scholarships (John H. Chafee)

Foster Care Scholarships (John H. Chafee) can help eligible students with foster care experience pay for education and related costs. These programs often focus on increasing access and supporting students through college persistence.

Because eligibility requirements can be specific, it’s a good idea to confirm documentation needs early and submit your application as soon as the cycle opens.

Local and community scholarships

Local scholarships are sometimes less competitive because they draw from a smaller pool of applicants. In Vermont, these awards are often created to support students from specific towns, counties, school districts, and community groups.

  • Community foundations and local nonprofits
  • Employers, unions, and professional associations
  • Civic groups and cultural organizations
  • High school counseling offices

Institutional scholarships from Vermont colleges

Many Vermont colleges automatically review applicants for institutional scholarships as part of the admissions process, while others require a separate scholarship application through the financial aid office. Students attending institutions such as the University of Vermont, Vermont State University, or Champlain College may qualify for institutional scholarships through their financial aid offices.

  • Ask whether admitted students are automatically considered for merit scholarships.
  • Check whether your major department offers additional awards beyond campus-wide scholarships.
  • Confirm renewal requirements (like GPA or credit completion) before accepting an award.

Additional financial aid resources in Vermont

Vermont Grant

The Vermont Grant is a need-based state grant that may help eligible Vermont residents reduce college costs at participating institutions. Since eligibility is often tied to financial need, completing the FAFSA® is typically an important step.

Advancement Grant

An Advancement Grant is a Vermont program that may help eligible students enrolled in approved programs, often supporting continued progress toward completion. Because requirements can vary, confirm current eligibility rules and whether FAFSA® completion is needed.

Scholly Scholarships

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Easily search through thousands of college scholarships based on your background, major, state you live in, and more.

Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.

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How to apply for Vermont scholarships

Breaking the process into smaller pieces can make applying for scholarships feel more manageable.

  1. Pull together key documents early, such as your transcript, activity list, resume, and a basic personal statement.
  2. Make a list of scholarships that fit your background, major, and goals, focusing on both statewide and local programs.
  3. Work through a few applications at a time so the process stays consistent but not overwhelming.
  4. Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) so you can be considered for need-based scholarships, grants, and other aid.
  5. Use a calendar, spreadsheet, or checklist to keep track of application requirements and deadlines.
  6. Read instructions carefully and double-check your application before you hit submit.

Looking for a faster way to get started? With Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships, you can use a single application to apply to multiple scholarships at once.

Eligibility requirements for Vermont scholarships

Each program sets its own rules, but many Vermont scholarships share common eligibility requirements, such as:

  • Vermont residency (for certain state and local programs)
  • Enrollment or planned enrollment in an eligible college or training program
  • Meeting minimum GPA or satisfactory academic progress standards (for some awards)
  • Demonstrating financial need (for need-based scholarships and grants)
  • Major, career pathway, or program-specific requirements
  • Community involvement, leadership, or service (varies by scholarship)

How do I improve my chances of winning a scholarship?

  • Apply to a mix of scholarship types. Combine statewide programs, local awards, and institutional scholarships to improve your overall odds.
  • Focus on local opportunities. Vermont community scholarships may have fewer applicants than national awards, especially if they are tied to a specific town or region.
  • Reuse your materials wisely. Keep a core resume, activity list, and personal statement, then tailor details to match each scholarship’s goals.
  • Ask for recommendations early. Giving recommenders more time often leads to stronger letters that include specific examples.
  • Track deadlines and missing items. Strong applications can be disqualified for incomplete documents, so use a checklist to stay organized.

More scholarship resources

Vermont students can use these resources to locate scholarships that align with their major, experiences, and long-term plans.

Your next steps

Vermont scholarships can play a major role in making college, grad school, or career training more affordable. By combining statewide opportunities, institutional aid, local awards, and private scholarships—and by applying on a regular basis—you can lower how much you need to spend out of pocket or borrow.

To keep your search moving, look at monthly opportunities like Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships, the No Essay Scholarship, and the No Essay Grad School Scholarship. These low-effort options can help you start applying, even if you are short on time.

FAQs about Vermont scholarships

What scholarships are available for Vermont students?

 Vermont students can explore VSAC-assisted scholarships, 802Opportunity, Vermont Military Service Scholarships, Foster Care Scholarships (John H. Chafee), local community scholarships, and institutional awards from Vermont colleges. 

What is the Vermont Grant?

The Vermont Grant is a need-based state grant that may help eligible Vermont residents reduce college costs at participating schools. Many students need to complete the FAFSA® to be considered. 

How does 802Opportunity work?

802Opportunity helps eligible Vermonters afford approved education or training pathways. Covered programs and requirements can vary, so confirm eligibility and participating programs before you enroll. 

What VSAC-assisted scholarships are available?

VSAC-assisted scholarships include multiple scholarship funds accessed through a centralized process. Eligibility can vary by major, background, location, and goals, so review requirements carefully and apply during the main cycle. 

What is the deadline for VSAC scholarships?

Deadlines vary by year and program. Many VSAC-related scholarship applications follow an annual timeline, so it helps to prepare early and watch for the main submission window. 

Are there scholarships for Vermont students pursuing healthcare?

Yes. Vermont students may find healthcare-related scholarships through institutional awards, local foundations, and workforce-aligned programs. Check with your school’s financial aid office and your department for major-specific scholarships. 

Where should Vermont students start for free money for college?

 A strong place to start is completing the FAFSA® and reviewing Vermont-specific opportunities like VSAC-assisted scholarships, then adding local scholarships and institutional awards. 

Are there easy scholarships Vermont students can apply for?

 Some scholarships have shorter applications or no essay requirements. You can also use Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships to apply to multiple scholarships with one streamlined application. 

Can I combine Vermont scholarships with institutional scholarships?

Often, yes. However, some schools may adjust need-based aid when outside scholarships are added. Confirm how outside scholarships affect your package with your financial aid office. 

Do Vermont scholarships require Vermont residency?

 Many do—especially state-connected and local community awards. Institutional and private scholarships may have different eligibility rules, so review each scholarship’s requirements.

How can I find more Vermont scholarships?

 You can start with Vermont-based programs and local awards, then expand your search using Scholly Scholarships to find additional matches.

What should I prepare before applying for Vermont scholarships?

Have your transcript, activity list or resume, a short personal statement, and recommenders ready so you can apply efficiently when deadlines arrive. Tracking deadlines also helps you stay organized. 

Need more money for college?

Private student loans can help you cover additional costs for school.

No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. See Official Rules and Entry Periods on each scholarship page.

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