Additional Sources of Financial Aid
While VSAC provides some sources of student financial aid, such as, scholarships and grants, you may be eligible for additional aid from other sources.
For information regarding additional sources of aid read on and contact your college.*
GRANTS
Federal Pell Grants
Federal Pell Grants are awarded to eligible undergraduate students with exceptional financial need who have not earned a bachelor’s or professional degree. Award amounts are based on financial need, the cost of attendance, and enrollment status (full-time or part-time). Pell Grants do not have to be repaid. Contact your college for more information. Visit studentaid.ed.gov for additional information.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is one of the campus-based programs, which means it is administered by the financial aid office at participating schools. The grants are for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. When awarding FSEOG, institutions must give priority to Pell Grant recipients. FSEOG is a grant and does not have to be repaid. Contact your college for more information. Visit studentaid.ed.gov for additional information.
Academic Competitiveness Grant
The Academic Competitiveness Grant is available to first-year or second-year undergraduate students who are eligible for a Pell Grant and who successfully completed a rigorous high school program. The Academic Competitiveness Grant does not need to be repaid. Contact your college for more information or visit studentaid.ed.gov.
SMART Grant (National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant)
The National SMART Grant is available for the third and fourth years of undergraduate study to undergraduate students who are eligible for a Pell Grant and who are majoring in physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics, technology, engineering or a critical foreign language; or non-major single liberal arts programs
The National SMART Grant does not need to be repaid. Contact your college for more information or visit studentaid.ed.gov.
TEACH Grant Program
The TEACH Grant Program provides grants to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. Contact your college for more information or visit studentaid.gov for the eligibility requirements and conditions.
Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
A student who is not eligible for a Pell Grant but whose parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and died as a result of service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001 may be eligible to receive the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant. Visit studentaid.ed.gov for more information.
LOANS
Federal Perkins Loans
A Federal Perkins Loan is a low-interest rate (5%) loan for both undergraduate and graduate students who demonstrate financial need. The college is the lender; the loan is made with government funds, with a share contributed by the college. The loan must be repaid to the college. Contact your college for more information.
OTHER
Federal Work Study
The Federal Work-Study (FWS) program provides jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to each student’s course of study. Contact your college for more information.
Other Institutional Aid (i.e., aid from your college)
Many colleges offer additional scholarships and/or loans for which you may qualify. Contact your college for more information.
LEARN MORE
Check out the following websites for more information regarding student financial aid.
*Non-Vermont residents can contact their state agency to learn more about grants that may be available in their state of residence. Vermonters can apply for a Vermont state grant.
