Vermont State University, VSAC expand free tuition to Vermonters

October 8, 2025  |  By Waterbury Roundabout

Vermont State University and VSAC have announced that students from almost half of Vermont households can now earn a two- or four-year college degree at Vermont State University tuition-free. 

Under a new program named Freedom & Unity, the Vermont Student Assistance Corp. with Vermont State University will provide free tuition to Vermonters with a household income of $65,000 or less, who do not have a bachelor’s degree and are enrolled in eligible undergraduate degree programs at Vermont State University. 

Vermont State Colleges Chancellor Elizabeth Mauch said the program will allow current and new students – particularly adult learners and first-generation students – access to high-quality postsecondary education without financial barriers. “This initiative reflects our mission to strengthen Vermont’s workforce and communities by ensuring every Vermonter has the opportunity to invest in themselves, pursue their goals, and shape their future,” Mauch said in the announcement. 

Named after Vermont’s state motto, the scholarship program was created by VSAC and the state university with the support of the state legislature and Gov. Phil Scott. 

VSAC President and Chief Executive Scott Giles noted that the scholarships aim to help fulfill Vermont’s need for a skilled workforce. “High-demand, high-wage jobs require students to seek education or training after high school,” Giles said. “Thanks to the vision of Vermont’s leaders, more students from modest-income families – no matter where they are in their lives – will know that an affordable path with an array of choices is available to them.”

Jen Grandfield, a student in the Associate of Science in Nursing program at the state university’s Randolph campus who plans to graduate in May, said the Freedom & Unity scholarship has alleviated financial stress. “It has helped me focus more on school without the burden of all the tuition costs. I am incredibly thankful and excited to be back in school to pursue a career that will open so many opportunities for me,” she said. 

Vermont State University offers more than 100 degree programs across high-demand fields such as applied technology, engineering, healthcare, education, and business. Flexible learning options include in-person, online, and hybrid formats for classes. 

Learn more online at vsac.org/unity.