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Applying for grants - the what, when, and how
What forms do you need?

Step 1: Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine:

  • your family’s expected family contribution (EFC) to college costs
  • your eligibility for several types of federal aid
    1. Pell and other grants
    2. student and parent loans
    3. work-study programs

Step 2: Apply for a Vermont grant.

VSAC uses your information on the FAFSA and the Vermont grant application to determine your eligibility for a Vermont grant.

Step 3: Check to see if your college also requires an additional application known as the CSS Profile.

NOTE: You must meet application deadlines set by colleges in order to qualify for grants and other financial aid.

Find links to online financial aid applications at www.vsac.org.


The FAFSA — what to expect

The FAFSA is the beginning of the financial aid process.

Colleges and VSAC use your FAFSA info (and perhaps info from other required forms) to determine more precisely your eligibility for their aid.

After you submit your FAFSA, the federal government sends your info to:

  • each college you’ve selected
  • VSAC

Colleges then send you a financial aid offer that you can accept or decline.

When

  • Submit the FAFSA early in the calendar year (preferably in January) — and no later than colleges’ deadlines
  • You must apply every year.

How

  • Online application at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
  • For paper version, call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 800-433-3243.
  • For help, go to www.fafsa.ed.gov or call 800-433-3243.


The Vermont grant — what to expect

Each year, VSAC distributes funding from the Vermont Legislature for state grants for eligible full-time, part-time, and non-degree students who apply. You must be a Vermont resident to apply.

Apply early — funding is limited!

Grant amounts vary based on a family’s financial need, and not every family qualifies.

After your application is reviewed, VSAC will send your grant notification.

You can use your Vermont grant at any college in the United States that’s eligible for federal financial aid, as well as at a number of Canadian colleges.

When

  • Applications for the upcoming school year — available January 1
  • You must apply every year.

How

  • Online application at www.vsac.org
  • For paper version, call VSAC at 800-642-3177.
  • For help, call VSAC at 800-642-3177.