Vermont Student Loans, Financial Aid & College Costs
Vermont College Cost Snapshot (2025-26)
Published tuition and cost-of-attendance averages across Vermont institutions.
Top Vermont Colleges by Published Tuition (2025-26)
Tuition and fees only. Click any column header to sort.
| School ↕ | Type ↕ | In-state T&F ↕ | Out-of-state T&F ↕ | Undergrad Enroll. ↕ |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Vermont | Public 4-yr | $19,002 | $45,696 | 11,600 |
| Vermont State University | Public 4-yr | $13,752 | $27,504 | 4,600 |
| Castleton University | Public 4-yr | $13,416 | $29,760 | 2,000 |
| Middlebury College | Private | $66,580 | $66,580 | 2,800 |
| Champlain College | Private | $48,650 | $48,650 | 2,400 |
| Saint Michael's College | Private | $50,320 | $50,320 | 1,400 |
| Norwich University | Private | $45,656 | $45,656 | 2,400 |
| Community College of Vermont | Community | $7,944 | $15,888 | 5,700 |
Vermont State-Funded Aid Programs
Administered by the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC).
Vermont Incentive Grant
VSAC's main need-based grant for full-time undergraduate students who are Vermont residents.
Vermont Part-Time Grant
For Vermont residents attending college less than full-time.
Vermont Non-Degree Grant
For Vermont residents pursuing career training or a single course rather than a degree program.
Student Loan Options for Vermont Students
Start with federal aid before considering private loans. Federal borrower protections are stronger and rates are fixed.
Does Vermont have a state student loan program?
Yes. Vermont offers the VSAC Advantage Loan — a state-affiliated nonprofit lender. The Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) has offered nonprofit student loans since 1965. Fixed-rate loans are available to Vermont residents attending any eligible school, and to non-residents attending Vermont schools. Vermont residents should still start with federal loans through the FAFSA, but the VSAC is worth comparing alongside national private lenders.
The order to follow
- File the FAFSA to unlock federal Pell Grants, Vermont state grants, and Direct Subsidized/Unsubsidized loans.
- Apply scholarships and 529 savings before borrowing a dollar. Every $1,000 in free aid saves roughly $1,400 in total loan cost over 10 years.
- Max federal Direct Loans next. Fixed rates, income-driven repayment, and forgiveness programs aren't available on private loans.
- Compare private student loans only for any remaining gap. Shop at least 3 lenders; cosigner rates typically run 1-3 points lower.
Private Student Loan Lenders We Recommend
If you've exhausted federal aid and still need to borrow, these are the lenders we track for rates and terms.
Credible
One form, prequalified offers from multiple private lenders. Shop rates without multiple hard credit pulls.
Compare Rates at Credible →College Ave
Flexible term lengths, no application or origination fees, and fast decisions.
Get A Quote At College Ave →Sallie Mae
Long-established lender with options for undergraduate, graduate, and career training programs.
See Sallie Mae Rates →Advertiser disclosure: The College Investor earns a commission from some of the lenders listed above. Our rankings are independent — compensation does not influence order or editorial recommendations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions from Vermont students and families.
How much does college cost in Vermont?
Average in-state tuition and fees at Vermont public four-year universities is about $17,000 for 2025-26. Total cost of attendance (tuition, fees, room and board, books, and personal expenses) averages roughly $31,500 on campus for Vermont residents and $44,800 for non-residents.
What is the average student loan debt in Vermont?
Vermont borrowers carry an average federal student loan balance of roughly $38,500. Total outstanding federal student debt for Vermont residents is approximately $2.5 billion.
Does Vermont offer state-funded college grants?
Yes. VSAC administers the Vermont Incentive Grant (up to $14,800 per year, need-based), the Part-Time Grant, and the Non-Degree Grant. Vermont has one of the most robust state aid systems per capita.
Does Vermont have a state student loan program?
Yes. VSAC Advantage Loan is a state-affiliated nonprofit lender serving Vermont residents. The Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) has offered nonprofit student loans since 1965. Fixed-rate loans are available to Vermont residents attending any eligible school, and to non-residents attending Vermont schools.
Which Vermont colleges have the lowest in-state tuition?
The Community College of Vermont has the lowest overall cost at about $7,944 per year. Among public four-year schools, Castleton University is lowest at $13,416. UVM is the highest at $19,002.
What scholarships are available for Vermont residents?
Key state-administered awards include the Vermont Incentive Grant, the VSAC Advantage Loan, and McClure Foundation scholarships. Middlebury College, Champlain, and Saint Michael's offer significant institutional aid.
Related Vermont Resources
How We Sourced This Data
- Institutional cost pages at Vermont public universities (2025-26 published rates)
- Education Data Initiative state-level debt and cost tables
- VSAC program pages
- NCES IPEDS data for enrollment and institutional cost profiles
Editor: Colin Graves Reviewed by: Chris Muller