CCV and VSAC Offer Free Tuition to More Vermonters

Montpelier, Vt. —The Legislature and Governor Scott expanded a program to provide more Vermonters with a debt-free college degree. Managed by the Vermont Student Assistance Corp (VSAC) in partnership with Community College of Vermont, 802Opportunity increases higher education access for Vermont families.

802Opportunity provides free tuition to Vermonters of all ages with a household income up to $100,000 who do not already have a bachelor’s degree. The program empowers new and returning CCV students to choose from 38 flexible certificate and degree programs, 32 of which can be completed fully online.

Now in its fifth year, 802Opportunity has expanded significantly—its income eligibility threshold has doubled to $100,000 from its original income threshold of $50,000. According to Vermont Department of Tax data, up to 70% of Vermont households now qualify. Since last fall, nearly 2,800 CCV students have received support from 802Opportunity.

“802Opportunity has been enormously impactful, because it has enabled me to further my professional goals in a way that I would not have been able to do without it,” said CCV student John LaLonde. “This program has helped me overcome the biggest obstacle to finishing my education: financial insecurity. It has also rekindled my love of learning.”

802Opportunity is a natural extension of CCV and VSAC’s work to address college affordability. “802Opportunity opens the door for more Vermonters to pursue a debt-free associate degree,” said CCV President Joyce Judy. “Vermont businesses and communities need an educated workforce and this program ensures that all Vermonters can invest in themselves.  We are grateful to Governor Scott and the Vermont Legislature for their work on higher education, and we are proud to partner with VSAC to expand access to an affordable education in Vermont.”

“Education is key to economic opportunity,” noted Scott Giles, President and CEO of VSAC. “802Opportunity—a nationally recognized breakthrough in higher education—removes financial barriers so students can obtain the education they need to pursue Vermont’s high-demand, high-wage jobs. We are thankful that Vermont’s leaders have expanded 802Opportunity to empower more students to take the next step toward a brighter future for themselves, their families, and our communities.”

CCV’s fall semester begins on Tuesday, Sept. 2.

To learn more about 802Opportunity, visit ccv.edu/802 or vsac.org/802Opportunity.