Tuition and Financial Aid

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Launch a New Career in Tech

Become a Metallica Scholar!

This fall, CCV is pleased to offer the IT and Cyber Careers Scholarship, supporting students on the path to a rewarding, high-demand career.

The IT and Cyber Careers Scholarship

In partnership with Metallica’s Foundation, All Within My Hands, and the American Association of Community Colleges, this scholarship is available to CCV students pursuing the IT support or cybersecurity & networking certificate.

Students enrolled in at least 6 credits for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semester can receive up to $2,000, or $1,000 per semester.

Read the Press Release
The Metallica All Within My Hands Foundation logo

Launch a New Career 

With a certificate in IT or cybersecurity, you’ll be well equipped to join one of Vermont’s most exciting, high-demand careers. Almost every company needs skilled IT professionals, so you’ll be qualified to work in a variety of industries, from healthcare to manufacturing to education. Both certificates can be completed in just one year of full-time study, and both can be completed fully online. As a student at CCV, you’ll enjoy small classes, personalized support from faculty and staff, and flexible scheduling so you can fit college into your busy life.

  • Special or Unusual Circumstance Appeal — A process in which students can request additional considerations be made when determining financial aid eligibility, often due to a recent change in household income or regarding dependency status.
  • Award Year – School year for which financial aid is used to fund a student’s education. Generally, this is the 12-month period that begins on July 1st of one year and ends on June 30th of the following year.
  • Cost of Attendance (COA) — The amount it will cost a student to go to school. This cost considers various aspects including, but not limited to tuition, room, board, and student fees. Indirect costs such as textbooks, travel, and personal expenses are also considered.
  • Demonstrated Financial Need — The difference between the cost of attendance (COA) at a school and your Student Aid Index (SAI). While COA varies from school to school, your SAI does not change based on the school you attend.  
  • Dependent/Independent — For federal aid purposes, a student is considered a dependent, regardless of claim status on federal taxes, unless the student is at least one of the following: at least 24 years old, married, a graduate/professional student, a veteran, a member of the armed forces, an orphan, a ward of the court, someone with legal dependents (not a spouse), an emancipated minor, or someone who is, or is at risk of being, homeless.
  • Entrance Counseling — A mandatory information session which takes place before you receive your first federal student loan that explains your responsibilities and rights as a student borrower.
  • FAFSA Submission Summary — The FAFSA Submission Summary is a paper or electronic document from the U.S. Department of Education’s office of Federal Student Aid that lists answers to the questions on the student’s FAFSA form and gives basic estimates about the student’s eligibility for federal student aid. It is not a financial aid offer.
  • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — To apply for federal student aid, such as federal grants, work-study, and loans, you need to complete the FAFSA. This application must be submitted every year that the student plans to utilize federal aid and can be found at Studentaid.gov.
  • Federal Direct Loans (Subsidized/Unsubsidized) — Loans through the Direct Loan Program offer students a fixed interest rate and flexible repayment terms. The unsubsidized loan is not based on financial need and accrues interest while a student is enrolled. The subsidized loan is need-based and does not accrue interest while a student is enrolled.
  • Grant — Gift aid that is typically based on financial need. Grants do not need to be paid back.
  • Interest — Interest is a loan expense charged for the use of borrowed money. The expense is calculated as a percentage of the unpaid principal amount of the loan. While most loans create interest, individual rates between loans will vary. Please contact your loan servicer for more information on your specific loan.
  • Master Promissory Note (MPN) — An MPN is a legal document that contains the Borrower’s Rights and Responsibilities and Terms and Conditions for repayment. Direct PLUS will utilize a different MPN than Direct Subsidized / Unsubsidized loans. An MPN must be completed before federal loans can be disbursed.
  • Origination Fee — An upfront fee charged by a lender when taking out a loan. This is often represented as a percentage of the amount of the loan in question.
  • PELL Grant — The Pell Grant is the largest federal grant program and is designed to assist students from low-income households. PELL grant eligibility is automatically determined based on the information in your FAFSA.
  • PLUS Loan — Direct PLUS Loans are federal loans and are applied for at StudentAid.gov. Parent PLUS loans can be borrowed by a parent of a dependent undergraduate student. Graduate students are also able to apply for a Graduate PLUS Loan for themselves.
  • Private Loan — Private Education Loans, also known as Alternative Education Loans, can help bridge the gap between the cost of your education and the financial aid a student has. Private loans are offered by private lenders and the terms and rates can vary between lending organizations. Please reach out directly to the lender with specific questions.
  • Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) — A federal regulation that requires recipients of federal financial aid to maintain a satisfactory rate of progress toward completion of a degree (pace), be in good standing based on a cumulative GPA, and meet maximum time frame requirements.
  • Scholarship – A need-based or achievement-based award (sometimes referred to as merit based) issued to support a student’s education. This is considered gift aid and does not need to be paid back.
  • Student Aid Index (SAI) — The SAI is an index number used to determine eligibility for federal student aid. This number results from information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This is not an actual dollar amount that is expected to be paid.
  • Verification — A federally mandated process to confirm the accuracy of data provided by selected applicants on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To complete the verification process, the student, their parent(s), or spouse, if applicable, are required to provide certain documents to the school for review. If the documentation the student provides the institution doesn’t match what was reported on the FAFSA, verification can result in changes to the student’s financial aid eligibility, and/or financial aid offers.
  • Work-Study — Federal Work-Study provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need. If eligible, the amount listed in your financial aid package represents the amount you can earn up to in a single semester. Money earned through this program is issued directly to the student.

Financial Aid Appeals

If you or your family have circumstances that weren’t accounted for on your financial aid forms, we encourage you to reach out to your Financial Aid Counselor to see if a revision to your financial aid eligibility is possible.

Special Circumstances – Financial Considerations

The 2024/2025 FAFSA® results are based on your current assets and 2022 family income. However, sometimes family circumstances can change significantly and the U.S. Department of Education allows institutions to make adjustments to elements of a student’s FAFSA on a case-by-case basis. Circumstances may include a loss of income, a change in the number of people in the household, unusually high medical expenses not covered by insurance, or other significant changes. The Change in Family Financial Circumstances Appeal forms can be found on the Financial Aid Forms page.

Unusual Circumstance – Dependency Status Considerations

Answers to questions on FAFSA determine whether a student is considered dependent or independent for financial aid purposes. The federal student aid programs are based on the concept that it is primarily the student and their family’s responsibility to pay for the student’s education. A dependent student is assumed to have the support of parents, so the parents’ information must be assessed, along with the student’s, in order to get a full picture of the family’s financial strength.

There may be extraordinary circumstances that warrant students who do not meet the definition of independent to appeal their dependency status. Examples of extraordinary circumstances that could warrant dependency override may include: Parent(s) being incarcerated, abandonment by parent(s), an abusive or dangerous family environment or other clear manifestations of complete distancing of a student from their parent(s). Circumstances that do not warrant dependency override may include: Self-sufficiency (living on your own, paying your own bills), parent(s) who are unwilling to provide information or sign the FAFSA, parent(s) who are unwilling or unable to provide financial assistance for college, or parent(s) who no longer claim you as a dependent for income tax purposes The Dependency Override Appeal form can be found on the Financial Aid Forms page.

Provisional Independent Status

New for the 2024/2025 academic year, dependent students who do not provide parental information on the FAFSA will still be able to complete the application. The application will be provisionally processed as independent and the student will receive an estimated/provisional Student Aid Index (SAI) and show estimated eligibility for federal grants and loans. This does not guarantee that the student will be granted independent status for federal financial aid purposes. CCV will contact students for which we receive a provisional independent status via email within 30 days. Students will be asked to complete the Dependency Override Appeal to explain their circumstances. If the Dependency Override Appeal is approved, CCV will carry that decision forward to future award years without collecting documentation unless the student contacts CCV and indicates their circumstances have changed. The Dependency Override Appeal form can be found on the Financial Aid Forms page.

If you decide to drop or withdraw from a course or all of your courses during a semester, please contact your Financial Aid Counselor prior to your drop or withdrawal.

Federal financial aid is offered to students based on the expectation that they will attend their courses for the entire semester.

When a student who has received, or is otherwise eligible for, federal funds has withdrawn from a semester, CCV is required by law to perform a Return of Title IV Funds (R2T4) calculation to determine the percentage and amount of aid that the student earned up to the time of withdrawal. The outcome of an R2T4 calculation may result in CCV’s determination that a student owes funds to the college, the federal government, or both. The R2T4 calculation is separate from CCV’s Add/Drop and Refund policy.

Federal law requires CCV to calculate how much federal financial aid a student has earned if that student:

  • Officially withdraws from CCV (e.g., begins the official withdrawal process or provides official notification of intent to withdraw).
  • Unofficially withdraws from CCV (e.g., stops attending classes before completing 60% of the semester).

Or if a student is enrolled in Accelerated courses or courses that do not span the entire semester and that student:

  • Does not complete half-time course enrollment in a semester with passing grades.
  • Does not complete one course that includes 49% or more of the number of days in the semester with a passing grade.
  • Does not complete a combination of courses that when combined contain 49% or more of the number of days in the semester with a passing grade (excluding scheduled breaks of five or more consecutive days and all days between courses)

A student’s withdrawal date is determined in the following order:

  1. The date the student began the institution’s withdrawal process or officially notified the institution of intent to withdraw; or
  2. the student’s last date of attendance at a documented academically related activity; or
  3. the midpoint of the period for a student who stops attending all classes without notifying the institution.

The full Attendance Policy can be found on CCV’s policies and procedures page.

Any “unearned” aid must be returned to the federal Government in the following order:

  1. Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
  2. Federal Direct Subsidized Loan
  3. Federal Parent PLUS Loan
  4. Pell Grant
  5. Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

The full Financial Aid Policy can be found on CCV’s policies and procedures page.

The Community College of Vermont provides students with assistance in applying for federal Title IV and state financial aid. In doing so, the college complies with all appropriate federal and state regulations pertaining to financial aid. Students who apply for and receive state or federal financial aid assume responsibility for complying with requirements and regulations.

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Students who receive Title IV Federal Financial Aid must progress towards their degree at a rate that meets both college standards and federal guidelines. Success in meeting these requirements is called Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).

Learn More

Withdrawals from CCV

Dropping and withdrawing from a course will impact your financial aid. Contact a financial aid counselor prior to your withdrawal.

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Special and Unusual Circumstances

Students can request additional considerations be made when determining financial aid eligibility.

Learn More

Responsibilities

CCV students are required to read and understand their responsibilities when applying for financial aid.

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Code of Conduct

CCV financial aid staff are bound to act in compliance with the vision outlined in the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrator’s Statement of Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct for Institutional Financial Aid Professionals.

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The Community College of Vermont offers financial assistance to students who might otherwise be unable to further their education without such support. Depending on the type of aid, eligibility is based on one or more of the following criteria: financial need of the individual (in the case of dependent students, family need is used), educational costs, academic program, and availability of funds. More information about general eligibility requirements for federal financial aid can be found here.

Federal Loans

Student loans can be used to pay for a variety of costs associated with your college education. Learn more about how to apply for federal loans.

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Federal & State Grants

Learn more about federal and state grant opportunities at CCV.

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Scholarships

CCV offers many scholarship opportunities to help students pay for college.

Learn More

Work Study

Work-study is ideal for students looking for part-time employment to help cover educational expenses.

Learn More

The 2024-25 FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is different from previous years, but CCV is here to help you through the process. The first step to attending CCV is to complete our free application for admission. Once you submit your application, follow these clear steps to get started on financial aid. Have questions? Our financial aid team is here to help.

Apply to CCV

Applying for Financial Aid

  1. Gather documents you’ll need to fill out for the FAFSA®.
  2. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). See the chart below for which FAFSA you should file. CCV’s school code is 011167. As you begin the FAFSA, you (and a parent/guardian or spouse if their information is required) need to create or retrieve your FSA ID. This lets you sign the FAFSA electronically and allows your contributors to agree to using their personally identifiable information to calculate your aid. If you are applying for the first time, you and your contributors should create an FSA ID 2-3 business days before you begin the FAFSA.
  3. Complete the Vermont Grant Application (for Vermont residents). Not a Vermont resident? Check with your home state’s higher education agency regarding possible state grant opportunities.
  4. Schedule an appointment with VSAC’s Educational Opportunity Center (EOC). VSAC Outreach supports adult learners in accessing college and career training services. In partnership with CCV, EOC counselors can connect students with local community resources or provide support in helping them enroll in school. Please call 877-961-4369 to set up a time to talk with an EOC counselor.
  5. CCV will receive a copy of your FAFSA within a week after you complete it. You will be contacted via mail, phone or text if any additional documentation is needed. Want to talk with a financial aid counselor about what aid you could receive? Contact your local financial aid counselor!

    Vermont residents may contact VSAC about State grant opportunities at 1-800-882-4166, by emailing grants@vsac.org, or by checking MyVSAC Work with Grants at www.vsac.org.
Which FAFSA should I file?
Semester AttendingFAFSA
Summer 20242023-2024
Fall 20242024-2025
Spring 20252024-2025
Summer 20252024-2025
What information will I need?
  • Verified account username and password (FSA ID)
  • Parent or spouse contributor name, date of birth, Social Security number, and email address
  • Income and asset information:
    • Tax return information if you filed taxes (and your parents’ if you are considered dependent). See the chart below for the tax year you should use. These tax forms are usually called “1040” tax returns, or “W-2s.” You’ll be able to import your tax information using the Financial Aid Direct Data Exchange on the FAFSA. The Direct Data Exchange is the fastest, most accurate way to input your tax return information into the FAFSA form.
    • If you did not file taxes, you should gather W-2s from all sources of income as well as any untaxed income. You will also need financial records of any benefit you received, such as child support received or paid, worker’s compensation, or disability income.
FAFSA YearTax or Income Year Used
2023-20242021
2024-20252022
How long will it take?

It takes most people less than one hour to fill out the FAFSA form, including gathering any personal documents and financial information needed to complete it.

CCV is committed to dismantling barriers to student parent educational and career success. The Victoria Buffum Single Parent Scholarship helps eligible students reach their academic potential and meet their educational and career goals. If you’re a student with a child or children under 18, read on for information about this scholarship and resources just for you!

Student Parent Scholarship Program

The Victoria Buffum Single Parent Scholarship is designed to provide year-long comprehensive support to CCV student parents that helps them build and maintain the momentum they need to meet their academic goals.

Take 8 to Graduate! The structure of this scholarship is grounded in research indicating students who take 8 classes a year keep going and get to graduation sooner. Conversely, students who take only 1-2 courses a semester take years to earn an associate degree. Many of these students don’t make it. They lose motivation, life gets in the way, and they drop out.

As parents, we know you are balancing a lot and full-time enrollment can be a challenge. We can’t increase the number of hours in a day, but these scholarships can give you more time to focus on your coursework by providing the extra support you need to work less or pay for childcare. When you take more classes, you are building momentum and getting to your goals sooner.

The Victoria Buffum Single Parent Scholarship incentivizes and rewards full-time enrollment. Students can receive up to $3,000 if they complete 24 credits over the course of three semesters or even $3,600 if they complete 30 credits. We made changes to the scholarship structure recently to increase both access to this scholarship along with added flexibility for busy single parents. Rather than require full-time enrollment for fall and spring semesters, students have the flexibility to complete the equivalent of full-time enrollment over the course of three semesters: fall, spring, and summer.

To learn more about this scholarship program, join Liz Jarvis, CCV’s Resource Access Manager, on any of the following dates for a virtual Q&A session. Each session attendee will be entered into a raffle for a free CCV hoodie!

Scholarship Benefits

Students selected for this program will receive:

  • Two scholarships of $600 during the semester, for up to two consecutive semesters, for a total of $2,400.
  • An additional $600 bonus scholarship awarded for completing 24 credits (8 classes) within an academic year (fall semester through summer semester) for a total of $3,000 in scholarships.
  • If 24 credits are completed by the end of spring semester AND an additional 6 credits are taken in the following summer (30 credits in an academic year), another $600 bonus scholarship will be awarded (totaling $3,600).
  • Access to a Laptop Loaner Program during scholarship participation.
  • Access to free one-credit classes to earn 21st Century Skills Badges and show employers that you have the skills to be successful in the workplace,
  • Additional support from CCV’s Resource Access Manager,
  • Two engagement activities per semester with opportunities for connection, community, and learning.
Scholarship Disbursement Schedule

Scholarships will be awarded in the following amounts, at the indicated points during the semester when they meet scholarship conditions:

  1. Fall 5th week: $600 awarded IF still meeting enrollment requirements.
  2. Fall 14th week: $600 IF still enrollment requirements AND have registered for spring semester.
  3. Spring 5th week: $600 awarded IF still meeting enrollment requirements.
  4. Spring 14th week: $600 awarded IF still meeting enrollment requirements AND have registered for summer or fall semester.
  5. Spring Bonus: At the 14th week of class, an extra $600 (total $1,200) awarded IF total credits since fall are equal to or greater than 24 credits (8 total classes in two consecutive semesters).
  6. Summer Bonus: If Spring Bonus was not received, at the 14th week of class, an extra $600 awarded IF total credits since fall are equal to or greater than 24 credits (8 total classes in two consecutive semesters). If Spring Bonus was received, at the 14th week of class, another $600 awarded total credits since fall are equal to or greater than 30 credits.
Victoria Buffum Single Parent Scholarship Eligibility Requirements

This program, generously funded by the Vermont Community Foundation, provides financial support to CCV students who are single parents. To be considered eligible for this program, the student must:

  • Be a single parent and meet ALL the following conditions:
    • Be either legally separated, divorced, widowed, OR unmarried, AND
    • Be the parent of at least one child that has been born prior to application date, AND
    • Have at least 50% custody of their child(ren), AND
    • Be the parent that their child(ren) lives with at least 50% of the time.
  • Be a degree or certificate-seeking CCV student enrolled at least half-time (6 credits per semester by application deadline.
  • Complete the FAFSA and Vermont Grant Application.
  • Remain academically eligible for financial aid during participation.
  • Must not currently be in student loan default.
Application Process

The online applications opens each summer for the upcoming academic year (fall and spring semester only). Each summer, links to this online application will be emailed to CCV students that have filled out the FAFSA indicating that they are single parents AND registered for fall semester. Students will be given an application deadline in the email by which they’ll need to register and have completed the online application.

2024-2025 scholarship applications closed on August 22, 2024.

Tiered Priority

All CCV student parents that are enrolled at least half-time in a degree or certificate program and that are either single parents or have childcare costs may apply for this scholarship program, but priority will be given according to:

  • Income: First priority will be given to students with household income at or under 125% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) and second priority will be given to students with household income at or under 185% FPL.
  • Good Academic Standing: Priority will be given to students maintaining a grade point average of 2.5 or higher in previous semesters.
  • First-Come, First-Serve: After the above conditions are met, remaining decisions will be made based on application submission date.

Community Resources for Parents and Guardians

In addition to the community resources highlighted in our General Resources for Students page, you can find additional resources below that are specifically tailored to parents and children. Any town or county-specific service will have the area of service earmarked in bolded print. Otherwise, each service will be offered statewide.

Virtual Events
Advocacy
  • Building Bright Futures Families & Communities Committee: Group of parents, guardians, caregivers, and professionals dedicated to improving systems and services for Vermont families and communities. Participate in virtual meetings or activities as a parent and receive compensation for your time.
  • Let’s Grow Kids Action Center: Access tools and resources to become an advocate for Vermont’s Children and take part in Vermont’s Child Care Campaign.
Child Care
Disability Supports
  • Vermont Family Network: Individual assistance including a peer support helpline, peer connection, funding, practical supports like paperwork assistance, and support groups for families with children with disabilities or special health needs.
  • Kayla’s Directory: Resources and services for children with special needs in Vermont.
  • VCIL Youth Transition Program: Workshops to pass on skills to help prepare youth with disabilities for life outside of high school.
  • Children’s Integrated Services (CIS): Early intervention, family support, and prevention services that help ensure the healthy development and well-being of children, from before birth up to age 5.
Financial Assistance
  • Child Care Financial Assistance Program: Can help your family pay for child care.
  • First Steps Scholarship Program: To help Burlington families pay for child care.
  • Life Gap: While not specifically for student parents, this just-in-time scholarship can help current CCV students with emergency expenses that come up during the semester.
  • Post-Secondary Education (PSE): Part of the Reach Up family of programs, PSE can help qualifying student parents earn an undergraduate degree by providing supportive services and monthly cash payments (if income eligible).
  • DCF Child Support Services: Free services for parents of children under 18 or children over 18 if owed past-due, court-ordered child support
Housing
  • Emergency and Transitional Family Centers: statewide 2-1-1 search.
  • Scholars House: Burlington apartment complex for families with at least one parent enrolled in a college or post-secondary technical program.
  • VCRHP: Vermont Coalition of Runaway and Homeless Youth Programs is a statewide safety net for youth in need by supporting a network of runaway and homeless youth programs throughout Vermont.
Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Supports
  • Designated Agencies: Non-profit service providers in each region of Vermont that provide mental health programs for adults and children.
  • Easterseals Compass: Provides support for at-risk youth between the ages of 12 and 23 in Rutland County.
  • Hannah’s House: Nonprofit, mental health resource center for children, teens, adults, and families in the Mad River Valley Region.
  • NFI: Provides community based mental health programs and services across the state for Vermont families whose children struggle with severe emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges.
  • Spectrum Compass Prevention & Stabilization Program: Free program providing prevention and stabilization services to youth ages 12-23 in Chittenden, Franklin, and Grand Isle Counties.
  • Vermont MOMS Partnership: Helps Reach Up-enrolled mothers and caregivers learn how to better manage their stress through a free 8-week virtual course.
Parenting Supports
  • Kids-A-Part: Enhanced case management, visitation assistance and parent-child contact for families with a parent in prison.
  • Parent Child Centers: 15 centers across Vermont offer parenting supports like early childhood services, home visits to families with young children, playgroups, parent education, parent support, and information and referral.

Your benefits aren’t the only options available to you to help cover college expenses. Scholarships specifically for veteran and military-connected are available from organizations and foundations from around the world. The following list is by no means comprehensive, and as we hear about new scholarships or changes to existing ones, we’ll make updates here. In the meantime, if you know of a scholarship we’ve missed, please contact us.

For Veteran and Military-Connected Students

For High School Students

For Spouses and Children

Scholarship Status Dashboard – as of December 1, 2024
FUNDING OPPORTUNITYSTATUS
802 Opportunity GrantAVAILABLE NOW!
Vermont Tuition AdvantageON HOLD AS OF 8/17/24
CCV Pathways ScholarshipAVAILABLE NOW!
CCV IT and Cyber Careers ScholarshipAVAILABLE NOW!
Degree Completion ScholarshipAVAILABLE NOW!

Generous funding from the State of Vermont and CCV’s partners support the following programs:

802 Opportunity Grant
This provides tuition-FREE college for the fall and spring semesters to any student in a degree program whose family income is $75,000 or less and does not already have a bachelor’s degree. Students will be required to complete a FAFSA and Vermont Grant Application through Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC). New AND current students are eligible. Learn more at vsac.org/free-tuition-ccv-yes-really.

Vermont Tuition Advantage
With generous support from Governor Phil Scott and the Vermont Legislature, the Vermont Tuition Advantage program reduces CCV tuition by 50% for eligible Vermonters in certain high-demand certificate and degree programs. Available during the 2024-2025 academic year, the discount applies to in-state students who have not previously received the award on a first come, first-served basis. Learn more at ccv.edu/advantage.

CCV Pathways Scholarship
The CCV Pathways Scholarship provides tuition and fee-free college after federal and state financial aid to students in select healthcare programs.

CCV IT and Cyber Careers Scholarship
In partnership with Metallica’s All Within My Hands Foundation, this scholarship encourages and seeks to expand access to careers in IT and cybersecurity workforce readiness. Students enrolled in at least 6 credits for Fall 2024 and Spring 2025 semester can receive up to $2,000, or $1,000 per semester.

Degree Completion Scholarship
This VSC program provides tuition- and fee-FREE college to students who earn less than 300% of the federal poverty line by household size and have at least 40 transferable credits. Students can receive up to 30 credits of tuition-FREE college during the fall and spring semester of each academic year. Students will be required to complete a FAFSA and Vermont Grant Application through the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC).

Federal Income Limit Table (for Degree Completion Scholarship eligibility):

If your household size is…Your income limit is…
1$40,770
2$54,930
3$69,090
4$83,250
5$97,410
6$111,570
7$125,730
8$139,890

Add $4,730 for each person in your household over 8 people.

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COVID-19 Update: All CCV programs have been approved for online delivery, so military-connected students enrolled in spring 2020 courses will not see a change in their Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA). Students planning to enroll in summer 2020 should contact the Veteran and Military Services Team for updated information.

Benefits pay for some or all of your educational expenses, which include tuition, fees, materials, supplies, books, and parking. Some benefits also come with a monthly housing allowance. There are two sources of military benefits: the Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD). VA benefits are called the GI Bill® (use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to explore) and DoD benefits are called “Tuition Assistance” and “MyCAA.” Payment received by the VA and/or DoD may not, under any circumstances, exceed 100% of the cost of student tuition and fees.

We know that navigating all these benefits, options, decisions, and applications can be confusing, but you are not doing this alone. CCV staff members have worked with many students to secure their benefits. We are here to help. Contact your Veteran & Military Resource Advisor for assistance.

Additionally, you can always track and manage all your benefits, including your education benefits, on the VA/DOD eBenefits website. Military records, including DD214, can be obtained through the federal Military Service Records office.

Calculate Your Benefits

Veterans Administration

If you have never before used veteran education benefits, you need to apply online (for all benefits except Chapter 35) through the vets.gov link, ideally six to eight weeks prior to registering for classes. To complete the form you may need to upload documentation such as your most recent DD214 and/or a Notice of Basic Eligibility (NOBE).

To apply for Chapter 35 benefits, you need to complete VA Form 22-5490 Application for Survivors’ and Dependents’ Educational Assistance and submit it to the appropriate VA regional office (for Vermont, that is the Buffalo, NY office).

If you have previously applied to use veteran education benefits (for all benefits except Chapter 35) at another college, please use VA Form 22-1995 Request for Change of Program or Place of Training to transfer your benefits to CCV.

To transfer Chapter 35 benefits to CCV, you need to complete VA Form 22-5495 Dependents’ Request for Change of Program or Place of Training.

The GI Bill Help Desk is a great place to find FAQs (account needed); you can also call the Help Desk at 1-888-GI- BILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) with questions.

Chapter 30, Montgomery GI Bill

Chapter 30 Information: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Information

  • Eligible to individuals with active service in one of four categories and were honorably discharged.
  • Benefits generally expire 10 years after your final separation from active duty.
  • Typically, benefits cover 36 months of school. Months you are not enrolled in classes do not count against you.
  • When combining benefits from more than one education program, there is a maximum of 48 months of benefits
  • A monthly allowance is paid directly to you by the VA during the months you are enrolled in classes.
    • The amount of this monthly payment is based on the level of your enrollment (full-time or portion thereof) as well as your length of service.
    • You must arrange payment to CCV (cash or financial aid) for tuition and fees by your due date (prior to the semester starting); your check from the VA will reimburse you for these costs.
    • Rate increases are effective October 1 each year.
  • If you were discharged within the past three years, and would be classified as an out-of-state student, under Section 702 of the Choice Act, you may be eligible for in-state tuition rates.You will be contacted during the admissions process with details about what additional information to provide.

In order to activate your Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty (Chapter 30) benefits, you must submit a Request for Enrollment Certification to your CCV Certifying Official each time you add or drop a class.

Additionally, you must verify your attendance monthly using Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE), or you will not receive your check from the VA

Know Your Responsibilities to avoid costly mistakes.

Chapter 31, VA Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment

Chapter 31 Information: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

  • Eligible to veterans with a declared service-connected disability and an “employment handicap,” as determined by a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor.
    • The VR&E eligibility period is generally within 12 years of discharge from active service.
    • You will work closely with a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor to create a plan for training and future employment.
  • When combining benefits from more than one education program, there is a maximum of 48 months of benefits.
  • Tuition, fees, and costs for course materials, supplies, parking, and books are paid directly to the school.
  • A Subsistence Allowance is paid directly to you each month during the months you are enrolled in classes.
    • The amount of this monthly payment is based on the level of your enrollment (full-time or portion thereof) as well as your length of service.
    • If you also qualify for the Post 9/11 GI Bill, you may choose to receive the Post 9/11 rate of pay (at the 100% level) instead of the VR&E subsistence allowance.

In order to activate your benefits, you must submit a Request for Enrollment Certification to your CCV Certifying Official each time you add or drop a class.

Know Your Responsibilities to avoid costly mistakes.

Chapter 33, Post 9/11 GI Bill

Chapter 33 Information: U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs

  • Eligible to individuals with active service after September 10, 2001 (can include Guard members).
  • Benefits expire 15 years after your last 90 day period of active duty. If discharged after 2013 there is no delimiting date.
  • Typically, benefits cover 36 months of school. Months you are not enrolled in classes do not count against you.
  • When combining benefits from more than one education program, there is a maximum of 48 months of benefits.
  • Benefits are on a tiered structure based on your length of service, ranging from 40%-100%. For instance, if an in-state student is covered 100%, they pay $0 for tuition and fees out-of-pocket (see information below about Section 702 of the Choice Act and the Yellow Ribbon program for out-of-state students).
  • Tuition and fees are paid directly to the school.
  • A Monthly Housing Allowance (MHA) is paid directly to you, during the months you are enrolled in classes (at least 1 credit over full-time).
    • The amount of this monthly payment is based on the level of your enrollment (full-time or portion thereof) as well as your length of service.
    • Your MHA is generally the same as the military Basic Allowance for Housing (BAH) for an E-5 with dependents.
    • Your MHA rate is based on the Zip Code of the CCV site where the majority of your classes are located.
    • MHA rate increases based on BAH increases are effective August 1 each year.
    • Please note, students on active duty and/or their spouses will not receive MHA through Chapter 33 benefits; this does not pertain to a child who is using a parent’s Chapter 33 benefit.
  • A Books and Supplies Stipend is paid directly to you, up to $1000 per year.
  • If you were discharged within the past three years, and would be classified as an out-of-state student, under Section 702 of the Choice Act, you may be eligible for in-state tuition rates—you will be contacted during the Admissions process with details about what additional information to provide.
  • CCV is a Yellow Ribbon school. Students who do not qualify for in-state tuition under Section 702 of the Choice Act and are in the 100% benefits tier who are out-of-state should complete a Yellow Ribbon application to be charged in-state tuition.
  • Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits may be transferred to a spouse or dependent.

In order to activate your Post 9/11 benefits, you must submit a Request for Enrollment Certification to your CCV Certifying Official each time you add or drop a class.

Know Your Responsibilities to avoid costly mistakes.

Chapter 35, Dependent’s Educational Assistance Program

Chapter 35 Information: U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs

  • Eligible to spouses and children of veterans who are deceased on active duty, deceased due to a service-related disability, permanently and totally disabled as the result of a service-connected injury or illness, missing in action/captured in the line of duty and currently held by a hostile force, forcibly detained or interned in the line of duty by a foreign government or power, hospitalized or receiving outpatient medical care, services, or treatment, or likely to be discharged or released from service for a service-connected disability.
  • Dependent children can generally receive benefits between the ages of 18 and 26.
  • For spouses of living veterans, benefits generally expire 10-20 years from the date of the veteran’s permanent and total disability evaluation. Divorce ends the benefit.
  • For surviving spouses of deceased veterans, benefits expire 10-20 years from the date of death.
    • Remarriage before the age of 57 ends the benefit.
  • Typically, benefits cover 36 months of school. Months you are not enrolled in classes do not count against you. If consistently in the program prior to August 2018 you retain the unused portion of 45 months.
  • When combining benefits from more than one education program, there is a maximum of 48 months of benefits.
  • A monthly allowance is paid directly to you by the VA during the months you are enrolled in classes.
    • The amount of this monthly payment is based on the level of your enrollment (full-time or portion thereof).
    • You must arrange payment to CCV (cash or financial aid) for tuition and fees by your due date (prior to the semester starting); your check from the VA will reimburse you for these costs.
    • Rate increases are effective October 1 each year.

Additionally, if you are enrolled in one of CCV’s certificate programs, you must verify your attendance monthly using VA Form 22-8979 (Student Verification of Enrollment), which the VA mails to you, or you will not receive your check from the VA. If you do not receive the form, immediately call your CCV Certifying Official (this step does not apply to students enrolled in associate degree programs).

Know Your Responsibilities to avoid costly mistakes.

Chapter 1606, Montgomery GI Bill – Selected Reserve

Chapter 1606 Information: U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs

  • Eligible to members of the Selected Reserve and National Guard.
  • Reserve and Guard components determine individual eligibility; talk with your Education Services Officer (ESO) at your branch for details.
  • If you leave the Selected Reserve the benefit generally expires the day you separate.
  • If you stay in the Selected Reserve, the benefit generally expires 10-14 years after you became eligible.
  • Typically, benefits cover 36 months of school. Months you are not enrolled in classes do not count against you.
  • When combining benefits from more than one education program, there is a maximum of 48 months of benefits.
  • A monthly allowance is paid directly to you by the VA during the months you are enrolled in classes.
    • The amount of this monthly payment is based on the level of your enrollment (full-time or portion thereof) as well as your length of service.
    • You must arrange payment to CCV (cash or financial aid) for tuition and fees by your due date (prior to the semester starting); your check from the VA will reimburse you for these costs.
    • Rate increases are effective October 1 each year.

In order to activate your Montgomery GI Bill-Selected Reserve (Chapter 1606) benefits, you must submit a Request for Enrollment Certification to your CCV Certifying Official each time you add or drop a class.

Additionally, you must verify your attendance monthly using Web Automated Verification of Enrollment (WAVE), or you will not receive your check from the VA.

Know Your Responsibilities to avoid costly mistakes.

Tuition Assistance DECIDE – Department of Defense Comparison Tool

Military Tuition Assistance (TA) is a benefit for eligible members of the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, and Coast Guard. Congress has given each service the ability to pay up to 100% for the tuition expenses of its members.

Each service has its own criteria for eligibility, application process, and restrictions. This money is paid directly to CCV by the individual services. For service-specific information, please see the links below.

Contact your Education Services Officer (ESO) for information specific to your circumstances.

To utilize Tuition Assistance, you will need to work with your CCV academic advisor to complete a projected degree plan, which you will upload as part of the Tuition Assistance application.

My Career Advancement Account (MyCAA)

The MyCAA Scholarship is a workforce development program that provides up to $4,000 of tuition assistance to eligible spouses. The scholarship helps military spouses pursue training and education necessary to gain employment in high-demand, high-growth, portable career fields and occupations. CCV is an approved institution for the MyCAA Scholarship program.

To determine eligibility visit the MyCAA Spouse Portal and provide the required Spouse Profile information or call 1-800-342-9647 to speak with a MyCAA Career and Education Consultant.

Vermont National Guard Tuition Benefit Program (VNGTBP)

This program creates free college for National Guard members. The legislature passed a bill that will be phased in to grant tuition to National Guard members. It covers our tuition at CCV but is not a grant; it is a forgivable loan. Guard members will need to satisfy the duty requirements for the no interest loan to be forgiven. The loan is first come, first-served and limited to available funding.

Contact with your Education Service Officer is required to process an application. The ESO of your unit needs to be engaged in the application process and sign off on your eligibility.

Eligibility:
  • The student must be a member in good standing and have completed basic training.
  • The student needs to be in a certificate or degree program or in continuing education purposefully relevant. An example of this might be taking courses as a prerequisite for admission to a VTC program.
  • Students cannot have completed a BA.
  • Students need to use Federal Tuition Assistance benefits they are eligible for first.
  • Students need to use 9/11 GI Bill benefits first if they have already applied for and received a Certificate of Eligibility.
  • Agreement to complete additional service time forgives this interest-free loan, making it free tuition. Not meeting the duty commitment means students will pay the loan back.

‘‘GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government web site at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill

Getting started at CCV isn’t difficult, but there are some steps involved. Read through the required steps and contact our Veteran & Military Services team with questions.  

Download the Veteran & Military-Connected Student Checklist

First Steps

Apply for Admission – CCV is an open-admissions college and all who can benefit are welcome. Be sure to declare yourself as a student veteran or dependent (if you plan to use benefits) in order for us to best assist you.

Contact Your Veteran & Military Resource Advisor (VMRA) – Email, text, or call to set up a face-to-face military readiness appointment with your VMRA.

Set Up Veterans Affairs (VA) Education Benefits
  • Complete your Application for VA Education Benefits Online – Submit online at: www.va.gov/education/how-to-apply/. Print a copy of the completed application for your records.
  • Yellow Ribbon? – For eligible students who have non-resident tuition costs. Visit the Yellow Ribbon Program page on the VA website for eligibility requirements. Download a Yellow Ribbon Application (PDF) from CCV.
  • Certificate of Eligibility –  Expect this document to arrive in the mail 6-8 weeks after you complete the benefit-appropriate VA application. Bring a copy to your CCV center and have the front desk scan it to your VA School Certifying Official (SCO) listed below.
Access Department of Defense (DOD) Education Benefits
  • Active military using Tuition Assistance? – Contact and make an appointment to meet your unit’s Education Service Officer (ESO) to discuss Tuition Assistance (TA) procedures.
Required: Submit All Transcripts for Military Training and Other Colleges Attended
  • Military and/or Other College Official Transcripts – For all branches except Air Force, your military transcripts can be ordered from the JST System. Air Force members can receive their transcripts from the CCAF.
  • Transcripts from all other colleges should be sent to:
    CCV Transcript Clerk
    PO Box 489
    Montpelier, VT 05601
     Transcripts may also be emailed directly to registrar@ccv.edu.
Supplement VA/DOD Benefits with Financial Aid
  • Free Application for Federal Student Aid – We recommend all students apply for financial aid by completing their FAFSA.
  • Meet with a CCV financial aid counselor – Make an appointment by calling your local CCV academic center or stop by the front desk to discuss state and federal aid possibilities, scholarships, and/or payment plans for coverage less than 100%.
Sign Up for the Right Classes and Get Ready for the Semester
  • Schedule a New Student Advising Appointment with an academic advisor – Make an appointment at the front desk to discuss degree aspirations, class selection, accuplacers, transfer credits, and directed self-placement.
  • Register & Certify — Make an appointment to see your academic advisor to register for classes. Access your online Request for Enrollment Certification Form. Your registration will be automatically loaded into the form. Contact your Veteran Resource Advisor with any questions.
  • Participate in Orientation – We recommend that every new student participate in an orientation to become acquainted with center staff and faculty, as well as the academic center facility.
  • Books – Purchase your books and materials as soon as possible. Not all benefits provide a stipend for books and supplies. Check with your VMRA on your eligibility. Office managers and front desk staff can also provide valuable information about getting those materials.
  • Parking – As each CCV center location is different, we ask you to talk to the front desk at your center about parking availability, passes, etc. Only Chapter 31 Veteran students may receive vouchers for parking passes (not needed at every center).
Coordinator of Veteran & Military Connected Student Services

Erik Zetterstrom
Veterans Support Coordinator
802-888-4258
erik.zetterstrom@ccv.edu

VA School Certifying Officials

Nikki Bronson
802-447-6948
nicole.bronson@ccv.edu
Serving Bennington, Middlebury, Montpelier, Morrisville, Rutland, Upper Valley

Melanie Crosby
Brattleboro: 802-254-6380
Springfield: 802-885-8360
melanie.crosby@ccv.edu
Serving Brattleboro and Springfield

Ready to get started?

Apply today or contact us with any questions.