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

You’ve served your country, and CCV is proud to serve you. Our high-quality courses and small class sizes ensure you’re in the right place to enhance your skills, deepen your knowledge, and strengthen your employment prospects. CCV serves nearly 400 veteran and military students each semester, and all of them receive specialized support from our Veterans & Military Services Team. Whether it’s answering your questions, helping you navigate the steps to getting started or accessing your military education benefits, or helping you map your future plans and goals, CCV is here for you. We understand your needs and we’re honored you have chosen to pursue your academic career with us.

Enhanced services for military veterans at CCV are funded by the J. Warren and Lois McClure Foundation, the Hoehl Family Foundation, and other private donors. 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.

Each CCV academic center offers part-time work-study positions where you can contribute as a member of the academic staff. Hourly wages are $16.00. You must be enrolled in at least six credits of a degree program and have financial need. Contact your Financial Aid Counselor to see if you are eligible.

Learn more about the Federal Work-Study (FWS) Program.

View current openings here.

Student loans can be used to pay for a variety of costs associated with your college education, such as tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and the purchase of a computer or software. However, while borrowing funds may be a wise investment, it deserves careful consideration; all student loans must be paid back, including interest and fees. Before deciding to take out a loan, be sure to look for free money first, such as grants and scholarships, and speak to a CCV Financial Aid Counselor about other funding options. If you meet eligibility requirements you can submit a Federal Loan request here (CCV login required).

Types of Federal Loans

Federal Direct Loans are available to students who qualify for federal financial aid and are enrolled in at least six credits per semester. If you decide to borrow, there are two types of Federal Direct Loans: subsidized and unsubsidized. Eligible parents of dependent students can also take out Direct Parent PLUS loans.

Federal Subsidized Direct Loans

These loans are available based on your demonstrated financial need, determined by information provided on your FAFSA®. The federal government will pay the interest on a subsidized loan while you are in school and completing your program successfully. There are limits on how much you can borrow based on your year in school.

Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loans

Unsubsidized direct loans are available for students who don’t demonstrate financial need. You are responsible for all interest that accrues on the loan. You may choose to make interest payments while in school or defer interest payments, which will then be added to the principal of the loan. There are limits on how much you can borrow based on your year in school.

Federal Parent PLUS Loans

PLUS loans enable parents with good credit histories to borrow money to help pay for their child’s college expenses. The student must be enrolled at least half-time in a degree program. Parents can borrow up to the student’s full cost of education less other types of financial aid. If your family is interested in borrowing a Parent PLUS loan, please contact your Financial Aid Counselor.

Loan Exit Counseling

If you are leaving or graduating from CCV and you have borrowed a Federal Direct Loan, you are required to complete Loan Exit Counseling. Click here for exit counseling.

Steps to Apply for a Loan

You must be enrolled in at least six credits required for your degree or certificate program and have completed a FAFSA. You can also follow these steps:

  1. Complete BOTH the Master Promissory Note and Loan Entrance Counseling for Subsidized/ Unsubsidized loan type at studentaid.gov.
  2. After completing the Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling, contact your Financial Aid Counselor to determine the amount you need to cover your tuition, fees, books, and other qualified expenses.
  3. Once the semester begins, go to class! Attendance in six credits is needed to maintain eligibility for your loan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the interest rate?

Interest rates are typically fixed for federal student loans, and change depending on when your loan was taken out. The federal government maintains an ongoing chart of interest rates.

What is a Loan Servicer?

A loan servicer is a company that handles the billing and other services on your federal student loan. The loan servicer will work with you on repayment plans and loan consolidation and will assist you with other tasks related to your federal student loan. It is important to maintain contact with your loan servicer. If your circumstances change at any time during your repayment period, your loan servicer will be able to help.

Who is my Loan Servicer?

Login to studentaid.gov to find the name of your federal loan servicer as well as your complete financial aid history.

How much is my monthly payment going to be?

You can get exact estimates of your monthly payments or plan for the future by adding in anticipated student loans by using the Repayment Estimator on studentaid.gov.

What happens when I’m having difficulty repaying my loan?

There’s help available. It is important to ask for help as soon as making timely payments becomes an issue. The best thing to do is to work with your loan servicer to discuss options, which may include forbearance, consolidation, or a modified payment plan. There is also information on repayment and avoiding and resolving defaulted loans at studentaid.gov. CCV financial aid counselors can also answer your questions.

What if I have an issue with my loan servicer?

If you are unable to clarify or resolve a federal student loan issue, the Department of Education offers an ombudsman service available at studentaid.gov/feedback-ombudsman/disputes/prepare.

What repayment options are available?

There are several options that can change your repayment schedule, suspend, or reduce your payments. Eligibility varies depending upon the option you pursue. Please contact your student loan servicer to discuss repayment options in more detail.

Federal Pell Grants

Students who have not received a bachelor’s degree may be eligible for this federal grant program. The amount of the award will depend on your Student Aid Index resulting from the FAFSA® and enrollment status.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

SEOG is awarded by the College to students with high financial need. The amount of the SEOG award will depend on your financial need and enrollment status. CCV has limited SEOG funds.

Vermont Incentive Grant

VSAC awards this grant to Vermont residents enrolled full- or part-time in degree programs based on financial need and enrollment status. There is no specific deadline, but it is always best to apply early before funds run out. For more information, visit the VSAC website.

802 Opportunity Grant

VSAC awards this grant to Vermont residents enrolled full or part-time in degree programs based on financial need. The 802 Opportunity Grant offers free tuition for Vermonters with a family income of $75,000 or less, who do not already have a bachelor’s degree, and who meet eligibility requirements for federal financial aid. For more information, visit the VSAC website.

Advancement Grant

This grant is awarded by VSAC to Vermont residents enrolled in a continuing education program based on financial need to help with tuition and fee costs. Awards are given on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information, visit the VSAC website.

It is your responsibility to:

  1. Review and consider all information about the school’s program before you enroll.
  2. Complete all application forms accurately and submit them on time. Errors can result in long delays in your receipt of financial aid. Intentional misreporting of information on application forms for federal financial aid is in violation of the law and is considered a criminal offense subject to penalties under U.S. Criminal Code.
    • File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online for the fastest processing of your application. You can also submit a paper FAFSA. In either case, you will receive a FAFSA Submission Summary.
    • If your FAFSA needs corrections, you may make them online or consult with your Financial Aid Counselor.
    • Return all additional documentation, verification, corrections and/or new information to the financial aid office.
  3. Read and understand all forms that you are asked to sign and keep copies of them.
  4. Accept responsibility for all agreements you sign.
  5. Notify CCV of change in address, name, or any other information which may affect our ability to contact you. If you have a loan, notify the lender of changes in your name, address, or school enrollment status.
  6. Perform the work that is agreed upon in accepting a Federal Work-Study award.
  7. Know and comply with the deadlines for application or reapplication for aid. You must apply again each year.
  8. Know and comply with CCV’s refund procedures.
  9. Be familiar with the consequences of dropping a class, withdrawing from a class, and not making satisfactory academic progress.
  10. Attend class! If you never attend classes or stop attending before your financial aid application process is completed, you may not receive aid, grants, or loans to pay your balance due to the CCV. If you stop attending before the end of the term, your aid may be reduced or canceled. In either case you may owe a balance due to the CCV.
  11. If you are a loan recipient and your enrollment falls below 6 credits, you are graduating from CCV, or you are leaving CCV, complete Loan Exit Counseling.
  12. Seek resolution of complaints regarding the award of financial aid at CCV through procedures as outlined in the Complaint Resolution for Students policy.

All financial aid information supplied to the Community College of Vermont by a student, or in support of the student’s application, will be held in strict confidence and will be used by the Financial Aid Officer only to determine the amount and type of award for which the student may be eligible.

Verification

After completing your FAFSA® the U.S. Department of Education may select your application for verification. If you are selected for verification, CCV is required to collect information to confirm that the information you provided on the FAFSA is accurate. CCV will contact you if you need to complete any additional forms. CCV may not be able to offer you financial aid if any required additional forms are not submitted.

2024 – 2025 Forms
(Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 semesters)

Electronic Forms (RECOMMENDED)
VSC username and password is required.

Paper Forms

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Form – Electronic (RECOMMENDED)

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Form – PDF

CCV’s financial aid counselors are here to help you throughout the process – from application to graduation. Contact the FA counselor at your nearest center with questions, or for help with applying for financial aid. You may also submit the contact form below.

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All financial aid programs have specific eligibility requirements, application forms, and deadlines. When you receive financial aid, you have the responsibility to make sure you are doing everything you can to retain your eligibility. Complete information about financial aid is available in the Student Handbook, or from a Financial Aid Counselor.

General Eligibility Requirements for Federal Financial Aid

  • You must have demonstrated financial need for need-based federal student aid programs.
  • You must be a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen.
  • You must have a valid Social Security number (Except students from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau).
  • You must be enrolled in a degree or certificate program at CCV.
  • You must have a high school diploma, GED, or have completed a home school program.
  • You must be enrolled in at least 6 credits except for the federal Pell Grant program.
  • You must not be in default on federal student loans or owe a refund on previously awarded financial aid.
  • You must provide consent and approval to have your federal tax information transferred directly into your 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form.
  • You must maintain satisfactory academic progress.

Federal financial aid can only pay for courses that meet degree or certificate completion requirements.

The Higher Education Opportunity Act conditions the eligibility of educational institutions to participate in Title IV programs on the development of and compliance with a code of conduct prohibiting conflicts of interest for its financial aid personnel [HEOA § 487(a)(25)]. CCV’s officers, employees, and agents are required to comply with this code of conduct. The following specific provisions bring CCV into compliance with the federal law [HEOA § 487(e)].

  1. Neither CCV as an institution nor any individual officer, employee, or agent shall enter into any revenue-sharing arrangements with any lender.
  1. No officer or employee of CCV who is employed in student financial services or who otherwise has responsibilities with respect to education loans, or agent who has responsibilities with respect to education loans, or any of their family members, shall solicit or accept any gift from a lender, guarantor, or servicer of education loans. For purposes of this prohibition, the term “gift” means any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, or other item having a monetary value of more than a de minimis amount.
  1. An officer or employee of CCV who is employed in Financial Aid or who otherwise has responsibilities with respect to education loans, or an agent who has responsibilities with respect to education loans, shall not accept from any lender or affiliate of any lender any fee, payment, or other financial benefit (including the opportunity to purchase stock) as compensation for any type of consulting arrangement or other contract to provide services to a lender or on behalf of a lender relating to education loans.
  1. CCV shall not:
    1. for any first-time borrower, assign, through award packaging or other methods, the borrower’s loan to a particular lender other than Direct Loans;
    2. refuse to certify, or delay certification of, any loan based on the borrower’s selection of a particular lender or guaranty agency.
  1. CCV shall not request or accept from any lender any offer of funds to be used for private education loans, including funds for an opportunity pool loan, to students in exchange for the institution providing concessions or promises regarding providing the lender with:
    1. a specified number of loans made, insured, or guaranteed under Title IV;
    2. a specified loan volume of such loans; or
    3. a preferred lender arrangement for such loans.
  1. CCV shall not request or accept from any lender any assistance with call center staffing or Financial Aid staffing.

Any employee who is employed in Financial Aid, or who otherwise has responsibilities with respect to education loans or other student financial aid, and who serves on an advisory board, commission, or group established by a lender, guarantor, or group of lenders or guarantors, shall be prohibited from receiving anything of value from the lender, guarantor, or group of lenders or guarantors, except that the employee may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in serving on such advisory board, commission, or group.

To apply for scholarships, or to nominate a student for a scholarship, complete our Scholarships Application. A valid CCV login is required.

Help support these scholarships and our students by donating today!

Scholarships

Alumni Scholarship
Funded by alumni gifts, this scholarship of $500 is awarded each year to CCV graduates who plan to continue on for a bachelor’s degree. Fill out the Alumni Scholarship application.

CCV President’s Scholarship
CCV’s premier academic scholarship, this is awarded to students who exhibit sustained academic excellence.

CCV Student Success Scholarship
This endowment scholarship was established to support deserving students whose chances of success can be strengthened by aid and whose needs are not met by other sources.

Early Childhood Education Portfolio Scholarship
This CCV scholarship from an anonymous donor covers the full tuition and fees for enrollment in EDU-1240 Assessment of Prior Learning or EDU-1225 Focused Portfolio Development for 10 early childhood educators with more than one year of experience in the field who are pursuing CCV’s associate degree in Early Childhood Education. Additional scholarships over the next 3 years/6 semesters are available to recipients to help complete their associate degree. Scholarship details can be found here.

G. Jason Conway Memorial Scholarship
Established in memory of beloved faculty member Jason Conway, this scholarship is awarded to students who have financial need, show academic promise, and have a propensity for self-directed learning.

Helping Professions Scholarship
This scholarship was established by Ken Libertoff, who served as Director of the Vermont Association for Mental Health for 30 years. It is intended to help recruit, train, and maintain Vermont’s workforce by assisting students working toward careers in the “helping professions.” It is intentionally broadly defined to intersect with a variety of career opportunities in mental health, social work, nursing, corrections, and the allied healthcare fields.

Jennifer Frey Memorial Scholarship
Bob and Lois Frey established this scholarship in memory of their daughter, Jennifer “Jenny” Frey ‘97, a longtime student, lifelong learner, and CCV graduate. Each year, the Frey scholars statewide – students with a special learning need or who are studying to serve those with special needs – receive direct support for their tuition expenses.

Joseph and Dale Boutin Scholarship
Joseph “Joe” Boutin, retired President and CEO of Merchants Bank, established this endowed scholarship fund to provide need-based scholarships for CCV students. In his 39-year career, Joe was a leader in the banking industry in Vermont and nationally. He also served on several non-profit boards including the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC).

Karen M. Geiger Scholarship
In recognition of the key role CCV played in Karen’s educational and professional development, this scholarship was established by the Geiger family in memory of Karen who was both a CCV alumna and staff member. This scholarship is awarded annually to students who demonstrate financial need, preferably in the liberal studies degree program.

Karen Raylene Clark Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship fund was created in memory of longtime CCV-Brattleboro Academic Coordinator Karen Clark, who passed away in December 2015. It was established to honor Karen’s passion for helping students persist in their studies, complete their degrees, and reach their career goals.

Kenneth G. and Leah M. Kalb Scholarship
Originally established in memory of former CCV President Kenneth Kalb’s wife, Leah, this scholarship was renamed after Ken’s passing in 2020 to honor his memory as well. This scholarship provides funds to students pursuing an associate degree in a business-related concentration.

Legacy Scholarship
This scholarship is designed to honor former and current CCV faculty and staff members whose work for the College has benefited students, faculty, and co-workers in substantial and meaningful ways. Each year, one or more current or former faculty and staff members will be identified.

Olin Scott Memorial Scholarship
This need-based scholarship is used to benefit students who are longtime residents of Bennington County and have less than 60 academic credits.

Student Leadership Scholarship
These scholarships are awarded annually to one student from each CCV academic center, as well as the Center for Online Learning. Recipients are nominated by staff at their home academic center and awarded $1,000 in recognition of their leadership efforts through academics, volunteerism, and community engagement.

Urban and Pauline Bergeron Memorial Scholarship
Established in honor of Urban and Pauline Bergeron, this scholarship is funded by the Bergeron Family Foundation and provides financial assistance to students in a career program with financial need that are in good academic standing and have resided in Chittenden County for ten years or more.

Valedictorian/Salutatorian Tuition Scholarship
Students who have graduated number one or two in their Vermont high school class are eligible for a tuition waiver at CCV. You do not need to be a recent high school graduate to qualify for this waiver, but you cannot have already earned a baccalaureate degree at any higher education institution. You must maintain a GPA of 3.0 to retain this scholarship.

Victoria Buffum Single Parent Scholarship
This scholarship provides financial support to full-time CCV students who are single parents and is generously funded by the endowed Victoria Buffum Single Parent Program Fund established at the Vermont Community Foundation. Find out more on our Student Parent Resources page.

Yolande Corbin Chadwick Scholarship
Established in honor of Yolande Corbin Chadwick, this scholarship is awarded to students with children enrolled in a degree program at the CCV-Winooski academic center.

Scholarships for Veteran & Military-Connected students can be found here.

Funds

General Scholarship Fund
Every dollar given to this fund goes directly to tuition assistance for students.

Life Gap Fund
Life Gap provides just-in-time support to help address small but unexpected emergency expenses during the semester so that you can stay focused on school. Visit ccv.edu/lifegap to apply. A CCV username and password is needed to access the application.

Study Abroad Fund
This fund provides grants to students participating in CCV’s study abroad courses to help offset extra program fees and travel costs.

Affiliated Scholarships

Vermont National Guard Tuition Benefit Program
The Vermont National Guard Tuition Benefit Program helps members of the Vermont National Guard pursue higher education by covering full tuition at eligible colleges or universities in Vermont. This program applies to undergraduate and some certificate programs, making it a valuable resource for service members aiming to advance their education while serving their community. To qualify, applicants must meet National Guard service commitments, maintain academic progress, and fulfill other program requirements.
Fill out the Vermont National Guard Tuition Program checklist and application.  

T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Vermont Scholarship
The T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® Vermont program provides scholarships to early education professionals pursuing a CCV Early Childhood Education associate degree. The scholarship program is administered by Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VAEYC) and funded through Race to the Top Early Learning Challenge Grant and The Henderson Foundation.

A CCV Cares Grant can be used to cover any part of your college costs or for emergency expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants are funded by the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF).

Important Announcement: The Cares Grant is now closed. All funds have been awarded.

What is Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF)?

The Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund (HEERF) is part of federal stimulus legislation which provides financial support to students and higher education institutions. The original legislation that established HEERF was the Cares Act, passed in March 2020. The Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act (CRRSAA) passed in December 2020 provided additional funds to HEERF with new criteria, and the American Rescue Plan, passed in March 2021, provided further funding for students and colleges.

What kinds of expenses are allowable?

A CCV Cares Grant can be used to cover any part of your cost of attendance, such as tuition, fees, books, technology, health care, childcare, housing, food, or transportation. It can also be used for emergency expenses due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Some examples include:

  • A student needs to pay tuition or fees remaining for a semester
  • A student needs to buy textbooks for a semester
  • A student needs a laptop or internet service to take their online courses
  • A student needs food or housing assistance while enrolled for classes.

Note: If you are planning to purchase laptop or other tech needs with a Cares Grant, please refer to your course syllabus or contact your academic advisor for recommendations. Some courses recommend a PC (i.e. Windows) in order to run software needed for the course.

Am I eligible?

You may be eligible if:

  • You are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • You are enrolled for the Fall 2022 semester.
  • You have exceptional need

While a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is not required, we encourage you to file it if you are pursuing a degree or certificate at CCV. If you have not filed a FAFSA, you can get a list of steps on our financial aid page, or you can connect with the financial aid counselor at your local CCV academic center.

Does the money need to be repaid?

No, money received through this fund does not need to be repaid.

How do I apply?

You can apply by submitting an online application.

Awarding is evaluated and made on a case-by-case basis. For the Fall 2022 semester, the maximum grant is $1,000.

Once you submit your request, you will receive an email notification and next steps within 1-2 business days. Aid is sent to you either via check or electronically if you have set up direct deposit to your bank account.

How do you prioritize exceptional need?

CCV prioritizes students that have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of under $14,000 from the 2022-2023 FAFSA OR can answer yes to either of the below statements if it has happened at ANY point in time since March 13, 2020:

  • Job loss or reduced hours for myself, parent, guardian, or others who assist with my college and/or household expenses.
  • K-12 school or childcare center closure for my child(ren) resulting in reduced working hours for myself or those who support my college and/or household expenses.

Students that do not meet the EFC threshold AND are unable to affirm any of the above took place are still eligible for funds at a reduced amount.

Eligibility is also based upon enrollment status. CCV uses the below chart to determine a student’s award maximum.

I am enrolled in 6 or more creditsI am enrolled in less than 6 credits
I have exceptional need, as defined above$1,000 maximum$500 maximum
I have no exceptional need, as defined above$300 maximum$150 maximum

Will this money reduce my financial aid?

No, this money does not reduce or replace your financial aid.

What if I’m not eligible?

If you are neither a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen, please call 802-262-6557, contact the CCV financial aid counselor at your local academic center, or email us at financialaid@ccv.edu. CCV has other options like the Life Gap Grant or Student Assistance Fund (SAF) that may be able to assist you. These funds can provide CCV students with money to assist with urgent, compelling, or unexpected needs.

Whom may I contact for more information?

Please call 802-262-6557 or email the CCV financial aid counselor at your local academic center.

HEERF Public Disclosure

Ready to get started?

Apply today or contact us with any questions.