VSAC and Vermont State offer associate and bachelor’s degrees to more families under higher eligibility threshold
VermontBiz Now more Vermont students can earn a two- or four-year college degree at Vermont State University (Vermont State)—tuition free.
Freedom & Unity, a program managed by the Vermont Student Assistance Corp (VSAC) in partnership with Vermont State, provides free tuition to Vermonters with a household income of $85,000 or less, who do not have a bachelor’s degree and are enrolled in eligible undergraduate degree programs at Vermont State. In the 2026 legislative session, legislators and Governor Scott increased the income threshold from $65,000 to $85,000 for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Dr. Elizabeth Mauch, Chancellor of the Vermont State Colleges system, remarked, “The expansion of this tuition benefit to include even more Vermonters will make a big difference for our current and future students. Thanks to this investment by our state legislature and Governor Scott, a 2-year or 4-year college degree has never been more accessible to Vermonters. We know that when we remove financial barriers, more people will access life-changing education and training. And, as students, these individuals can then focus on their studies and their future and the opportunities made possible by their education and degree.”
Vermont State offers more than 100 degree programs across high-demand fields like applied technology, engineering, healthcare, education, and business. With flexible learning options—including in-person, online, and hybrid formats—and personalized support every step of the way, Vermont State meets students where they are and helps them get where they want to go. And with free general tuition for eligible Vermonters, learners from all backgrounds and life stages can access a transformative education that fits their goals, their schedules, and their lives.
“Raising the income threshold from $65,000 to $85,000 helps more Vermont families keep pace with what they need to get ahead,” said Scott Giles, President and CEO of VSAC. “Vermont needs a skilled workforce, and high-demand, high-wage jobs increasingly require education or training beyond high school. Thanks to the vision of Vermont’s leaders, more students from modest-income families, no matter their age, now know that a debt-free path to a degree is within reach. This expansion is an investment in Vermont and a historic opportunity for people across the state to gain the skills they need to thrive. At a time when the Federal government is pulling back from supporting education opportunities, Vermont is positioning itself to compete for 21st century talent.”
Kaitlyn Dingman received Freedom & Unity to complete her nursing coursework and just started a position as an RN at a long-term care and rehab facility in Brattleboro. She said, “Without Freedom & Unity, becoming a nurse would not have been possible for me. It gave me the chance to attend Vermont State University, focus on my education instead of worrying about tuition, and prepare for a career where I can give back to my community. Knowing that I am able to care for patients here in Vermont makes me proud to have been part of a program that’s helping students while supporting the future of healthcare in our state.”
Freedom & Unity—named after Vermont’s state motto—was created by VSAC and Vermont State in 2025 with support from Governor Scott and the Vermont Legislature. The program builds upon Vermont State’s Free Tuition Promise.
To learn more about Freedom & Unity, visit vsac.org/unity.
