Vermont Education Grants for Single Mothers (2025)

Last updated: September 2025

This guide is built for single moms in Vermont who need real, fast, accurate answers about paying for college or job training. It covers federal grants, Vermont state grants, free‑tuition programs at Vermont’s public colleges, childcare help while you study, and specialty funds many guides miss. Every dollar amount, deadline, and phone number below is from an official source and linked so you can apply immediately.

Quick help (read this first)

• File the FAFSA now. It unlocks Pell Grants, FSEOG, work‑study, and most Vermont aid. Federal 2025–26 FAFSA is open; final federal deadline is June 30, 2026. File the FAFSA at StudentAid.gov. (fsapartners.ed.gov)
• Apply for the Vermont Grant and (if needed) the Advancement Grant in your MyVSAC account. Processing typically takes 7–10 business days after VSAC marks your docs received. Apply for Vermont Grants in MyVSAC. VSAC help line: 888‑253‑4819. (vsac.org)
• If your income is under $100,000, check 802Opportunity: tuition‑free Community College of Vermont for degree/certificate programs. See 802Opportunity details. CCV aid: 802‑262‑6557. (ccv.edu)
• If your income is under $100,000, admitted Vermonters at UVM can get tuition and the comprehensive fee fully covered under UVM Promise. See UVM Promise. UVM SFS: 802‑656‑5700. (uvm.edu)
• If your income is $50,000 or less, Vermont State University’s Free Tuition Guarantee covers general tuition for new students. See VTSU Free Tuition Guarantee. Student Finances: 802‑468‑6070. (vermontstate.edu)
• Need childcare so you can attend classes? Vermont’s Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP) now serves families up to 575% FPL; many pay $0 weekly share. Apply online or via your local agency. Benefits center: 800‑479‑6151. Learn about CCFAP. (dcf.vermont.gov)
• If you’re parenting and very low income (under 150% FPL), Reach Up’s Postsecondary Education (PSE) program can add monthly cash plus help with childcare, transportation, and school supplies while you earn a degree. Call 800‑479‑6151 and ask about PSE. See PSE. (dcf.vermont.gov)

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Quick reference cheat sheet (scan and click)

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What to do first: file the FAFSA (then do your MyVSAC forms)

The FAFSA is the key that opens almost everything below. Do this even if you think you “make too much.” Vermont programs often require it, and aid is first‑come at many schools.

• Federal FAFSA deadline for the 2025–26 year: June 30, 2026. Online is fastest. You can fix errors until September 14, 2026. FAFSA deadlines and basics. (fsapartners.ed.gov)
• Create FSA IDs for you (and the other required “contributor,” if any) and use your 2023 tax info (transferred automatically with consent). Processing can be 1–3 days online.
• Next, log in to MyVSAC and submit:
  • the Vermont Grant application; and
  • if you’re doing a short, non‑degree training, the Advancement Grant application.

VSAC says once your required documents show “received,” your file is reviewed in about 7–10 business days; schools get notified and funds disburse after enrollment is verified. You can check your status in MyVSAC at any time. (vsac.org)

Common mistakes to avoid (FAFSA/MyVSAC)

• Leaving off Vermont as your state of legal residence or forgetting to list your Vermont school. That can delay your state grant. (vsac.org)
• Waiting until spring. Funds like FSEOG are limited and go to the earliest, highest-need filers. (fsapartners.ed.gov)
• Skipping document uploads VSAC requests (W‑2s, taxes). Your application won’t be finalized until they’re in. Allow up to 3 business days for your doc status to update to “received.” (vsac.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Call VSAC at 888‑253‑4819 for one‑on‑one help applying by phone/Zoom or via a local counselor. (vsac.org)
• Ask your school’s financial aid office to review for professional judgment if your 2025 income is lower than the 2023 tax year on your FAFSA.

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Federal grants you should claim

Pell Grant (don’t leave this on the table)

Most Vermont single moms who qualify for need‑based aid will get some Pell.

• For 2025–26, the maximum annual Pell is $7,395\ast \ast andtheminimumis\ast \ast$740. Your amount is based on your Student Aid Index (SAI), family size, and enrollment intensity (full‑time vs. part‑time). Year‑round Pell may let you get up to 150% across fall/spring/summer if eligible. Source: U.S. Department of Education Dear Colleague Letter GEN‑25‑02, updated May 29, 2025. (fsapartners.ed.gov)
• Lifetime limit: 12 full‑time semesters (about 6 years). (fsapartners.ed.gov)

How to apply

• Just file the FAFSA and list your school(s). Funds pay your bill through your college.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If your Pell is low because your SAI is high, focus on state/college grants below (Vermont Grant, 802Opportunity, UVM Promise, VTSU Guarantee) that look at full costs and close tuition gaps.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

• For extremely high‑need students (often zero or very low SAI), colleges can award FSEOG between $100\ast \ast and\ast \ast$4,000 per year, depending on school funding. This is campus‑based and limited—apply early. (fsapartners.ed.gov)

How to apply

• File FAFSA; ask your school if it participates and how it awards FSEOG.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If your college doesn’t have FSEOG funds, check state and institutional options below and VSAC scholarships.

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Vermont state grants and training funds (VSAC)

Vermont Grant (the main VT state grant)

• What it pays: Need‑based grant paid to your school. Amount varies by your financial situation, your college’s cost of attendance, and when you applied (first‑come, subject to funding). (vsac.org)
• Who qualifies: Vermont residents in eligible undergrad degree or certificate programs (Title IV schools), up to 10 full‑time semesters. (vsac.org)
• How to apply:
  • File FAFSA; complete the Vermont Grant application in MyVSAC; monitor your To‑Do list and upload any W‑2s/tax docs they request. Processing typically happens within 7–10 business days after VSAC marks your docs received; disbursement happens after your school verifies enrollment when term starts. (vsac.org)

Tips

• If your income dropped since 2023, email VSAC with details; they can consider a reduced‑income review. (vsac.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Ask your school for an institutional grant appeal and move fast on the programs below that promise free tuition when you meet income rules.

Advancement Grant (non‑degree, short‑term job training)

• What it pays: Helps cover the tuition/fees of non‑degree courses that lead to jobs or further study. VSAC awards up to the course cost (annual caps vary by program type and funding). You can get up to 2 courses per term, 2 terms per year, up to 6 terms total. (vsac.org)
• Who qualifies: Vermont residents in non‑degree courses, with financial need.
• How to apply: File the Advancement Grant in MyVSAC (work with Grants → Apply for a Vermont Grant), upload income docs if asked. Applications are first‑come while funds last. Status updates appear in MyVSAC. (vsac.org)

Timelines and reality checks

• VSAC notes doc receipt can take up to 3 business days to reflect; eligibility review is typically 7–10 business days after that. Schools are paid once your enrollment is verified after class starts. Plan 2–4 weeks from application to funds posting on your account. (vsac.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Ask a VSAC Education Opportunity Center counselor about the Curtis Credential of Value Scholarship (short‑term certificate help) and WIOA training funds through the Vermont Department of Labor. Start at VSAC Workforce Funding. (vsac.org)

VSAC‑assisted scholarships (including a single‑parent childcare award)

• VSAC administers 150+ scholarships. Many are small, but they add up. For 2025–26, the VSAC scholarship deadline was February 12, 2025 (next year’s date posts each fall). Award sizes typically $500–$6,500. (vsac.org)
• Key pick for single moms: the Bernice Murray Scholarship—covers up to $4,000 specifically for childcare so you can continue college. Apply via the Unified Scholarship Application (USA) in MyVSAC + FAFSA. (vsac.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Look at college‑specific scholarships (UVM, VTSU, CCV, Champlain) and small local awards listed by your high school, town office, employers, unions, and community foundations.

Forgivable loan programs (tuition paid if you work in VT)

These behave like “scholarships with strings”—they’re interest‑free, do not require payments while in school, and are forgiven when you complete specific Vermont work commitments. Apply by the VSAC priority date (usually mid‑February—February 12, 2025 for 2025–26), then rolling until funds run out. (vsac.org)

• Vermont Trades Forgivable Loan: up to $23,000 for training that leads to jobs in building/mechanical/industrial/medical trades, emergency services, energy, transportation, broadband, robotics, and other high‑demand sectors. Must work full‑time in your trade in VT for one year per year of funding. (vsac.org)
• Nurse Faculty Forgivable Loan: up to full tuition (not above UVM in‑state tuition rate). Work as full‑time nursing faculty in Vermont—one year per year of assistance. (vsac.org)
• Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) Forgivable Loan: up to full tuition (not above UVM in‑state rate). Work as a PMHNP in VT—one year per year of assistance. (vsac.org)
• Vermont National Guard Tuition Benefit: loan forgiven with Guard service obligation; can cover up to full tuition at UVM or VTSU (or up to UVM’s in‑state rate at VT privates/out‑of‑state institutions). Priority deadline February 12, 2025 for 2025–26. Guard completes a certification form with you. (vsac.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If funding is depleted (nursing/other programs sometimes fill), ask VSAC about the next cycle and apply the same day applications open. Also check employer tuition benefits and the Vermont Training Program (employer‑side grants that sometimes translate into paid training). (accd.vermont.gov)

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Free‑tuition options at Vermont’s public colleges

Community College of Vermont (CCV) — 802Opportunity

• What it covers: 100% of CCV tuition plus the $100 admin fee (books and course fees are extra).
• Who qualifies: Vermont residents without a bachelor’s, in CCV associate degrees or certificates, with family adjusted gross income ≤ $100,000.
• How to apply: There’s no separate application. Just: apply to CCV, file FAFSA (school code 011167), and complete your Vermont Grant—VSAC & CCV apply 802Opportunity automatically if you qualify. CCV Financial Aid: 802‑262‑6557. (ccv.edu)
• Current status: Expanded to the $100,000 income cap in 2025; nearly 2,800 CCV students benefited last year. (ccv.edu)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If your income is just over the cap, look at CCV’s degree‑specific scholarships and the VTSU or UVM programs below. (ccv.edu)

University of Vermont (UVM) — UVM Promise

• What it covers: Tuition and comprehensive fee (not housing/food), by stacking federal, state, and UVM grants to close any gap.
• Who qualifies: Vermont resident undergrads starting Fall 2025 or later; parents’ AGI ≤ $100,000 with typical assets; full‑time enrollment; apply for aid and the Vermont Grant each year by UVM’s deadlines. UVM SFS: 802‑656‑5700. (uvm.edu)
• FYI: For 2025–26, UVM in‑state tuition is $8,303\ast \ast persemester(12–19credits);comprehensivefee\ast \ast$1,454 per semester. Knowing these numbers helps you read your award. (www2.uvm.edu)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If you miss UVM’s priority date, still file; aid may be limited but you could qualify for Pell, Vermont Grant, and department scholarships.

Vermont State University (VTSU) — Free Tuition Guarantee

• What it covers: Closes the gap in general tuition after all grants/scholarships; does not cover program‑specific tuition in Engineering/Technology, Nursing/Respiratory Therapy, or Dental/Radiologic. (vermontstate.edu)
• Who qualifies: New degree‑seeking Vermont residents with student/family AGI ≤ $50,000 starting Fall 2025 or Spring 2026.
• Helpful context: In‑state general tuition is $10,704\ast \ast peryear(about\ast \ast$446/credit) before any program tuition add‑ons. Contact Student Finances: 802‑468‑6070. (vermontstate.edu)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If your income is above $50,000, use Pell + VT Grant + institutional aid; ask about merit awards and the VTSU “Degree Completion Scholarship” (for certain returning adults). (ccv.edu)

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Childcare and cash supports that help you stay in school

Child Care Financial Assistance Program (CCFAP)

If you need childcare to attend class, study, or commute, this program can be the difference‑maker.

• Eligibility: Vermont residency, eligible citizenship of the child, assets under $1,000,000\ast \ast ,andanapproved“reasonforcare”(workoreducation/trainingqualifies).Incomeguidelinesexpandedtoupto\ast \ast 575$0 to around $425 weekly based on income, size, and provider rates. (dcf.vermont.gov)
• New in 2025: Guidelines updated to the 2025 FPLs effective March 23, 2025, so some families see lower weekly shares. (dcf.vermont.gov)
• 2025 FPL examples (contiguous U.S.): Family of 2 $21,150\ast \ast ,3\ast \ast$26,650, 4 $32,150\ast \ast .Thatmeans575$121,613, 3‑person $153,238\ast \ast ,4‑person\ast \ast$184,863 per year. Source: HHS poverty guidelines. (aspe.hhs.gov)

How to apply

• Apply online in the CDDIS Parent Portal or submit a paper application to your Community Child Care Support Agency. For help, call 800‑479‑6151. Start here: Child Care Financial Assistance. (dcf.vermont.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Ask your school about on‑campus or partner centers, and check Head Start/Early Head Start and Vermont 2‑1‑1 for local openings and sliding‑scale options. Dial 211. (women.vermont.gov)

Reach Up – Postsecondary Education (PSE)

If your income is very low (≤ 150% FPL) and you’re caring for minor children, PSE helps you focus on school.

• What you get: Monthly cash (if income‑eligible) plus case management, help with childcare, transportation, and school supplies. You must be accepted to an approved college program and agree to work no more than 20 hours/week during school. Apply with forms 202 + 202PSE and complete an interview. Call 800‑479‑6151. (dcf.vermont.gov)

Plan ahead

• If your PSE closes after you graduate or your income rises, Reach Ahead can provide $100/month\ast \ast infoodcashfor12months(then\ast \ast$50/month for the next 12) and the maximum childcare subsidy if you’re working. You’re auto‑enrolled if eligible. (dcf.vermont.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If your need is short‑term (4 months or less), ask about Reach First—case management and financial help to stabilize you so you can start school. (dcf.vermont.gov)

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Vermont‑specific scholarships and supports for parents

• Champlain College Single Parents Program: if admitted to Champlain’s on‑campus programs, Pell‑eligible Vermont single parents may receive a Single Parents Scholarship that, with federal and state grants, covers full tuition; plus case management, an emergency “Save‑the‑Day” fund, and community supports. Contact 800‑359‑0728. Learn more. (champlain.edu)
• Emily Lester Vermont Opportunity Scholarship (for students with foster care experience): generally $1,000–$3,000 at Vermont schools. Apply via VSAC’s USA + FAFSA + Vermont Grant. (vsac.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Check your school’s “current student scholarships” page for emergency grants, childcare stipends, or completion awards (e.g., degree‑completion support at CCV/VTSU). (ccv.edu)

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Inclusive funding notes (for diverse communities)

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Vermont Works for Women’s Trailblazers programs (free pre‑apprenticeships with paid work experiences) are inclusive of women and gender‑expansive adults; some cohorts offer stipends up to $1,000\ast \ast andOSHA‑10.ThesebuildpathwaysintotradesthatpairwellwithVSAC’s\ast \ast$23,000 Trades Forgivable Loan. Trailblazers info. (vermontbiz.com, vsac.org)
• Single mothers with disabilities or with disabled children: HireAbility Vermont (Vocational Rehabilitation) can help pay for training and offers a Career Training Offset that pays minimum wage for unpaid classroom hours toward industry credentials (e.g., ~144 hours in HVAC). Ask your local VR office about eligibility. (wioaplans.ed.gov)
• Veteran single mothers and Guard families: Pair GI Bill/VA benefits with the Vermont National Guard Tuition Benefit (for Guard members) or the Armed Services Scholarship for survivors—covers up to full‑time tuition. Start with VSAC and your VA/Guard education office. (vsac.org)
• Immigrant/refugee single moms: Champlain’s New American Student Scholarship (need‑based) can cover tuition net of Pell/VSAC grants; Mercy Connections offers free adult education, mentoring, and entrepreneurship classes (Burlington). (champlain.edu, mercyconnections.org)
• Tribal citizens: If you’re a citizen of a federally recognized tribe, check the Bureau of Indian Education Higher Education Grant program; Vermont‑based options include UVM’s First Nations Scholarship and VLGS’s First Nations Scholarship (state‑recognized Abenaki students are eligible). (bie.edu, abenakiart.org, vtdigger.org)
• Rural single moms with limited access: CCV offers extensive online formats; VTSU lists an online‑only per‑credit rate; many VSAC services are provided virtually or by phone to reduce travel. (vermontstate.edu)
• Single fathers: Most programs above are gender‑neutral; you can apply if you have custody and meet the rules.
• Language access: Vermont 2‑1‑1 provides translation on calls and can connect you to local help finding childcare and training resources. Dial 211. (women.vermont.gov)

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Deadlines you can’t miss (and how long things take)

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Tables you can use while you apply

A. Which “free tuition” path fits?

B. Federal grants at a glance

C. VSAC training funds (forgivable loans)

D. Childcare help while studying

E. UVM in‑state cost cues (to decode your award)

Source: UVM Student Financial Services. (www2.uvm.edu)

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Step‑by‑step: a realistic path to get your aid

• Today or this week
  • Create FSA IDs, file the FAFSA, list your Vermont schools. Bookmark your FAFSA Submission Summary.
• Within 1–3 days
  • FAFSA processes (online). Fix any errors. Then submit the Vermont Grant in MyVSAC and, if needed, the Advancement Grant.
• Within 1–2 weeks
  • Upload any VSAC‑requested documents. Watch for status updates; VSAC says doc receipt can take up to 3 business days to show and eligibility review 7–10 business days. (vsac.org)
• As soon as you register
  • Ask your childcare provider to accept CCFAP; apply as soon as you have a class schedule. If approved, your family share starts when your certificate is issued.
• After term starts
  • Schools verify enrollment; VSAC disburses to your school, typically via EFT within a couple of business days after verification. (vsac.org)

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Real‑world examples (how moms use these together)

• CCV medical billing certificate: Mom with $68,000\ast \ast AGIuses802Opportunitytocovertuition;AdvancementGrantcoversashortnon‑creditcodingclass;CCFAPreduceschildcareto\ast \ast$0 weekly family share while in class under the 175% FPL threshold (for very low‑income families). (dcf.vermont.gov)
• UVM social work major: Vermont mom admitted Fall 2025 gets Pell ($7,395 max if eligible), Vermont Grant (amount varies), and UVM Promise closes the remaining tuition + comprehensive fee gap; CCFAP helps with after‑school care. (fsapartners.ed.gov, uvm.edu)
• VTSU nursing: With $45,000 AGI, a new VTSU student gets general tuition covered by the VTSU Free Tuition Guarantee; later adds a VSAC nursing‑related forgivable loan (if funding is open) to cover program costs in upper semesters. (vermontstate.edu, vsac.org)

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Common mistakes to avoid

• Assuming you’re “too old” or “too high income” for aid. State/college programs have higher income caps than you think (e.g., $100,000 for CCV/UVM free tuition). (ccv.edu, uvm.edu)
• Waiting to apply for CCFAP until classes start. Apply as soon as you have your schedule; approvals aren’t instant and start dates matter. (dcf.vermont.gov)
• Not reading your school bill. At UVM, the “program fee” ($500) isn’t covered by some free‑tuition programs; you must budget for fees, books, and housing. (www2.uvm.edu)
• Missing VSAC’s priority date (often in February) for scholarships/forgivable loans; funds can run out. (vsac.org)

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Application checklist (print this)

• Government photo ID and Social Security card (or eligible non‑citizen docs).
• 2023 federal tax return(s) and W‑2s for you (and spouse/parent if required by FAFSA). Consent to IRS data transfer in FAFSA.
• School list (add CCV/UVM/VTSU or your college) and Vermont chosen as your state of legal residence.
• MyVSAC login created; Vermont Grant and (if needed) Advancement Grant applications submitted; upload any VSAC‑requested docs.
• Class schedule and provider quote for childcare; start CCFAP paperwork early.
• If applying for PSE (Reach Up): completed 202 and 202PSE forms, acceptance letter, and plan to limit work hours to 20/week. Mail or drop to your DCF district office; help line 800‑479‑6151. (dcf.vermont.gov)

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Local organizations and contacts (you can call today)

• VSAC (Vermont Student Assistance Corporation): 888‑253‑4819 — grants, scholarships, forgivable loans, counselors. VSAC Grants. (vsac.org)
• Community College of Vermont Financial Aid: 802‑262‑6557. 802Opportunity at CCV. (ccv.edu)
• UVM Student Financial Services: 802‑656‑5700. UVM SFS Contact. (uvm.edu)
• VTSU Student Finances: 802‑468‑6070. VTSU Tuition & Fees. (vermontstate.edu)
• DCF Benefits Service Center (Reach Up/PSE, CCFAP): 800‑479‑6151. PSE | CCFAP. (dcf.vermont.gov)
• Vermont 2‑1‑1 (United Ways of Vermont): Dial 211 — statewide referrals with language support. (women.vermont.gov)
• Vermont Works for Women (Trailblazers pre‑apprenticeship): 802‑655‑8900. Trailblazers. (vtworksforwomen.org)
• Mercy Connections (Burlington; free adult education, mentoring): 802‑846‑7063. Mercy Connections. (mercyconnections.org)
• AHEC Loan Repayment (health professionals): 802‑656‑2658. VT Educational Loan Repayment Programs. (med.uvm.edu)

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What to do if you get denied or the amount is too small (Plan B options)

• Ask for a reconsideration: If income dropped or you had a separation, medical expense, or loss of child support, ask both VSAC and your aid office for a professional judgment review. Provide documents.
• Stack programs: Pair Pell + Vermont Grant + 802Opportunity (if at CCV) + CCFAP + a small VSAC scholarship. Add work‑study if available.
• Switch pathway for a term: Do a short, low‑cost certificate with the Advancement Grant, then move into a degree when your budget stabilizes.
• Consider the free‑tuition options: If UVM/VTSU are workable locations and you meet income rules ($100,000\ast \ast atUVM;\ast \ast$50,000 at VTSU), these can be the biggest savings. (uvm.edu, vermontstate.edu)
• If childcare is the blocker: Re‑run CCFAP with 2025 FPL, ask your provider to bill CCFAP directly, and check for a Head Start slot. (dcf.vermont.gov)

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10 Vermont‑specific FAQs for single mothers

• Do I need to be full‑time for the Vermont Grant?
  • No. Part‑time undergrads at eligible schools can qualify; award size varies by need and school costs. Apply early in MyVSAC. (vsac.org)
• How much is the maximum Pell Grant right now?
  • For 2025–26 the max is $7,395\ast \ast ;minimum\ast \ast$740. Your actual award depends on SAI and enrollment intensity. (fsapartners.ed.gov)
• Can I get help for non‑degree short courses?
  • Yes—VSAC’s Advancement Grant can cover up to the course cost (within program caps) for two courses per term, six terms max. (vsac.org)
• I need childcare to attend evening classes. Will CCFAP cover that?
  • Yes, if your provider participates and you meet income rules (now up to 575% FPL). Family share can be $0 for lower incomes; contact 800‑479‑6151. (dcf.vermont.gov)
• What if I’m over CCV’s $100,000 802Opportunity cap?
  • File FAFSA and apply for the Vermont Grant; ask CCV about other scholarships and consider UVM Promise or the VTSU Guarantee if you meet their rules. (ccv.edu, uvm.edu, vermontstate.edu)
• Does UVM Promise cover housing and meals?
  • No. It covers tuition and the comprehensive fee only. You must budget for food/housing. (uvm.edu)
• How long does VSAC take to process my grant?
  • After VSAC marks documents “received,” allow 7–10 business days for review; schools are paid after they verify your enrollment at term start. (vsac.org)
• Are there scholarships just for single parents?
  • Yes. The VSAC‑administered Bernice Murray Scholarship pays up to $4,000 for childcare; Champlain’s on‑campus Single Parents Scholarship can close tuition gaps for Pell‑eligible Vermont students. (vsac.org, champlain.edu)
• I’m a National Guard member. Is college covered in Vermont?
  • The VT National Guard Tuition Benefit can cover up to full tuition at UVM or VTSU (or up to UVM’s in‑state rate elsewhere) with service commitments. Priority date usually mid‑February. (vsac.org)
• Where can I get live help filling all this out?
  • VSAC counselors (888‑253‑4819) and your school’s aid office (UVM 802‑656‑5700; CCV 802‑262‑6557; VTSU 802‑468‑6070) can walk you through step by step. (vsac.org, uvm.edu, ccv.edu, vermontstate.edu)

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About this guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

This guide uses official sources from the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC), Vermont Agency of Human Services/Department for Children and Families (DCF), U.S. Department of Education, UVM/VTSU/CCV, and established Vermont nonprofits.

This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed.

Last verified September 2025; next review April 2026.

Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

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Disclaimer

• Programs change. Benefit amounts, income limits, and deadlines can shift mid‑year. Always confirm details directly with the agency or school using the links and phone numbers provided here.
• Security note: Never email full Social Security numbers or bank information. Use the official portals linked above (FAFSA, MyVSAC, CDDIS, or your school’s secure upload). Keep your MyVSAC and FAFSA logins private.
• This content is informational and not legal advice. For case‑specific decisions, contact the administering agency or a qualified advisor.

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Sources (selected)

• Federal Pell amounts 2025–26 (GEN‑25‑02), Pell rules (FSA Handbook). (fsapartners.ed.gov)
• FSEOG award range and program basics. (fsapartners.ed.gov)
• Vermont Grant and Advancement Grant (eligibility, limits, processing times). (vsac.org)
• 802Opportunity details and 2025 expansion. (ccv.edu)
• UVM Promise (income threshold, coverage) and 2025–26 tuition/fees. (uvm.edu, www2.uvm.edu)
• VTSU Free Tuition Guarantee and in‑state tuition context. (vermontstate.edu)
• VSAC workforce forgivable loans: trades $23,000, nurse faculty, PMHNP; VT Guard tuition benefit. (vsac.org)
• CCFAP expansions to 575% FPL and 2025 FPL update date. (dcf.vermont.gov)
• 2025 HHS poverty guidelines (for calculating FPL percentages). (aspe.hhs.gov)
• Reach Up – PSE; Reach Ahead; Reach First. (dcf.vermont.gov)
• Champlain Single Parents Program; Mercy Connections; VWW Trailblazers. (champlain.edu, mercyconnections.org, vtworksforwomen.org)

If you need quick, one‑to‑one help picking the right path, reply with your county, number/ages of kids, and your 2024 household AGI (rounded) and I’ll map the fastest, lowest‑cost option for you.

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🏛️More Vermont Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Vermont

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• 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
• 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
• 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
• 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
• 👩‍💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
• 💼 Business Grants & Assistance
• 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
• 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
• 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
• 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery