Student Financial Services

The Catamount Commitment

"I found when I got on campus that it was just a whole new world," says Vermonter Kathryn Maitland, who grew up just a few miles from Burlington.

What does UVM offer to Vermonters? We're committed to helping eligible Vermont residents graduate with limited loan debt.

Under the Catamount Commitment, admitted students starting in the Fall 2017 semester or later, who are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant will receive Federal, state and institutional grants and scholarships to cover their tuition and comprehensive fees, as well as a waiver for the University acceptance fee.

The Commitment also offers academic and personal support to help involved students get all that they can out of UVM and graduate on time. This support comes in the form of a mentoring program, early academic advising sessions designed for Commitment students, and ongoing programming focusing on the transition to college, success on campus and the college-career pathway.

No separate application is needed for the Catamount Commitment. Students should simply apply to UVM and apply for financial aid.

About the Commitment

The Catamount Commitment at the University of Vermont aims to remove financial barriers to higher education that many limited-income students and families face. The program signifies a desire on the part of the institution to provide access to an excellent education and environment to high achieving students who have significant financial need.

Beyond financial resources, the Commitment focuses on the day-to-day success of students through the provision of valuable academic and personal support offerings. These offerings intend to provide guidance and to enhance the student's experience throughout their entire time at the University.

Eligibility

Catamount Commitment students, admitted in Fall 2017 or later must meet all of the following criteria:

Be admitted to UVM as a dependent undergraduate student (new first year or transfer) beginning in Fall 2017 or later
File a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
Receive Federal Pell grant funds during the academic year
Be admitted as a Vermont resident
Enroll in at least 12 credit hours during the fall and spring semesters
Make steady, satisfactory academic progress towards a degree

While financial aid awards may change as a result of a difference in your expected family contribution (EFC) from the FAFSA, Commitment students will still be able to benefit from other aspects of the program offerings throughout their time at UVM. Tuition and fee coverage applies only to fall and spring semesters if eligible, and not to the summer session.

Learn more about the Catamount Commitment general policies.

Academic and Personal Support

The Catamount Commitment is more than a financial aid package. The Commitment also incorporates various services and offerings to assist students in their transition to college and to help them attain their educational aspirations.

The program helps students to see that campus resources are accessible and available to them. Utilizing resources is a sign of strength, and it benefits the students greatly to reach out and commit to their goals.

Catamount students may elect to participate in some of the following academic and personal support opportunities:

Pre-arrival and welcome events and activities
Informal meals with Catamount peers and campus resource contacts
Academic Development Meetings by College
Workshop series (i.e. life skills, academics, wellness, social connectedness)
Mentoring Program connecting Catamount students with staff, faculty, community members and University alumni
Social events
Study abroad
Senior Reception
College-career transition support

Information for Families

The University of Vermont recognizes the value in staying connected with families of students. Under the Catamount Commitment, families will be part of pre-arrival outreach efforts informing them about what their students can expect in the first few weeks of the fall semester.

Ongoing communication with families will also take place via newsletters and mailings. These outreach efforts will be a guide for families to learn about what students may be experiencing given the time of year and academic schedule (i.e. midterm exam periods, flu season, etc.).

Catamount Commitment families will be welcomed to campus during the annual Parent & Family Weekend each Fall.

Learn more about Parent and Family Resources at UVM, including information and tips for first-year families.