The College of Education and Social Services (CESS) provides the Graduate Impact Scholarship on the basis of academic merit and financial need. Tuition awards are meant to attract and retain exceptional students and to reward meritorious achievement by current students.

Eligibility

Preference will be given to students who meet both of the following criteria:

1. Those whose presence will positively impact the academic integrity, culture and quality of the CESS graduate student community, as indicated by faculty evaluation of the candidate’s application to and/or performance in graduate school.
2. Those with demonstrated financial need, as indicated by a statement of purpose for financial need and a FAFSA form.*

To apply for a tuition award based on these criteria, students complete the CESS General Application Form for Scholarship Assistance, and submit a FAFSA form.* Applicants who are offered financial support are typically notified soon after admission and generally must accept or decline the offer by a stated deadline. Financial assistance is typically offered as one package to be used in the 1st year of study, aimed at reducing the total cost of the program.

*Students completing a FAFSA form should follow all instructions, and avoid the two most common submission errors:

• First, students should insure that they select the University of Vermont (federal school code 003696) as the receiving school.
• Second, students should complete the FAFSA for the year in which they are starting the program. For example, if matriculating in the fall semester 2024, then you will need to submit the 2024-25 FAFSA (which covers fall, spring and summer of the 2024-25 academic year). If students plan to matriculate in the spring or summer of 2024, then they need to submit the FAFSA for the current academic year of 2023-24. Financial need is determined on an annual basis, thus we cannot determine your need for a particular academic year if you do not file the FAFSA for that year.

Our Graduate Tuition Scholarship for Inclusive Excellence supports CESS graduate students from historically underrepresented populations in graduate school. This scholarship aims to increase the recruitment and retention of students who contribute to the diversity of our student body, the CESS graduate student community, and share in our commitment to create an affirming and inclusive environment. This scholarship also seeks to recruit students who articulate how their diverse identities, experiences, and perspectives shall contribute to their graduate studies.

Eligibility

Preference will be given to students that meet both of the following criteria:

1. Those from historically underrepresented and marginalized populations including but not limited to: African American/Black, Hispanic/Latinx, Indigenous/Alaskan Indigenous, Hawaiian/Pacific Islander, Asian American, Bi/Multiracial students -OR- are a first-generation college student, with neither parent/legal guardian (or the parent/legal guardian, as applicable) holding an undergraduate bachelor's degree.
2. Those with demonstrated financial need, as indicated by a statement of purpose for financial need and a FAFSA form.*

To apply for a tuition award based on the criteria above, students complete the CESS General Application Form for Scholarship Assistance. Applicants who are offered financial support are typically notified at the time of admission and generally must accept or decline the offer by a stated deadline. Financial assistance is typically offered a period of one year, with chances to re-apply yearly through the duration of the program based on satisfactory performance and available funding.

Applicants for the Inclusive Excellence Award may concurrently apply for a CESS Impact Award.

*Students completing a FAFSA form should follow all instructions, and avoid the two most common submission errors:

• First, students should insure that they select the University of Vermont (federal school code 003696) as the receiving school.
• Second, students should complete the FAFSA for the year in which they are starting the program. For example, if matriculating in the fall semester 2024, then you will need to submit the 2024-25 FAFSA (which covers fall, spring and summer of the 2024-25 academic year). If students plan to matriculate in the spring or summer of 2024, then they need to submit the FAFSA for the current academic year of 2023-24. Financial need is determined on an annual basis, thus we cannot determine your need for a particular academic year if you do not file the FAFSA for that year.

We value the commitment of those that have served in the United States Armed Services, and welcomes their pursuit of graduate coursework and degree programs in our College.

Eligibility

The Yellow Ribbon Award is administered through the UVM Graduate College and is granted to eligible out-of-state graduate students on a first-come, first-served basis. The Yellow Ribbon Award matches tuition support to students that currently hold a scholarship award from the United States Veteran’s Administration.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) Robert Noyce Scholarship Program strives to address the shortage of qualified K-12 science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and computer science educators teaching in underserved and underrepresented schools in the US. The scholarship is available to qualified Master of Arts in Teaching Secondary Education applicants interested in teaching STEM in grades 7-12.

Eligibility

Noyce scholarship recipients (scholars) must commit to teaching for two years as a STEM teacher in a high-need local educational agency (LEA) within 4 years of graduation or completion of the program for which the scholarship was awarded. Learn more about the scholarship eligibility and application process by visiting the Noyce Scholarship page.

An interest-free, forgivable loan which pays up to 100% of tuition, the Vermont Teacher Forgivable Loan Program covers up to full tuition (which may also cover room, board, books and supplies) for qualified recipients enrolled in a program that leads to a degree or certificate in education and a teaching license. The program is open to Vermont and non-Vemont residents.

Through an interest-free, forgivable loan that pays up to 100% of tuition, Vermont's Mental Health Professional Forgivable Loan Program covers up to full tuition (which may also cover room, board, books and supplies) for qualified recipients enrolled in a program that leads to a master’s degree in a mental health field including social work, counseling, and other programs.

The Vermont Trauma, Resiliency, and Equity Education (VT-TREE) initiative is a training grant funded by Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to support historically underrepresented students pursuing careers in the behavioral health workforce. The grant provides a direct stipend of $10,000 to second year Master of Social Work (MSW) and Counseling (MS) students who are already admitted to the respective graduate program at the University of Vermont. Students must complete additional training and workshops to be part of this program.

Visit the VT-TREE web page to learn more and apply.