The University of Vermont has expanded access to UVM Promise, its zero-tuition program for Vermont students. Starting in fall 2027, all admitted students from households with a combined annual income of up to $125,000 will attend the university tuition-free.  

"Affordability isn't used as a buzzword at UVM, it's a commitment we keep renewing,” said Vice President for Enrollment Management Jay Jacobs.  

Since the program was introduced, the parental gross income qualifying level has more than doubled. Beginning in fall 2023, Vermonters from households making up to $60,000 were guaranteed to pay no tuition or comprehensive fees. That income threshold was increased by 25 percent for fall 2024. In 2025, the threshold was upped to $100,000. 

“Raising the UVM Promise threshold to $125,000 means the majority of Vermont families can now send their student to the state's flagship university with tuition and fees fully covered,” said Jacobs. “As a land-grant institution and Vermont's only comprehensive research institution, ensuring that a world-class education stays within reach for the Vermonters who count on us isn't just a priority, it's central to who we are." 

The UVM Promise program covers students’ tuition and comprehensive fee, as well as their acceptance fee, with Federal, state, and other secured grants and scholarships. Eligibility for UVM Promise is re-evaluated annually based on parents' Adjusted Gross Income as reported on each year's FAFSA. 

President Marlene Tromp announced the expanded program at her first State of the University address at the Dudley H. Davis Center on Tuesday. “At a time of financial challenges —and especially because of those financial challenges — we have to be cognizant of the people of Vermont that we serve. So we’re finding new ways to get more of those Vermont students through the door.”  

The expansion of the UVM Promise program is just one way the university is addressing affordability. UVM also offers free tuition to Vermonters through the Green & Gold Scholarship, an academic merit scholarship program offered to the most academically talented rising high school senior from every eligible Vermont secondary school, and Vermont residents attending select border schools.  

"Access for Vermonters is core to our mission as the state's flagship land-grant university,” said Jacobs. The expansion of UVM Promise “is one more concrete step to deliver on it."