Types of Aid

There are lots of options available to assist with the cost of your Champlain College education; we’re committed to helping you and your family navigate these financial aid decisions.

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You’ve Got Options

Admitted students who complete an official Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) are automatically considered for need-based awards from Champlain College, the federal government, and their state of residency (when applicable) including scholarships, grants, federal work-study, and loans. The FAFSA is the only financial aid application required by Champlain College to determine your eligibility for need-based aid.

***You MUST complete the FAFSA for EVERY YEAR you wish to be reviewed for need-based financial aid***

All admitted students are also automatically considered for Champlain’s merit scholarships and do not require a separate application.

 

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Types of Aid

Merit-Based Scholarships

Champlain College recognizes students with notable academic achievements by awarding merit-based scholarships. Awarded regardless of financial need, you are automatically considered with your application to the College.

Need-Based Aid

A combination of grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study student employment options comprise the need-based options at Champlain College.

Other Aid

Other types of aid are generally based on a variety of requirements. Learn more about your eligibility on the following pages.

Federal Student Aid Updates: One Big Beautiful Bill Act

The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) was signed into law on July 4, 2025, and introduces significant changes to federal student aid programs. These updates affect loan limits, repayment plans, and eligibility rules, and will be phased in starting July 1, 2026, with some provisions already in effect.

Whether you are a currently enrolled student, a parent of a current or incoming student, or a recent or former student, these changes may affect how you apply for aid, borrow, and repay student loans. Stay up to date on federal regulations as they are made available at https://studentaid.gov/announcements-events/big-updates.

  • New Parent PLUS loan borrowers

    New borrowers will face annual and aggregate limits for the first time. Historically, Parent PLUS loans covered the full cost of attendance with no specific dollar cap.

    • Annual limit: $20,000 per dependent student
    • Aggregate limit: $65,000 per dependent student
    • These limits apply regardless of prior forgiveness, repayment, or discharge status — prior loan cancellation does not reset a borrower’s eligibility toward these caps.

    Legacy Parent PLUS borrowers

    Applies to borrowers whose first Parent PLUS loan was disbursed before July 1, 2026.

    • May continue borrowing up to the student’s full Cost of Attendance (COA) minus other aid, for the lesser of three academic years or the student’s expected time to credential.
    • The dependent student must remain continuously enrolled in the same program.

  • Institutions are now required to prorate the annual loan limit for undergraduate students enrolled less than full-time (fewer than 12 credits per semester).

But First, the FAFSA

To be considered for Federal Financial Aid, you must file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), a form used by most colleges and universities. The information you provide is then used to determine the extent of your financial need and aid eligibility based on institutional and/or federal guidelines.

Don’t wait until you receive your admission decision before filing for financial aid.

Submit your FAFSA anytime after it is released, even if you have not completed your Champlain admissions application. To ensure we receive your information, use Champlain’s FAFSA school code: 003684.

FAFSA Scholarship

Starting Fall 2026, incoming students can get $500 annually simply by filing the FAFSA! No additional application. Just file your FAFSA and your scholarship will show as part of your Financial Aid award.

You must file your FAFSA each year to continue receiving the scholarship.

Start Your FAFSA

FAFSA Overview

Check out this video to learn how the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) gives you access to grants, loans, and work-study jobs that can help fund your education.

Go to the FAFSA Website

More Inside Financial Aid

  • Scholarships 

    Champlain College offers a variety of merit-based and need-based scholarships to help students cover the cost of tuition.

  • Federal & State Grants 

    When it comes to covering your educational expenses, grants are great. Typically, they do not need to be paid back, which means they're basically free money!

  • Educational Loan Programs 

    There are some fundamental differences between federal loans and loans available from private lenders. Below is a basic overview to help you begin to navigate your loan options.

  • Federal Work-Study Program 

    Federal Work-Study Program is an employment program funded by the federal government and Champlain College that allows students to earn money to help with the costs of attending Champlain.

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