Types of Financial Aid

There are a lot of options available to assist with the cost of your Champlain College education; we’re committed to helping you and your family navigate the financial aid decisions you'll be facing.

Champlain’s Office of Financial Aid is here to bring your dream education within reach—and not just for year one. Our Count-On-It Financial Aid Guarantee ensures that the Champlain scholarships you are offered in your first year never decline as long as you are enrolled full time.

If you wish to be considered for most sources of 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 will be analyzed according to nationally standardized criteria to determine the extent of financial need.

You can complete the FAFSA—and find other filing assistance—at studentaid.gov. Please apply Champlain's school code, 003684, to ensure we receive your information. You should not wait until you receive your admission decision before filing the FAFSA; you can submit your FAFSA anytime after October 1, even if you have not completed your Champlain admissions application.

Scholarships

A scholarship is money for your education that generally doesn’t need to be paid back. Scholarships can come from the federal or state government, outside organizations and associations, or the college you attend. Champlain offers a variety of scholarships.

Scholarships are often created for students with particular interests, backgrounds, or goals. They can be based on merit (your academic excellence or extracurricular achievements) or demonstrated financial need. For more information, contact your local civic, professional, religious, and other community organizations—your high school guidance counselor may also have a list of available local scholarships.

Students who receive an outside scholarship will not have their Champlain College scholarship reduced, in most cases. Tuition benefits, tuition exchange, and military and veterans' benefits are not considered outside scholarships and could impact the student's eligibility for additional Champlain scholarships.

Loans

A loan is just what it sounds like—you can borrow this money for education, and will need to pay it back. Typically, you will begin paying back your loans after graduation. Learn more about federal and private loan programs.

Federal Work-Study

Through the federal work-study program, students can earn money by taking on a part-time job on campus. Learn more about federal work-study at Champlain.

Grants

A grant can come from the federal or state government, an outside organization, or your school. Grants typically do not need to be paid back except for in certain cases, such as withdrawal from your degree program.

For the most detailed and up-to-date information on the federal aid programs listed below, visit the Department of Education's website at studentaid.gov.

• Federal Pell Grant: The Pell Grant, a need-based fund awarded to undergraduate students, does not have to be repaid. The grant amount is based on the FAFSA Expected Family Contribution (EFC).
• Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG): The Federal SEOG grant is awarded to Pell Grant recipients with exceptional financial need and it does not have to be repaid. The grant amount is based on available funding.

State Aid Programs

State grant programs offer assistance based on residency, financial need, and academic performance.

For students from Vermont, Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) offers the Vermont Incentive Grant to families with financial need, and VSAC-assisted scholarships to students who meet eligibility criteria.

For students from other states, Champlain recommends checking with your state agency for funding opportunities. Residents of Massachusetts and Pennsylvania who are eligible for a state grant can use it to attend Champlain, so be sure to follow the application process to receive state funds.