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). Learn more about the Federal Pell Grant.
- Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): The FSEOG 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. Learn more about FSEOG.
How Pell Grant eligibility is changing
Starting with the 2026-27 award year, three changes affect who qualifies for a Pell Grant:
Student Aid Index (SAI) cap.
Students with an SAI of $14,790 or higher — twice the maximum Pell Grant award — are no longer eligible for a Pell Grant, regardless of other factors. This mainly affects students whose FAFSA shows significant assets relative to income.
Full cost of attendance already covered.
If your non-federal grants and scholarships — institutional, state, or private — already cover your entire cost of attendance, you’re no longer eligible for a Pell Grant on top of that aid.
Foreign income.
Foreign income is now included automatically in the income calculation used to determine Pell eligibility. If your family has foreign income and you’ve received a Pell Grant in the past two years, this change could affect your eligibility.
State Grant Programs
State grant programs offer assistance based on residency, financial need, and academic performance.
Vermont State Grant
The Vermont State Grant is a need-based grant administered by the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) to Vermont residents and does not have to be repaid. The amount listed on your offer letter is Champlain College’s estimate of your VSAC award and is subject to change. Final grant amounts are determined by VSAC based on financial need and state appropriations. Funds are posted to your account after enrollment is verified and payment is received from VSAC. To receive funding, you must complete a Vermont Grant application at vsac.org.
Residents of Other States
Residents of Massachusetts and Pennsylvania who are eligible for a state grant can use those funds to attend Champlain, so be sure to follow the application process to receive state funds.
Residents of other states should contact their state grant agency to complete any required forms and determine possible eligibility. State grant amounts listed on your offer letter are Champlain College’s estimate of your state grant eligibility and are subject to change. Final grant amounts are determined by your state grant agency based on financial need and state appropriations. Funds are posted to the student’s account after enrollment is verified and payment is received from your state grant agency.