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Students applying for federal financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. You may apply online at www.Studentaid.gov. Use school code 003698 for Vermont State University. Matriculated graduate students who are enrolled at least half-time (3 credits) during a regular semester or summer period are eligible to apply for assistance through the Federal Direct Loan (Unsubsidized) and the Federal Work Study programs. You are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Should you have questions about the financial aid application process please contact Student Financial Services at 802-468-6070 or email financialaid@Vermontstate.edu.
Full-time and Half-Time Status
VSCS Policy 111 states that full-time enrollment for graduate students is 6 credits and half-time enrollment for graduate students is 3 credit per semester.
The enrollment status of a graduate student (in a matriculated or non-matriculated graduate program) is reported on a monthly basis. A student is reported as full-time if enrolled for 6 credits (per semester) and half-time if enrolled for 3 credits.
If a student is reported as enrolled at least half-time their federal loans will go into deferment. Students are not required to make loan payments while in deferment but may continue to make payments if they choose to. Students should contact they federal student loan servicer. This would need to be done each month as enrollment is reported each month.
Satisfactory Academic Progress for Financial Aid
Graduate students must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.0 to remain eligible for the federal unsubsidized loan. Satisfactory academic progress (SAP) is run at the end of the spring semester. Students not meeting the 3.0 GPA standard will lose federal aid eligibility and may be offered the opportunity to appeal. If an appeal is approved the student’s SAP status will be probation and SAP will be reviewed each semester until they are once again meeting the SAP standard.
Graduate student time frames are determined by program. Students are expected to complete their degree within 5 years.
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