Application Procedures
Applications are considered for either the fall or spring semester and summer for some online programs. Vermont State University’s policy of “rolling admissions” means the Admissions Office processes applications throughout the year until we determine that we have filled the class for each semester. Admissions reserves the right to close admission once the class is filled. Vermont State University (VTSU) accepts applicants for admission best suited in academic preparation, character, ability, and motivation to meet the academic and social responsibilities of the university experience.
Admission to some programs is competitive. Deadlines for application to these programs are below. After the initial round of reviews, complete files are reviewed on a rolling admission, space-available basis.
Dental Hygiene: December 1
Practical Nursing: December 1
Professional Pilot Technology: December 1
Radiologic Science: December 1
Nursing A.S.: March 15
Qualified students are admitted without discrimination on the basis of race, color, creed, ancestry, ethnicity, national origin, place of birth, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age, veteran status, marital status or any other status protected by law.
To be considered for general admission, students must successfully complete a college preparatory curriculum, including the following recommended profile of coursework:
- 4 years of English
- 3 years of Mathematics
- 2-3 years of Laboratory Science
- 3-4 years of Social Studies
- 2 years of Foreign Language (recommended but not required)
The University reserves the right to rescind an offer of admission based on changed circumstances or new information, such as a criminal conviction or act of misconduct (whether occurring before or after admission but prior to enrollment or during any period of registration/orientation); falsification or misrepresentation during the application process; or poor academic performance in the term or semester preceding enrollment.
Standardized Testing
Standardized testing is optional for most majors. A student may submit SAT or ACT scores and they will be considered upon review.
Placement testing is required for selected majors. Some applicants may need to take placement tests in English and mathematics. Test results are used for both course placement and admission decisions. If a student’s skills fall below minimum requirements, they may be required to complete developmental courses in the relevant subjects, resulting in additional coursework and an extended enrollment period. Students have the right to retest once if they are dissatisfied with their initial scores.
Students who have completed a bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited U.S. college or university, or who have already met the English and mathematics program requirements, may be exempt from placement testing.
First-Year Student Application Procedures
First-year students are those who have never attended a college or university after high school graduation or completion of high school equivalency. To be eligible to enroll at VTSU, a candidate must graduate from an accredited high school or possess a High School Equivalency Diploma. To be considered for admission, a candidate must submit a formal application along with the following:
- Application fee or fee waiver
- Personal Statement/Essay (250-word minimum) (Optional for most academic programs)
- Official high school transcript or official equivalency exam scores (G.E.D.).
- Current letter of recommendation (preferably from an educator or employer, submitted directly by the author). Recommendations are optional for most academic programs. However, additional letters may be required for certain programs. Please refer to the section titled Program Admission Requirements.
Test scores are required only for programs with a testing requirement. See Program Admission Requirements.
Applicants must request that a final official high school transcript, showing the graduation date, be submitted to the Admissions Office to complete their file before enrollment. Failure to provide proof of graduation may result in withdrawal of the admission offer.
Transfer Student Application Procedures
Transfer students are those who have attended any college or university after graduating from an accredited high school or completing a High School Equivalency Diploma. To be considered for transfer admission to VTSU, applicants must submit a formal application along with the following:
- Application fee or fee waiver
- Personal Statement/Essay (250-word minimum) (Optional for most academic programs)
- Official transcripts from all colleges attended. To be considered official, documents must be submitted directly from the institution(s). This is required in all circumstances where coursework has been completed or attempted. Unofficial documents may be used for review purposes when a student is currently in progress with coursework, yet official documents will be required for enrollment in these circumstances.
- Letter of recommendation (optional). If submitted, it should be current and submitted by the author. Additional letters and specific content may be required for certain academic programs; see Academic Program-Specific Requirements for detail.
- Final official high school transcript or GED is required if you have 18 or fewer post-secondary college credits.
Test scores are only required when applying to a program with testing requirement.
Home-Schooled Students
All candidates for admission who have participated in a homeschooling program must, in addition to the first-year or transfer requirements, also submit evidence of graduation.
Acceptable evidence of graduation includes the following:
- Official GED test scores;
- Certificate of Completion (if the home-schooling program is recognized by your home state);
- Report of annual approval of your program as required within your home state (an official transcript of any course work taken at a local high school is also required);
- High School Diploma (if area high school offers a diploma for home-schooled students).
VTSU follows the homeschooling guidelines set forth by the state in which the applicant resides.
Non-Traditional/Adult Student Application Procedures
Vermont State University encourages applications from non-traditional students. As defined by the university, non-traditional students are those who wish to pursue a university education after a period away from formal education or who have never attended any college or university. These candidates must submit a formal application along with the following materials:
- Application fee or fee waiver
- Personal Statement/Essay (250-word minimum) (Optional for most academic programs)
- An official high school transcript, or official scores from a high school equivalency exam (GED)
- Letter of recommendation (optional). If submitted, it should be current and submitted by the author. Additional letters and specific content may be required for certain academic programs; see Program Admission Requirements for detail.
Test scores are only required when applying to a program with testing requirement.
Early College
By special arrangement with the Vermont Agency of Education and local school districts, Vermont State University will consider admitting first-year students who are Vermont residents and have completed the eleventh grade. Qualified out-of-state and international applicants who demonstrate exceptional ability and maturity will also be considered for admission to VTSU upon completion of the third year of a secondary school program. In addition to the first-year student requirements, early college applicants must have the consent and cooperation of secondary school officials, interview with VTSU admissions, and submit the following materials:
- Current mid-year grade report
- One letter of recommendation from a school counselor, principal, or teacher
- Early College Application Supplement
Program-Specific Requirements
Applications to some programs require additional checklist items. After applying, checklist items for your program will be listed on your Application Status Page, where you can track your materials.
The following are required for specified programs:
- Music audition required for Music and Music Education majors
- Early Childhood Education online: Prior work experience with children from birth to age 5; successful completion of Intro to Early Childhood Education course; associate or bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution; admitted students must achieve a 3.0 GPA or higher in their final semester of the program to meet licensure eligibility requirements
- Second letter of recommendation and placement testing is required for applicants to Dental Hygiene, Radiologic Science, Respiratory Therapy, AS Nursing, Practical Nursing and BSN Online Degree Completion
- Placement testing is required for Dental Hygiene, Radiologic Science, Respiratory Therapy, AS Nursing and Practical Nursing applicants. Approved transfer credit in math and/or English will waive placement testing. VTSU uses the Accuplacer placement test. Applicants for health majors must receive a minimum of 261 in each English section and 243 in Quantitative Reasoning, Algebra and Statistics
- Paramedicine applicants are required to submit a second letter of recommendation, CPR Cards, and EMT License
- College-level Prerequisite coursework is required for the following (science courses must be taken within the last ten years):
- Respiratory Therapy: 8 transferable credits: BIO 2011 and BIO 2012 Anatomy & Physiology Parts I and II.
- Practical Nursing (These courses may be taken in conjunction with nursing classes, but it is highly recommended they be completed prior to entering the Practical Nursing progam):
- BIO 2011 Human Anatomy & Physiology Part I
- BIO 2012 Human Anatomy & Physiology Part II
- BIO 1030 Nutrition
- PSY 2070 Lifespan Developmental Psychology
- AS Nursing:
- An unencumbered PN license
- VTSU PN graduates must have transferable credits in Anatomy & Physiology (8 credits), Nutrition (3 credits), and Human Growth & Development (3 credits) and a GPA of at least 3.0 in PN coursework (BIO 2120, ENG 1061, MAT 1440, PSY 1010). An approved elective may be taken after graduation to improve GPA. Science courses must be taken within the last ten years.
- Graduates of a non-college PN program must submit a program transcript
- Current PN students must have a GPA of at least 3.0 each term and proof of passing the PN NCLEX
- BSN Degree Completion: You must have an associate degree in nursing from a nationally accredited program with a 2.5 minimum GPA and hold an unencumbered RN license.
- The following courses or approved transfer courses must be completed prior to entry: BIO 1030, 2011, 2012, 2120; ENG 1061; MAT 1440; PSY 1010, 2070. Science courses must be taken within the last ten years.
Additional requirements may appear on individual applicant checklists.
Letters of recommendation for Nursing and Healthcare Professions must be dated within 6 months of the priority deadline and should address the applicant’s work ethic and communication skills, potential for adaptation to a fast-paced clinical environment, and potential to deliver health care completely and compassionately to patients across the lifespan.
The complete list of academic program prerequisites can be found here.
Advanced Placement
Many high schools offer their students the opportunity to take college-level courses. Two national testing programs, the Advanced Placement (AP) and College-Level Examination Program (CLEP), are used to assess whether college-level learning has occurred in such courses. VTSU will consider, for advanced placement and credit, entering first-year students who qualify through the CEEB Advanced Placement Examination. A score of three (3) or higher must be achieved, general education and elective credits are awarded by the Registrar’s Office, but the final decision on program specific credit is made by the relevant department chair.
Assessment of Prior Learning
Employment experience, volunteer work, vocational or professional training can provide a substantial body of knowledge that may complement or substitute for formal college study. Therefore, students who are starting or returning to college after years of career and/or family life might be able to receive credit for prior learning and life experience through the Prior Learning Assessment option offered at the Community College of Vermont (CCV). In cooperation with the Office of External Programs of Vermont State Colleges, VTSU awards credit for demonstrated competency from prior learning and life experience. Students interested in this option should enroll in the CCV course EDU 1240, Assessment of Prior Learning, where all activities related to college-level work are documented and an individual portfolio is created.
College-Level Examination Program (CLEP)
Vermont State University considers credit for the scores received on the College Level Examination Program (CLEP). Up to six credits may be awarded for subject examinations on which a satisfactory score of 50 or higher is achieved. General education and elective credits are awarded by the Registrar’s Office, but the final decision on program specific credit is made by the relevant department chair.
Conditional Admission
Conditional admission is awarded to applicants who demonstrate marginally adequate preparation for university work, but who, with a concerted effort, may be successful at Vermont State University. Conditionally admitted students are recommended to connect with the Academic Support Center and are provided with more detailed information regarding academic support services.
Deferred Admission
A newly admitted student who has not attended classes and who has not resided on campus for any part of the regular semester may request a deferral of admission to the next or following semester (up to one year). A request for deferral must be made prior to the start of the semester for which the student was originally admitted. The deferral is at the discretion of the Vice President for Admissions. Some academic programs are ineligible for deferral. If a deferral is granted, the non-refundable deposit, less charges incurred, will also be deferred.
Students who attend another college or university during their deferral term must submit updated transcripts and are subject to a reevaluation of academic credentials.
Students wishing to defer admission are required to complete a deferral form to ensure their application information is up to date for their intended enrollment term.
Enrollment Deposits
To confirm their intention to matriculate, accepted students must submit a Decision Reply Form and a $200 deposit to the Admissions Office by May 1 for fall enrollment and December 1 for spring enrollment. After these dates, deposits are non-refundable and will be accepted on a space-available basis. Deposits can be submitted as soon as the decision to attend Vermont State University has been made.
Dual Enrollment Program for High School Students
Vermont State University welcomes academically talented and self-motivated high school juniors and seniors who wish to take university courses during their final two years before graduation. To be considered for courses students must:
- Be a junior or senior enrolled full-time in a Vermont high school. The program is also open to Vermont youth aged 16 and over enrolled in certified home school programs.
- Complete the Course Registration Form for High School Students
- Submit a current high school transcript
Admissions staff will evaluate the student’s eligibility for the selected courses and authorize the student’s registration form. Select courses may require university administered placement testing and/or instructor permission.
Typically, students will be permitted to register only for lower division (1000- and 2000-level) courses. Students will be limited to 1000 level courses for any requiring supplemental program tuition. Especially well-qualified students may be permitted to enroll in upper-level courses, but requests to do so require the instructor’s approval and will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Registration is permitted on a space-available basis only.
A student may take no more than two courses per semester at the published rate. A student may take a maximum of eight courses in this program. The Vermont Dual Enrollment program provides up to two tuition vouchers for qualifying high school students after the conclusion of their sophomore year.
Students not using a voucher will pay a reduced rate per credit plus any laboratory or studio fees. A student’s continuing eligibility to take courses will be based in part on a review of past performance. Should the student have academic or personal difficulties resulting in poor performance or negatively affecting the university’s academic environment, course registration will be rescinded.
University credit will be awarded based on successful completion of the course(s). High school students may not “audit” courses.
Students may also be able to earn college credit at their high school or CTE center through Concurrent Enrollment/Fast Forward. These students are eligible to use their vouchers or pay tuition at a reduced rate (high schools and CTE centers may also cover this tuition if they choose). These courses must be pre-approved and arranged through Vermont State University. These students will not be required to submit a transcript or additional materials unless specifically requested.
International Baccalaureate
Vermont State University welcomes students who have completed International Baccalaureate exams. Credit will be awarded on a course-by-course basis for higher-level exams completed with a score of 5 or higher with a maximum award of 24 credits.
International Students
Vermont State University welcomes international students. Before the Admissions office can process international applications, staff must have assurance that international students meet VTSU’s academic and financial requirements. An international application is considered complete when the following have been submitted:
- Completed application.
- Official transcripts. Official diploma and transcript of the applicant’s complete high school studies. If the applicant has completed at least one year of full-time college studies (all post-secondary studies), a high school transcript is not required. Transfer credits must be evaluated by an accredited service. All academic transcripts must be signed by the appropriate school or government official and must include the seal of the school or the government. If the documents are written in a language other than English, complete and certified true English translations must be furnished together with the official documents in that language. Photocopies or other copies must be certified true. Postsecondary transcripts from outside of the United States must be evaluated by a NACES member organization. Transfer credits must be evaluated by a NACES member foreign credential evaluation service, such as SpanTran, WES, or ECE.
- Unconditional Admission. If English is not your first language, a minimum score of 71 iBT TOEFL, 6 IELTS, or 105 Duolingo English language test score is required. Other English language assessments may be substituted with permission from Admissions. Reported test scores must be official records and from the previous two years. If your TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo result does not meet the minimum score for admission, you may be admitted to a Pathway Program for English Language Learners. This program is for students whose academic record is satisfactory but who require further development in one or more English skills areas. The University’s TOEFL code is not yet established. Applicants can submit with code 3765; as we are becoming Vermont State University, Castleton University may appear and is correct to submit. SAT or ACT can be submitted to fulfill the test requirement. This option is popular with international first-year applicants whose native language is English or who have graduated from a high school where English is the instruction language. Interview may be requested to assess English proficiency; submitted documents, such as essays and recommendations, will be considered in the admission decision for the English Pathway Program.
- Conditional Admission. If you have IELTS 5.0 or equivalent scores such as TOEFL ibt 55, PTE (Pearson Academic English Test) 42, or Duolingo 90, with good academic standing, you may consider applying to VTSU English Pathway Program. It is for students whose academic record is satisfactory but who require further development in one or more English skills areas.
Vermont State University English Pathway Program is proud to be a member of EnglishUSA.org, a premier accreditation organization dedicated to supporting English language programs in the United States. This affiliation underscores our commitment to providing top-tier English language instruction and resources for our international students. As a member of EnglishUSA.org, Vermont State University benefits from access to best practices, professional development opportunities, and a network of peer institutions. This ensures that our international students receive the highest quality language education, fostering inclusive and supportive academic success and smooth integration into the university community. With Conditional Admission, you will enroll in major-related courses while also taking two required credit-bearing English courses (6 credits/semester) in the VTSU English Pathway Program for one to two semesters.
Unlike a separate English instruction program, the English Pathway Program allows you to enhance your English in an academic setting while allowing you to take major-related courses. This will reduce your time spent on English language study, save you money, and prepare you to complete your degree on time. You do not have to retake the English-standardized proficiency tests. You will meet the English requirements and gain normal admission after one semester if you complete the English Pathway Program with a score higher than A-. English courses recorded on academic transcripts provide international students with reliable evidence of a good English foundation.
- Application fee. This can be paid electronically after submitting the application. If applicants pay by check or money order, the $45 fee can be made payable to Vermont State University.
- Personal statement/essay.
- Current letter of recommendation (submitted from the author, preferred from educator or employer). Additional letters are required when applying to some academic programs; see program specific requirements in section titled Academic Program-Specific Requirements.
- International Student Certification of Finances. Applications must be by certification that sufficient funds will be available to meet both your living and tuition expenses while attending Vermont State University. This is required to receive a SEVIS I-20. Refer to the Confidential Financial Certification for details.
- A copy of your passport ID page.
- Copy of your Visa. If applicants are currently in the U.S, they should enclose (a) a copy of their passport and visa pages, (b) a copy of their I-94 Card, and/or (c) a copy of their current I-20 or DS2019.
New England Regional Student Program
Under the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) agreement, students from other New England states may enroll in certain programs at VTSU if a comparable is not available in those students’ home states. Such students pay a special tuition rate of 150% of the current in-state tuition.
Interested applicants are encouraged to submit their admissions materials early in the senior year and are identified by admissions as applying under a NEBHE Program based on application information. To qualify for the 150% tuition rate under the NEBHE agreement, the student must demonstrate eligibility and specify the program prior to admission.
After having been officially notified of acceptance by the University, a student under the NEBHE agreement may thereafter change programs without losing initial status, provided the program is authorized under the NEBHE agreement and provided the college approves the change.
As participants in the NEBHE Program, students must indicate through their course registration each semester that they are pursuing their initial program. If a change of major to another program covered by the NEBHE agreement for the student’s state is planned, coverage will be continued and the tuition charge of 150% of in-state tuition will still be effective. Students who change their majors to those not covered by the NEBHE agreement for their states will be required to pay the out-of-state tuition rate.
The 2025-2026 approved NEBHE programs can be found at this link: Vermont State University NEBHE Tuition Break
Part-Time Students
Applicants for degree programs may enroll as part-time students in the regular session with fewer than 12 credit hours per semester. While VTSU has no special rules regarding part-time degree candidates, financial aid (institutional, federal, and state) may be reduced when students take on less than full time schedules.
Non-Degree Seeking Students
Students with adequate preparation for university-level work may enroll at Vermont State University as non-Degree seeking, or non-matriculated, students. Non-matriculated students seeking to register for classes should contact Admissions.
Readmission
Students applying for readmission to Vermont State University must submit a new application form and all credentials requested of transfer students. The decision to readmit will normally be made by admissions in consultation with academic and student affairs. Additional requirements may be required for some majors. Applicants to the Practical Nursing, AS Nursing and BSN Degree Completion programs should refer to the Nursing Handbook for additional information.
Nursing Direct Progression Policy
Qualified accepted PN or ADN students may progress directly to the next level nursing program at Vermont State University without reapplying. See the Nursing section for more information.
Nursing Policy for Criminal Background Checks & Drug Screening
To ensure the safety of all patients under the care of Vermont State University nursing students and all faculty and students, all nursing students must have criminal background checks (CBCs) which include FBI fingerprinting. A CBC must be completed and reviewed prior to the first day of class. If the student is admitted late, the CBC must be completed and reviewed prior to any clinical experience. Any student who fails to comply with this process is dropped from the program. The university uses the CBC for screening purposes and to secure clinical placements. In the event that there are positive findings (either convictions on the CBC or positive drug screen results at the sites that require them), the Associate Dean of Nursing and a member of the administration review all provided documentation and meet with the student to determine enrollment status. The student must explain all convictions and positive drug screens before this meeting. Court documents must be provided that detail the disposition of the case. Failure to do so results in dismissal from the program. The student must report any convictions that occur after the CBC while enrolled in school.
A third-party vendor conducts the CBC and drug screens and maintains the records. Accepted students receive instructions on when and where to complete the CBC.
Veterans Benefits and Transition Act
Pursuant to Section 103 of the Veterans Benefits and Transition Act of 2018, beginning August 1, 2019, for any student using Ch. 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill® or Ch. 31 Veteran Readiness and Employment benefits, even if the VA has not yet paid tuition and fees, Vermont State University will not:
- prevent enrolling,
- assess a late penalty fee,
- require securing alternative or additional funding, or
- deny access to any school resources (access to classes, libraries, or other institutional facilities) that are available to other students that have paid.
However, Vermont State University will require that such students:
- produce the VA’s Certificate of Eligibility by the first day of class or VAF 28-1905 form for chapter 31 authorization purposes,
- provide any additional information needed to properly certify.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. Government website.
Vermont Residency
For determination of in-state residency for tuition purposes, see VSC (VT State Colleges) Policy 301. Please contact admissions to request an application.
Prohibition of High-Pressure Recruitment Tactics
Vermont State University is a member of the National Association of Admissions Counselors and abides by the guiding principles outlined in their Guide to Ethical Practice in College Admission (PDF). In accordance with the Department of Defense Memorandum of Understanding, Vermont State University specifically prohibits the following:
Providing any commission, bonus, or other incentive payment based directly or indirectly on securing enrollments or federal financial aid (including TA funds) to any persons or entities engaged in any student recruiting, admission activities, or making decisions regarding the award of student financial assistance
Use of high-pressure recruitment tactics such as making multiple unsolicited contacts (3 or more), including contacts by phone, email, or in-person, and engaging in same-day recruitment and registration for the purpose of securing service member enrollments
Providing inducements, including any gratuity, favor, discount, entertainment, hospitality, loan, transportation, lodging, meals, or other item having a monetary value of more than a de minimis (defined as “an insignificant amount”) to any individual or entity or its agents, including third-party lead generators or marketing firms other than salaries paid to employees or fees paid to contractors in conformity with all applicable laws for the purpose of securing enrollments of service members or obtaining access to TA funds. Educational institution-sponsored scholarships or grants and tuition reductions available to military students are permissible.
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