Military Friendly Colleges in Vermont

Vermont’s state motto and its National Guard flag have a legacy that goes back to more than decade before the Revolutionary War. Back then Vermont’s Green Mountain Boys served as the state’s military might, from a time when the state first declared its independence from the most powerful colonial force the world had ever known till it elected to join the newly-formed United States. It was only then that it renounced its status as an independent republic.

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Vermont Office of Veterans Affairs (OVA) Military Education Benefits

The Vermont OVA aims to be your one-stop-shop resource for all types of veteran’s benefits. It can help you navigate all the federal, state, and private benefits you’ve earned through your service. That goes double for ones related to education. In addition to a staff with a wealth of customer service experience, 44% of the OVA professionals who are waiting to hear from you are veterans themselves.

Not only that: the OVA also serves as the state agency that evaluates and approves schools offering GI Bill® benefits; any school that wants to admit you on the GI Bill® must first be approved by the OVA.

If you’ve served in the Armed Forces check your eligibility for these Vermont education benefits for yourself and your family:

Free Tuition at Vermont State Schools for Vermont National Guard (VTNG)

This is a scholarship that covers the full in-state tuition rate for any Vermont State College or at the University of Vermont. This benefit can also be applied by extension to private schools, certificate training programs, and other non-degree training programs, all capped at the in-state university tuition rate.

This program is technically a forgivable loan. To be eligible you need to be an active VTNG member in good standing who’s completed basic training. This scholarship is offered through the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC).

This benefit is applicable to these programs:

The benefits of this program are eligible to kick in once you’ve exhausted all other federal military tuition-assistance education benefits.

You’ll need to complete two years in the VTNG for every year of benefits you earn from this program, and this can be adjusted if you’re studying part-time.

The main bragging right about this benefit is its flexibility. You can use it at public and private schools, to earn four certificates per year, to earn a bachelor’s degree, and to earn a graduate degree. When it comes to flexible education benefits this is about as good as it gets.

Family Scholarship for KIA Service Members – Armed Services Scholarship

If you’re the child, stepchild, or spouse of a Vermont service member who’s KIA then you may be eligible for this scholarship, which is offered through the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC). Qualifying service members include:

As an eligible dependent or spouse this scholarship will cover tuition for an undergraduate education at a school that’s approved by the VSAC, including public and private schools.

Tuition coverage is capped at a maximum of the per-semester cost of up to 18 credits at a Vermont public university, college, or technical college, including if you attend an approved private school. A maximum of 130 credits are covered.

This scholarship’s 130 credits mean you have some room to explore extra electives or maybe even change your major as you progress in your education. It’s also noteworthy that you can apply it to both public and private schools in Vermont, even if it’s capped at the in-state public school rate.

Possible Station Assignments and Military Bases in Vermont

Coast Guard and National Guard units from the Army and Air Force have important stations throughout Vermont. Whether you’re just visiting for training or part of the VTNG, you’re eligible for certain military education benefits the moment your Vermont station assignment comes through.

Army

This VTNG Army base hosts the 86^th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (mountain), the 124^th Regional Training Institute, and Garrison Support Command. The 86^th is composed of seven battalions with members hailing from New England states plus Colorado, though 42% of total forces call Vermont home. Mountain terrain skills are mastered at the Army Mountain Warfare School alongside the Ethan Allen Firing Range in Jericho.

Air Force

The 158^th Fighter Wing, with aircraft stationed at the Burlington International Airport, is proud to have been the nation’s first ANG recipient of F-35 II Lightnings. It’s exciting to be in charge of operating the country’s most advanced aircraft, whose missions take the airmen and airwomen of this unit across the world.

Coast Guard

While a landlocked state, Vermont’s Coasties still have an important role to play when it comes to aids to navigation, boating safety, search-rescue, and regulating international commercial traffic. This station maintains units responsible for Lake Champlain, Lake George, Lake Sacandaga, and Lake Memphramagog.