Castleton Admissions reviews each applicant holistically; all application materials submitted are taken into consideration for initial acceptance. New Student Scholarships further recognize students' commitments and success.
Beyond scholarships, Castleton grants are awarded to students based on unmet financial need, as demonstrated by FAFSA information. Castleton additionally offers several scholarships to returning upper-class students. Please visit our Financial Aid webpage to view the offerings.
Scholarships are awarded to full-time, first-time, bachelor degree-seeking students regularly admitted by March 1, 2022, on a first-come, first-served basis for fall enrollment. Students may be awarded on a funds-available basis after March 1. Students must meet all eligibility criteria at the time of acceptance.
Applicant GPA is calculated by Castleton Admissions using completed academic coursework on an unweighted 4.0 scale. Where only proficiency-based grading exists, academic excellence is evaluated on an individual basis as described on the high school profile.
Students are offered the highest award for which they qualify. Amounts are non-negotiable and may be used for tuition only. Scholarships are renewable provided the student maintains satisfactory academic progress. Scholarship amounts listed are for new students only for the academic year 2022-2023. In future years, amounts may be adjusted downward if tuition decreases, so that the amount of the scholarship award remains consistent with the percentage of tuition met by the student’s most recent award.
New students with a strong academic foundation will be considered for Achievement Scholarships. Core academic performance is used to determine scholarship level. Candidates who have earned 18 credits or less need to have also completed a rigorous, college preparatory high school curriculum as determined by Castleton Admissions. Standardized test scores are optional; scores are used in combination with academic performance if they positively affect scholarship level. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years of continuous full-time enrollment at Castleton as long as the student maintains satisfactory progress. The chart below illustrates the range of scholarship amounts:
|
Achievement Scholarship Amounts |
|
|
Vermont Residents & NEBHE Tuition Students |
$1,000-$5,000 |
|
Residents outside of Vermont |
$6,000-$13,500 |
Students who have earned 18 credits or less and have achieved academic excellence, together with above-average standardized test scores if optionally submitted, will receive an Honors Student designation in addition to their scholarship. Honors designees will participate in honors coursework and have opportunities with honors housing, priority registration, and to contribute to Honors Council.
A select number of scholarships are available to all entering students in the English and music programs. Recipients are selected by department faculty and an audition is required for music. The award of $2,500 per year is renewable for up to four years of continuous full-time enrollment at Castleton provided the student maintains satisfactory academic progress and remains in good standing in the applicable program.
Any individual who can provide proof of valedictorian status from a regionally accredited or state-approved public or independent high school will be eligible for the full tuition Valedictorian Scholarship and may be invited to participate in honors programming. Class ranking must be provided on an official high school transcript. Conditions do apply, including a 3.0/4.0 cumulative GPA requirement for renewal. Contact admissions for additional details.
Maple Scholarship recipients must initially meet the eligibility requirements of the Castleton Achievement Scholarship, having completed a rigorous curriculum completed with success as determined by Castleton Admissions.
The Maple Scholarship reduces out-of-state tuition to the equivalent of Vermont resident tuition. Those who qualify are: Residents of, or students attending secondary schools in, neighboring counties to VT. Students whose permanent residence is outside of Vermont and graduate from a Vermont secondary school. Students whose parents/guardians own a second home in Vermont, residents of Maine, and select international scholars. Graduates of the following colleges also qualify: SUNY Orange (NY), Community College of Rhode Island (RI), Landmark College (VT), Tompkins Cortland Community College (NY).
Recipients must live on campus to receive this scholarship. If a student decides to live off-campus at some point, they will then receive the scholarship they would have received (if applicable) if they were not from a qualifying category. Conditions do apply. Please contact admissions for full details.
Castleton has several agreements with two-year colleges* in the region that allow for a smooth transition to the University. Students who transfer to Castleton having earned an Associate’s Degree from one of these partner institutions will receive the Transfer Success Scholarship of $5,000 per year. Awards are renewable for students making satisfactory academic progress towards their degree. Recipients must maintain continuous enrollment at Castleton and satisfactory academic progress. Scholarship amounts will be prorated for part-time students.
*partner colleges include: Community College of Vermont, Hudson Valley Community College (NY), SUNY Adirondack (NY), and SUNY Schenectady (NY)
The International Student Scholarship is open to all non-citizens and non-residents of the United States. Competitive scholarships of up to $2,500 per year will be awarded to deserving students who enter Castleton on a full-time basis. The committee will consider both academic and extra-curricular credentials. Awards are renewable for up to four years of continuous full-time enrollment at Castleton as long as the student maintains satisfactory academic progress.
Through the New England Board of Higher Education (NEBHE) tuition break program, Castleton offers reduced tuition for select programs to students attending from qualifying states. Current year information is available at castleton.edu/tuitionandfees.
Students who do not initially qualify for scholarship recognition and have reason for qualification can submit a request for reconsideration prior to enrollment. Requests can be submitted to the Dean of Enrollment Maurice Ouimet.