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 upperclassmen.
Parameters for all New Student Scholarships
Scholarships are awarded to full-time, first-time bachelor degree seeking students regularly admitted by March 1, 2020 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 the specified GPA.
Castleton Achievement Scholarship
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 and scholarship level will be determined in combination with standardized test scores. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years of continuous full-time enrollment at Castleton as long as the student maintains a 2.5/4.0 grade point average. 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 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.
Academic Program Scholarships
A select number of scholarships are available to all entering students in the English, marching band, music and Spanish 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 a 2.5/4.0 grade point average and remains in good standing in the applicable program.
Valedictorian Scholarship
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. Contact admissions for details.
Maple Scholarship
Maple Scholarship recipients must initially meet eligibility requirements of the Castleton Achievement Scholarship, having completed a rigorous curriculum completed with success as determined by Castleton Admissions (and achieved satisfactory standardized test scores for students who have earned less than 18 credits).
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 outside of the Northeast, including international scholars. Graduates of the following community colleges also qualify: SUNY Orange (NY), Community College of Rhode Island (RI), Tompkins Cortland Community College (NY).
Recipients must live on campus to receive this scholarship. Recipients who choose to live off campus will be awarded with Achievement Scholarship (to replace Maple). Conditions do apply. Please contact admissions for full details.
Transfer Success Scholarship
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 a grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale. 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)
International Student Scholarship
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 a 2.5/4.0 grade point average.
NEBHE Tuition
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 NEBHE.org.
Can I appeal for scholarship?
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.