Castleton Admissions reviews each applicant holistically; all application materials submitted are taken into consideration for initial acceptance. New Student Scholarships further recognize students’ commitment to and success in academic and extracurricular involvement.
Students who do not initially qualify for scholarship recognition and have reason for qualification can submit a request for reconsideration prior to enrollment.
Beyond scholarships, Castleton grants are awarded to students based on unmet financial need, as demonstrated by FAFSA information. Castleton offers several additional scholarships to returning upperclassmen.
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. This tuition break is also extended to all US residents outside of VT for the following programs: Art, Chemistry, Media & Communication, English, Mathematics, Music, Philosophy, Sociology, Spanish, Theater Arts.
Scholarships are awarded to full-time, bachelor degree-seeking students regularly admitted by March 1, 2019, on a first come, first served basis for fall enrollment. Students may be awarded on a funds-available basis after March 1. Each scholarship is based on the eligibility criteria listed, and students must meet all eligibility criteria at the time of acceptance. Historically, high school GPA has been calculated by Castleton Admissions using completed academic coursework on an unweighted 4.0 scale; those achieving academic excellence have been defined as having a GPA of 3.0/3.3 or higher. Currently, this framework stands where GPA exists. 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.
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. Students transferring from another institution of higher education with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher are eligible for the Valedictorian Scholarship. Class ranking must be provided on an official high school transcript. Conditions do apply. Contact admissions for details.
The Castleton Honors Program Scholarship is open to eligible transfer students who have earned 18 credits or less with a cumulative college grade point average of 3.0 or higher. Students must also have achieved academic excellence in high school and have earned a score of 1100 on the SAT reading and math sections or a composite score of 22 on the ACT to be considered for the program. Eligible students are awarded competitive scholarships of up to $11,000 per year upon acceptance to the University. Students who choose to accept this scholarship and matriculate at Castleton will be expected to participate in the Honors Program. Students in this program enroll in Honors courses and have the option to live in Honors Housing every year. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years of full-time continuous enrollment at Castleton as long as the student maintains a 2.5/4.0 grade point average; continuance in the Honors Program requires a higher GPA.
The Academic Achievement Scholarship is awarded to transfer students whose permanent residence is in Vermont who have earned 18 credits or less with a cumulative college grade point average of 3.0 or higher and have achieved academic excellence in high school. Recipients must have completed a rigorous college preparatory high school curriculum as determined by the Castleton Office of Admissions. This renewable scholarship of up to $4,000 per year will be awarded. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years of continuous full-time enrollment at Castleton as long as the student maintains a grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Transfer students whose permanent residence is outside of Vermont who have a cumulative college grade point average of 3.0 or higher will be considered for the National Scholars Award. Transfer students who have earned 18 credits or less must also have achieved academic excellence in high school. Recipients must have completed a rigorous college preparatory high school curriculum as determined by the Castleton Office of Admissions. Scholarships of $9,000 per year will be awarded to qualifying students. 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.
Scholarships of up to $5,000 per year will be awarded to qualifying students. Interested students are strongly encouraged to highlight their dedication to school and community involvement as well as other achievements on their application. All decisions will be based on information from the student’s admissions file. Students must meet the following criteria to be considered:
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.
Transfer students who have earned more than 18 credits are eligible for the Transfer Student Scholarship. This competitive scholarship of up to $2,500 per year will be awarded. Considerations by the committee include grade point average, academic rigor, dedication to a school or community-based organization, volunteer program, or employment. Awards are renewable for up to three years based on number of prior credits earned. Recipients must maintain continuous full-time enrollment at Castleton and grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
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.
The Maple Award reduces out-of-state tuition to Vermont resident tuition. Those who qualify are residents of, or graduates of secondary schools in, neighboring counties and students graduating from community colleges within these counties. In addition, students whose permanent residence is outside of Vermont and graduate from a Vermont secondary school or whose parents/guardians own a second home in Vermont are also eligible.
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.
The English Literature Scholarship is open to all entering students majoring in English programs. Recipients are selected by department faculty. 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, remains an English major, and contributes positively to the program.
The Music Scholarship is open to all entering students majoring in music programs. Recipients are selected by department faculty. An audition is required. 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, remains a music major, and contributes positively to the program.
The Spanish Scholarship is open to all entering students majoring in Spanish programs. Recipients are selected by department faculty. The award of $2,500 per year is renewable for up to four years of continuous full-time enrollment at Castleton provided that the student maintains a 2.5/4.0 grade point average, remains a Spanish major, and contributes positively to the program.
Castleton is proud to be participating in the Yellow Ribbon Program that is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. There are five scholarships in the amount of $3,000 per year available on a first-come, first-served basis to non-residents of Vermont. Veterans who are 100% eligible under the Post-9/11 GI Bill will be considered for this scholarship. Veterans who are 100% eligible under the Post-9/11 GI Bill will be considered for this scholarship. To find out if you are eligible, visit the GI Bill website.