Approximately 90 percent of students who apply to Goddard’s graduate and undergraduate programs are independent, working adults. While Goddard’s low-residency model allows our students to continue working while pursuing their degrees, most will need some assistance in putting together the cost of attendance.

  • More than one third of our undergraduate students receive assistance through the Federal Pell or Student Educational Opportunity Grants
  • Many students use federal subsidized and unsubsidized student loans
  • Last year, Goddard College awarded more than $450,000 in institutional scholarships and grants.

Below you will find information about the resources that may be available to you to assist you in covering the cost of your education.

Applying for Financial Aid

Known as the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid is the first step for federal, state or institutional aid. This form should be completed annually by current and prospective students to determine eligibility for student financial aid, including the Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, and Federal student loans. The FAFSA form can be found and completed at studentaid.ed.gov.

When submitting the FAFSA, we encourage you to request the IRS retrieval option, which will populate income sections of the application, saving you time and reducing the likelihood of transcription errors.

Types of Financial Aid

  • Federal Pell Grant
  • Institutional Scholarships and Grants
  • Federal Student Loans
  • Veterans Benefits
  • Additional Information and Resources

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant Program provides need-based grants to low-income undergraduate students to promote access to education. The Federal Pell grant does not have to be repaid. Federal Pell Grants are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or a professional degree. Amounts can change yearly. The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $6345 for the 2020-2021 award year (July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021). The amount you get, though, will depend on your financial need, your cost of attendance, and your status as a full-time or part-time student.  Details are available online.

Institutional Scholarships and Grants

Institutional Scholarships and Grants are offered based on need and/or merit.  Some require additional application materials, and some offer consideration as part of the application process.  To learn more, visit our scholarships page

Federal Loans

Federal student loans are available to U.S. Citizens and legal permanent residents of the United States who are not in default of other student loans, have not reached their maximum loan amounts, and are not currently using student loans at another college.  Available loan amounts vary based on program level and degree track.  

All student loans are processed through the Department of Education’s Direct Loan program. All new borrowers must complete a Direct Loan Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling.

Types of Loans available:

Undergraduate:

  • Subsidized Loans
  • Unsubsidized Loans
  • Parent PLUS loans

Graduate:

  • Unsubsidized Loans
  • Graduate PLUS Loans

Information on federal loans can be found at studentloans.gov.

Students may also access information on private loans at www.finaid.org/loans or loans for students attending colleges in Vermont at https://www.vsac.org/

Please refer to Goddard’s Code of Conduct Related to Student Loan Activities.

Veteran Student Benefits

The Office of the Registrar acts as a liaison between students and the Department of Veterans Affairs, and certifies enrollment for veterans or their dependents so they may obtain educational benefits.

To apply for benefits, an accepted or continuing student should complete an Application for Education Benefits (VA Form 22-1990).

Questions about veteran’s benefits should be addressed to the Registrar’s Office at registrar@goddard.edu or 802.322.1711

Additional Information

Students are also encouraged to research non-institutional scholarships available to them. Following are a selection of websites worth reviewing:

Net Price Calculator

The Net Price Calculator is intended to provide estimated net price information.

Estimated Cost of Attendance equals cost (tuition and required fees, books and supplies, room and board, and other related expenses) minus estimated grant and scholarship aid. This does not include the low interest Federal loans that students are eligible to borrow in order to supplement their educational expenses.

Washington State Applicants

For Washington State residents seeking information and resources about student loan repayment or seeking to submit a complaint relating to your student loans or student loan servicer, please visit wsac.wa.gov/loan-advocacy or contact the Student Loan Advocate at loanadvocate@wsac.wa.gov.

Vermont Applicants

For Vermont residents may also find resources through the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC).

Contact a Financial Aid Counselor

Once you’ve been admitted to the College, a financial aid counselor can provide you specifics on your eligibility for aid. You may schedule an appointment to speak to a financial aid counselor by writing to finaid@goddard.edu. Be sure to include which program you will be attending and your anticipated starting date.