A Free Degree through the Early College Program at CCV.
Thanks to the Free Degree Promise through the Early College Program at CCV, all Vermont students who are currently in grade 11 can now count on a free associate degree at CCV the year after high school graduation. Members of the high school class of 2025 who are currently enrolled in Early College at CCV are also eligible.
The promise covers tuition and fees after any federal and state financial aid, and provides enhanced career and education advising as well as stipends to help with books, transportation, and other costs associated with going to college.
Get the personalized support of CCV faculty and advisors, get on the path to a job-ready credential, and get prepared for a brighter future.
I’m a current Early College student at CCV, and I’m interested in joining the Free Degree Promise (login required).
I’m a high school junior, and I want to apply to Early College as a first step to joining the Free Degree Promise.
I’m a high school sophomore or younger, and I want to get on your mailing list to learn more about the Free Degree Promise.
The State of Vermont’s Early College program allows Vermont high school seniors the opportunity to complete their last year of high school and their first year of college at the same time, earning free college credits that also count toward graduation from high school. Students enroll in a full-time course load during the fall and spring semesters while retaining the ability to participate in activities at their high school such as sports, clubs, and prom. Early College students must be ready to enroll in full-time, college-level coursework.
The first step is to apply for admission to CCV (ccv.edu/applyEC). The Early College application includes an essay, official high school transcripts, and other forms that require information or signatures from your high school. Students must also complete the Accuplacer assessment or submit official SAT/ACT scores.
To apply for Early College at CCV, visit High School Students – Community College of Vermont (ccv.edu). The priority deadline is May 1 and the final deadline is August 7.
The Free Degree Promise is a pathway to a free college degree for Vermonters who complete the CCV Early College program during their senior year of high school and then continue with full-time enrollment at CCV to complete the second year of their associate degree. The program is generously supported by the J. Warren and Lois McClure Foundation.
All members of the Vermont high school classes of 2025 and 2026 are eligible to benefit; in other words, all students in Vermont who are currently in tenth and eleventh grade are eligible.
Students must have completed a minimum of 20 college credits by the end of the Early College year to be eligible.
Members of the Vermont high school class of 2025 are eligible for the Free Degree Promise if they completed Early College at CCV during their senior year of high school.
Yes, home school students are eligible.
No. Only those students who attend Early College at CCV are eligible for the Free Degree Promise. CCV does offer a comprehensive financial aid program to help you finance your education through grants, loans, and scholarships.
If you are a rising high school senior, your first step is to apply to Early College. See FAQ #1.
If you are a current CCV Early College student, fill out this form.
If you are a member of the Vermont high school class of 2025 or 2026, fill out this form.
During the Early College year, tuition is covered. Students are responsible for textbooks and applicable fees. Students who complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) may be eligible for assistance with these costs.
During the second year of the Free Degree Promise program, tuition and fees are covered after any federal or state financial aid. Students are required to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Vermont Grant Application through the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC). To learn more about financial aid, visit ccv.edu/finaid.
Students who have a family income under $150,000 will receive a $1,000 stipend per semester that may be used toward books, parking, and other expenses. Students with a family income above $150,000 will receive $500 per semester. To receive these awards, students must be enrolled at least half-time.
CCV offers 12 associate degrees in a variety of high-demand industries, from healthcare to IT to early childhood education. In addition, many of our 22 career-focused certificate programs can be completed in just one year, and include credits that can be applied to related associate degree programs. This means you could complete the Free Degree Promise program having earned an associate degree as well as a certificate.
All CCV students are paired with an academic advisor who helps you meet your educational goals. Your advisor will help you plan for graduation and transfer, explore career options, set goals, choose and register for classes, address any academic or other concerns or issues, and connect you with other College or external resources that can help you succeed in school.
All CCV students are also assigned a financial aid counselor who can help you apply for and receive financial aid and guide you in paying for your education.
In addition, all CCV students have access to 24/7 online tutoring, extensive academic resources through the VSCS Libraries, student governance and leadership opportunities, an online writing center, comprehensive career services, and a wide range of external resources that can support you with transportation, child care, food, and more.
Free Degree Promise students have up to five semesters (including summer) to complete their associate degree following the completion of Early College. Students are encouraged to enroll full-time (12-15 credits per semester).
An Early College student who completes high school and the EC program in spring 2025 will need to finish their degree by the end of the fall 2026 semester.
Students will work closely with their advisor to develop a plan to complete their program within the five-semester window.
Yes! It’s easy to transfer your credits to bachelor’s degree programs, and completing your first two years at CCV is a great way to save money on a four-year degree. CCV has agreements with four-year colleges and universities across Vermont and New England. Learn more about all of your options at ccv.edu/transfer.
Students with additional questions can email Sarah Kresser, CCV Early College outreach counselor.