VT's Free Degree Promise

Accelerated degree pathways are a game changer for young people furthest from opportunity. That's why we promise all students in the Vermont high school classes of 2023-2026 the opportunity to earn a free associate degree through the state's Early College program at the Community College of Vermont (CCV). The Free Degree Promise also offers living stipends and enhanced advising, putting students on a fast track to a debt-free degree that creates a lifetime of opportunities.

Our vision for 2027 is that Vermont’s young people can count on the availability of a fast-tracked free degree and that these pathways are driving improved college continuation among first-generation and low-income students, students of color, and young men.

State of the State

Fast-tracked pathways to affordable degrees are good for Vermonters – and good for Vermont. In a state with low postsecondary continuation rates and many promising jobs waiting to be filled, we believe Vermont will benefit civically, socially, and economically from a free early degree pathway.

Vermont is a highly rural state where college degrees – especially associate degrees – have enduring value. Seventy-six percent of the state’s ~22,000 grade 9-12 students attend rural high schools (U.S. CENSUS). Associate degree graduates in Vermont are the most likely in the country to achieve a positive ROI (79 percent) (STRADA).

Vermont’s high school graduates continue to college at the lowest rates in New England (45%). Declining aspirations signal that continuation rates will sink lower. Low-income students, Black students, students with disabilities, and male students face the deepest equity gaps in continuation (NESSC) and the decline in aspirations is most significant among first-generation young men (VSAC).

How the Free Degree Promise works for Donovan

In 11th grade, Donovan Arnold was advised to consider Vermont's Early College program by his school counselor after completing most of the math courses offered at his rural school.

Donovan spent his 12th grade year enrolled in Early College at CCV, blending full-time college courses with paid work at his town’s only grocery store and staying connected to his high school through the dance team. In one of his CCV courses, he completed a 100-hour internship with the accounting team at the nonprofit that runs the grocery where he works. He graduated in June 2024 from high school with a bookkeeping certificate and 30 credits toward his accounting degree. He's continuing at CCV and will graduate in June 2025 with a debt-free accounting degree, one year out from high school graduation, prepared to land a promising job or continue toward a bachelor’s degree. There are projected to be over 7,000 accounting jobs in Vermont with salaries above the state median.

Donovan is just one story. The Free Degree Promise creates an opportunity for all Vermont high school students to envision futures they can create for themselves.

Vermont’s Enabling Conditions are Strong

We’re optimistic about this work because it builds on Vermont’s strengths.

A single statewide community college. The Community College of Vermont serves the greatest number of Vermonters of any college in the state via 12 locations and extensive learning options. 25% of CCV students are high school students.
Publicly funded Early College. Vermont has a 10-year history of offering a free year of full-time college in lieu of a traditional 12th grade. Most participating students enroll at CCV.
New public investments in college affordability. Facing a shrinking workforce and an economy with two job openings for every jobseeker, policymakers are committed to investing in talent, especially through community and public colleges.
Established cross-sector partnerships. The cross-sector Early College Equity Working Group has spent years analyzing data and data systems, engaging proximate voice, exploring promising practices, and addressing barriers.

“Programs like these enable Vermonters to reach their full potential by supporting them in taking an important step towards advancing their education and embracing lifelong careers in fields like healthcare. We at CVMC know firsthand that CCV is an innovative partner in supporting career development. This opportunity is a game changer for first-generation students and for employers alike.
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– Anna Noonan | President & CEO, Central Vermont Medical Center

In its first two years, Vermont's Free Degree Promise is making college the easy choice for Vermont youth furthest from opportunity. Read about the impacts:

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