FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2025
Contact: Kayla Dewey, kayla.dewey@vsc.edu
Statement from Vermont State Colleges System Chancellor Beth Mauch on the Fiscal Year 2026 State Budget
Governor Scott signed the Fiscal Year 2026 budget, H.496, into law on May 21, 2025. Beth Mauch, Chancellor of the Vermont State Colleges System (VSC), issued the following statement:
“For five years, the Vermont State Colleges have worked hand-in-hand with the Governor and our legislative leaders to imagine a state college system that would not just be financially viable, but would have a sustained path to growth. Together, we’ve envisioned a future where every Vermonter has the opportunity to pursue an affordable and flexible education. The state budget signed by Governor Scott yesterday not only completes the state’s obligations in the VSC transformation, but looks to our shared vision of the future: centering our state colleges as the place where new careers are ignited, lifelong learning is fueled, and the economy and social well-being of every corner of Vermont is enhanced.”
The budget includes:
- $52,468,692 in state General Fund to support the VSC’s, a 3% increase over Fiscal Year 2025.:
- $1,797,087 appropriated for VSC allied health programs
- $5,000,000 one-time General Fund as the final transformation bridge funding, represents the conclusion of the multi-year commitment to fund the VSC system transformation
- $1,500,000 one-time General Fund appropriated to the Vermont Student Assistance Corporation (VSAC) for Freedom and Unity grants
Additionally, the Capital Bill, H.494, which encompasses Fiscal Year 2026 and Fiscal Year 2027, includes: - $3,000,000 for construction, renovations, and major maintenance
- $5,000,000 for critical Central Heat Plant replacement at the Johnson campus of Vermont State University (VTSU)
- $3,500,000 for upgrades to the Heat Plant at VTSU Randolph and the Vermont Agriculture and Environmental Laboratory
“Achieving our vision requires VSC to stay agile, adapt to student demands and ensure every Vermonter has access to continuous learning opportunities,” added Chancellor Mauch. “We’ve undergone a complicated and total transformation over the last five years and this budget acknowledges the progress we’ve made – together – and looks to our shared future as the trusted partner Vermonters turn to for their higher and continuing education needs. I’m particularly thrilled with the strategic investment in our students with the Freedom and Unity grants. These grants, administered by our partners at VSAC, will make college tuition-free at Vermont State University for many low-and-moderate income Vermonters.
It’s a huge win for our students to remove a financial barrier and this investment in them will lead to expanded access, college completion, and graduation rates across Vermont.”