University of Vermont will offer free tuition (not room and board) to residents with household income under $60,000

The University of Vermont, in Burlington (Vermont Public photo by Liam Elder-Connors)

"Starting next fall, the University of Vermont will be tuition-free to all Vermont residents whose families make less than $60,000 a year," reports Liam Elder-Connors of Vermont Public.

"The board of trustees approved the plan, which would cover tuition and fees for in-state students — a total of $18,890 a year. Out-of-state students pay more than twice that to attend UVM," Elder-Connors writes.

A university spokesperson said room and board, $13,354 a year, would not be covered. According to census data, Vermont's median household income is $63,477. It is one of the most rural states.

In a video announcement, President Suresh Garimella said many residents will be able to take advantage of the new scholarship: “Our new commitment means that nearly half of all households in the state can count on attending UVM without worrying about how to pay for tuition.”