About the Office of Higher Education

How we help students schools and taxpayers

The Connecticut Office of Higher Education (OHE) works to make sure people can get a high-quality postsecondary education they can afford. The agency:

Provides information for students, their parents, and guidance counselors about colleges, universities, and career schools
Administers the State’s student financial aid programs and helps students use them
Manages the Alternate Route to Certification (ARC) program for people who want to change careers to become teachers

OHE also advocates for students, taxpayers, and institutes of higher learning, reviews programs to make sure they qualify for veterans’ educational benefits, and oversees the AmeriCorps program in Connecticut.

Most frequently asked questions

How do I get financial aid?

Learn about State and federal scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.

How do I pick colleges or career schools to apply to?

Use our handy tips to find and compare the right schools for you.

Where can I use my GI Bill benefits?

See a list of approved career schools, colleges, and universities in Connecticut.

How do I get my student loans forgiven?

Learn about programs from CT and the U.S. Department of Education that help people reduce or cancel their student loans.

My school closed. Where can I get my transcript?

OHE has student records for schools that closed without new owners.

How do I submit a complaint about my school?

After finishing the full complaint process with your school, you can send your complaint to the OHE.

How can I become a teacher?

Learn about the Alternate Route to Certification (ARC), a nine-month hybrid program for working adults.

How do I enroll in ARC?

Learn about ARC admission requirements and how to apply.

Leadership

Commissioner Timothy D. Larson

Mr. Larson has led the State of Connecticut Office of Higher Education since 2019. Under his leadership, it helps residents get an affordable, high-quality post-secondary education and advocate on behalf of students, taxpayers, career schools, and colleges. Mr. Larson previously served in the Connecticut Senate and Connecticut House of Representatives. He has also served as the mayor of East Hartford and was executive director of Tweed-New Haven Airport.

Greetings from Commissioner Larson

Divisions

Academic Affairs Division
Sean Seepersad, Division Director
Email: ohe.pcs@ct.gov
Phone: 860-947-1816
Fax: 860-326-0567

Grant Initiatives Division
Jacqueline Lucier, Division Director
Email: jacqueline.lucier@ct.gov
Phone: 860-947-1828

Finance Division
Ram Aberasturia, Division Director
Email: ram.aberasturia@ct.gov
Phone: 860-947-1819

Learn about the divisions >

Key contacts

Alternate Route to Certification
Email: ohe.arc@ct.gov
Phone: 860-947-1300

CT Commission on Community Service
Email: ohe.servect@ct.gov

Legislative Services
Phone: 860-947-1801
Fax: 860-947-1310

Media Relations and Freedom of Information Officer
Phone: 860-947-1801
Fax: 860-947-1310

Postsecondary Career Schools
Phone: 860-947-1816
Fax: 860-326-0567

Student Financial Aid
Phone: 860-947-1855
Email: ohe.sfa@ct.gov

Student Loan Reimbursement Program
Email: ohe.slrp@ct.gov

Veterans Program Approval and Benefits
Phone: 860-947-1831
Fax: 860-326-0567
Email: ohe.veterans@ct.gov

General office information

Office of Higher Education

Address:
450 Columbus Blvd, Suite 707
Hartford, CT 06103

Phone: 860-947-1800

Hours:
Monday to Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: Closed