Connecticut undergraduate and post-graduate aid programs

Connecticut student aid programs

Besides in-state tuition, CT students can seek scholarships, grants, and other financial aid programs to help pay for college.

 

Student Loan Reimbursement Program (SLRP)

SLRP awards money to Connecticut residents burdened with student loan debt.

Who can apply

CT residents who have lived in the state for at least five years in a row immediately prior to the date on their application.

See the Student Loan Reimbursement Program (PDF) for details.

Award amount

Applicants will be awarded on a first-come first-serve basis and receive up to $5,000 a year with a $20,000 cap over four years.

When to apply

January 1, 2025 or later.

What you’ll need to apply

• 2023 Connecticut Personal Income Tax Return
• College diploma or professional license/certification
• Proof of 50 hours of volunteer work
• Proof of an outstanding student loan balance
• Proof of student loan payments made in 2024

Get more details about what information to keep handy when you apply (PDF).

How to apply

Visit this student portal created for the CT Office of Higher Education.

 

Roberta B. Willis Scholarship – Need and Merit-Based Scholarship

Awards are given to CT students based on their allowable federal Student Aid Index (SAI) and academic merit. The award helps residents who attend a four-year CT public or nonprofit private college.

Who can apply

High school seniors who ranked in the top 20th percentile of their high school junior year class or college undergraduates who ranked in the top 20th percentile of their high school senior year class and/or have a combined score on the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) of 1200 or higher or an ACT score of 25 or higher. Additionally, applicants must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 15th of the year prior to the academic award year. Applicants must have an SAI equal to or below the eligible cutoff, as determined by the Office of Higher Education (OHE), for the academic year. 

Up to $5,250 a year for a four-year program and up to $4,650 a year for a two-year program.

When to apply

The deadline is February 15. By this date, make sure your high school counselor submits an application on your behalf and complete your FAFSA® on studentaid.gov.

Roberta B. Willis Scholarship terms and conditions (PDF).

 

Roberta B. Willis Scholarship – Need-Based Grant

This program is need-based and looks at your allowable SAI. The award helps residents who attend a four-year CT public or nonprofit private college.

Who can apply

For CT students who attend a four-year CT public or nonprofit private college. There is no application for this program.

Award amount

Up to $4,500 for full-time study in a two or four-year program of study.

When to apply

Submit a FAFSA®. Contact your college financial aid office for filing deadlines.

 

Minority Teacher Incentive Program

College deans nominate minority juniors and seniors enrolled in their teacher preparation program.

Who can apply

This is for junior or senior minority students enrolled in a CT teacher preparation program.

Award amount

Grants up to $5,000 a year for two years. Loan reimbursement of $2,500 yearly for up to four years of teaching in a CT public school.

When to apply

Nominations are due October 15. Please contact your dean to ensure they know you’d like to be nominated.

Explore Minority Teacher Incentive Program [PDF].

 

Mary Ann Hadley Award (formerly PACT)

The Mary Ann Hadley Award is a last-dollar scholarship that helps make tuition-free attendance at one of CT’s 12 community colleges possible. The program is open to students of all income levels.

Who can apply

Students who graduate high school or earn a GED. Home-schooled students can also apply. See all requirements to apply for this Award.

Award amount

Grants cover any expenses left after students have used federal, state, and school financial aid. Even students with full financial aid are eligible for at least $250 per semester.

When to apply

Apply by July 15 for priority consideration. Students can also apply after this date, especially if they’re going to start college in the spring semester. Funds are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Check out CT State Community College for details.

 

Federal student aid

Learn about grants, loans, and work-study programs from the U.S. Department of Education. 

 

Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) Certificate Scholarship

This program is for students in specific fields of study.

Who can apply

For students enrolled in a manufacturing, healthcare, or ARC Teaching Certificate Program at an eligible CT state or nonprofit, degree-granting school. See all CHESLA Certificate Scholarship requirements.

Award amount

The scholarship is on a first-come, first-served basis until funds run out. Each award is for $1,250.

When to apply

Once you create an account, you can apply on the CHESLA portal. Please email scholarships@chesla.org to learn more.

 

CHESLA Undergraduate Scholarship

This program is both need and merit-based.

Who can apply

For students who have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 (on a 4.0 scale) and be eligible for a Pell Grant. See more details about who can apply.

Award amount

Up to $1,500 for half-time students and up to $3,000 for full-time students. The amounts awarded will depend on the student’s financial need and the program's cost.

When to apply

Once you create an account, you can apply on the CHESLA portal The 2025 application will open on March 1, 2025. The scholarship is on a first-come, first-served basis until funds run out. Please email scholarships@chesla.org to learn more.