Connecticut student aid programs
Besides in-state tuition, CT students can seek scholarships, grants, and other financial aid programs to help pay for college.
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 applyThe 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 applyFor CT students who attend a four-year CT public or nonprofit private college. There is no application for this program.
Award amountUp to $4,500 for full-time study in a two or four-year program of study.
When to applySubmit 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 applyThis is for junior or senior minority students enrolled in a CT teacher preparation program.
Award amountGrants 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 applyNominations are due October 15. Please contact your dean to ensure they know you’d like to be nominated.
Explore Minority Teacher Incentive Program [PDF].
Connecticut Higher Education Trust (CHET)
CHET is a 529 college savings plan sponsored by the Connecticut Office of the Treasurer and managed by Fidelity.
The plan offers tax benefits and low costs. The money can pay for college tuition and fees at many vocational and technical schools and some outside the U.S.
Who can applyCHET is open to both residents and nonresidents.
Get more details about the benefits of opening a CHET college savings plan.
Are you the parent of a K-12 student?
CONNTAC, Inc. Scholarship
The Board of Directors of the Connecticut Talent Assistance Cooperative set up this scholarship. The award helps in-need students earn an associate's or bachelor's degree.
Who can applyThis is for students who are US citizens living in CT and have low-income parents who did not attend college. Learn more about the CONNTAC Scholarship and how to apply.
Award amountFor the 2023 to 2024 period, $10,000.00 was available to give out. The total amount any one recipient may get varies from $500.00 to $1,000.00 in two installments.
When to applyThis year’s deadline has passed. Please email scholarship@conntacinc.org to learn more.
Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) Certificate Scholarship
This program is for students in specific fields of study.
Who can applyFor 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 amountThe scholarship is on a first-come, first-served basis until funds run out. Each award is for $1,250.
When to applyOnce 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 applyFor 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 amountUp 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 applyOnce 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.
Student Loan Reimbursement Program (SLRP)
SLRP awards money to Connecticut residents burdened with student loan debt.
Who can applyCT 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 amountApplicants 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 applyJanuary 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 applyVisit this student portal created for the CT Office of Higher Education.
Connecticut Student Loan Repayment Program (CT SLRP) for healthcare workers
The Connecticut Department of Public Health receives federal money to bring more healthcare to underserved places across the state.
Who can apply
Healthcare providers who agree to work part-time or full-time for two years in a Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA). The clinical fields include primary medical, mental/behavioral, and dental care. Learn more about who should apply for CT SLRP.
Award amount
For a full-time job, up to $25,000 a year for student loan repayment. This is for public and/or private loans, for a total of $50,000 after two years.
A part-time award is also available. It offers up to $12,500 per year towards public and/or private student loans for a total of $25,000 after two years.
When to apply
The CT SLRP application cycle ended on June 30, 2024. Visit UConn Health for more information.
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 applyStudents who graduate high school or earn a GED. Home-schooled students can also apply. See all requirements to apply for this Award.
Award amountGrants 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 applyApply 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.