Stressless College Planning
Six Quick and Easy Resources for Connecticut High School Students
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The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form that U.S. students can complete to apply for fnancial aid for two- and four-year colleges, vocational, trade, and career schools. The FAFSA is used to determine a student’s eligibility for federal, state, and institutional fnancial aid, including Pell Grants, Robert B. Willis scholarship funding, Free College Tuition at Connecticut Community College, loans, work study, and other aid. This aid can help cover the cost of tuition, fees, room and board, textbooks, and other educational expenses.
The Aid Application for Connecticut Undocumented Students (AACTUS) is a fnancial aid application specifcally designed for undocumented students in Connecticut who are ineligible to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application allows undocumented students, including those with Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) status, who meet specifc criteria to apply for institutional aid at public colleges and universities in Connecticut.
Free College Tuition at CT State Community Colleges
ctstate.edu/free-tuitionThe Free College Tuition at CT State Community College initiative, also known as the Mary Ann Handley Award, offers eligible Connecticut residents the opportunity to attend one of the state’s community colleges tuition-free. This program is designed to make higher education more accessible and affordable, particularly for recent high school graduates and other qualifying residents.
The Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) is a quasi-public state agency in Connecticut that provides low-cost education financing options to students and their families. CHESLA aims to make higher education more accessible and affordable by offering supplemental loans, scholarships, and financial literacy resources.
The Roberta B. Willis Scholarship
http://shorturl.at/SKJw5The Roberta B. Willis Scholarship is a financial aid program for Connecticut residents attending undergraduate programs at public and independent higher education institutions in Connecticut. It includes both need-based grants (up $4,500 for full-time study in a 2- or 4-year program of study) and need-merit scholarships (up to $5,250 for full-time attendance in a 4-year program or up to $4,650 a year for full-time attendance in a 2-year program of study), designed to support low-income students.
Connecticut Automatic Admissions Program
http://ct.edu/autoadmitThe Connecticut Automatic Admissions Program (CAAP) is an initiative designed to simplify and streamline the college admissions process for high achieving high school students in Connecticut. The program automatically grants admission to participating state universities and colleges for students who have a 3.0 weighted GPA or a 2.75 unweighted GPA. This initiative is part of Connecticut's broader efforts to increase access to higher education and reduce the stress of a traditional application process.