For information on the programs outlined below and all types of financial aid available to students in Connecticut, including scholarships, grants, work study, loans, and loan forgiveness programs, contact:

Office for Higher Education

Student Financial Aid

450 Columbus Blvd.

Hartford, CT 06103 

860-947-1855

ohe.sfa@ct.gov

ohe.ct.gov

Roberta B. Willis Need-Based Scholarship Program

Eligibility – Connecticut residents who are high school seniors or graduates, with a high school junior year class rank of 20 percent or better and/or SAT scores of at least 1200 or ACT score of at least 25. Students must attend a Connecticut public or private, not-for-profit, college or university.

Award – up to $5,250 a year 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.

Applications are available through the high school guidance office.

Roberta B. Willis Need-Based Grant Program

Eligibility – Connecticut residents who attend a Connecticut public or private, not-for-profit, college or university. Students must also have a federal Student Aid Index  (SAI) within the allowable range.

Award – up to $4,500 for full-time study in a 2- or 4-year program of study.

For more information contact the college financial aid office.

Veterans Tuition Waivers

Eligibility – a veteran who has been honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces, has 90 days active military duty during war, has been accepted for admission to a Connecticut public college or university and has resided in Connecticut for at least one year upon enrolling in college.

Award – waiver of tuition at a 2- or 4-year Connecticut public college or university.

College costs other than tuition – such as for books, fees, parking, and room and board – are not waived. 

For additional information contact the participating institutions or visit: ohe.ct.gov/vet

CHESLA Loan

The Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) is a quasi-public state authority created to help students and their families finance the cost of higher education.

Eligibility – Family with student enrolled at least half-time in a CT public or non-profit private college or a CT resident enrolled at least half-time in a public or non-profit private college anywhere in the U.S. may annually borrow up to full cost of education less other aid at a low fixed interest rate of 6.35%.  Family only pays interest during in-school years. Upon completion of college, the loan is paid off over 140 months.

Apply through the CT Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA).