Connecticut has two different, but similar, programs to help students afford college, in addition to offering loans and veterans benefits. Here’s what you need to know about them and how you can find additional information in the state.
Connecticut College Grants
1. Roberta B. Willis Need-Merit Scholarship Program
For students who are graduating high school in the top 20% of their class and/or earned above a certain score on their SAT or ACT, there is the Roberta B. Willis Need-Merit Scholarship Program. It awards up to $5,250 per year for full-time attendance at a 4-year college. For 2-year programs, students can be granted up to $4,650 a year.
In order to be eligible, the student must meet some criteria:
- Be in the top 20% of their class and/or have earned at least a 1200 on the SAT or a 25 on the ACT
- Be attending a Connecticut public or non-profit private college
- Complete an application provided by high school guidance offices (by February 15th)
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by February 15th
- Meet the allowable federal Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and academic merit
- Be a CT resident
2. Roberta B. Willis Need-Based Grant Program
Similar to the scholarship program, there is also the Roberta B. Willis Need-Based Grant Program. However, this one does not have an academic requirement. Eligible students can earn up to $4,500.
Other criteria include:
- Be a CT resident
- Be attending a CT public or non-profit private college
- Meet the federal EFC within the allowable range
- Complete the FAFSA
3. CHESLA Loan
The Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority (CHESLA) has loans to help make attending college in the state more affordable. Students who are eligible can take out loans at a fixed interest rate of 4.59% and only interest is paid for while the individual attends college. The full loan must be paid off 140 months after the student completes or leaves college.
In order to be eligible, the student must
- Have the ability to repay the loan
- Meet credit history requirements
- Be enrolled at least half-time in a CT public or non-profit private college or be a CT resident attending college elsewhere at least half-time
- Apply through the CHESLA website
4. Veterans Programs
The state of Connecticut also has veterans programs to help make college more affordable. The Office of Higher Education website also contains details on how to find the programs, what institutions accept the GI bill benefits in the state, further information on veterans benefits, and more.
Where Can You Find More Information About Connecticut College Grants?
Further details about Connecticut programs, grants, and loans can be found on the Connecticut Office of Higher Education (CTOHE) website as well as the CHESLA site.
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Looking for a different state? View our comprehensive list of state grant options.
