Top 21 Connecticut Scholarships & Grants for 2026 - 2027

Connecticut Scholarship & Financial Aid Snapshot

This quick snapshot is built from CollegeWhale’s scholarship database and state-level resources. It shows how many scholarships we currently list for Connecticut, the total dollars represented, and a short overview of key state aid programs.

We currently have 121 scholarships in our database tagged for Connecticut. This includes statewide programs, school-specific awards, and private or foundation-based scholarships.

Across our Top 21 Connecticut Scholarship & Grant listings, the total advertised award value comes to roughly $57,500. Some programs are renewable or stackable, so your real lifetime value could be even higher depending on how long you remain eligible.

Connecticut students should begin with the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Program, which provides both need-based grants and merit scholarships for high-achieving residents enrolling in eligible colleges. Because Connecticut has a mix of private and public institutions with strong financial aid budgets, students often find that institutional awards stack well with state aid. Community colleges in the CSCU system also participate in need-based tuition assistance programs that greatly reduce costs for qualifying students. For high-demand fields like nursing, education, and technology, additional grants may be available. The most effective strategy for Connecticut students is to file the FAFSA on time, explore both public and private options, and apply early for Willis Program funding, as awards can significantly influence total out-of-pocket cost.

Top 21 Connecticut Scholarships (Scholarship FastFind™)

The CollegeWhale Scholarship FastFind™ makes it easy to discover the best Connecticut scholarships — fast. Filter by award amount, deadline month, and estimated time to apply, then instantly download your personalized list. No sign-ups, no personal info, no spam — just real, verified scholarships.

1

Veterinary Scholarship Trust of New England (VSTONE) Scholarships

The Veterinary Scholarship Trust of New England (VSTONE) provides financial assistance to students from New England who are pursuing careers in veterinary medicine. Established to support the next generation of veterinarians, the trust awards annual scholarships to help reduce educational

Award: Varies Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Low (~13 min)
2

Cedric Ellis Scholarship Endowment

The Cedric Ellis Scholarship Endowment provides financial assistance to students residing in Waterbury who are of African descent. This scholarship supports students demonstrating financial need and academic promise. Eligibility Requirements: Residency: Must reside in Waterbury, Connecticut. Ethnicity: Must be of

Award: Varies Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~88 min)
3

Elim Park Place Resident Association Scholarship

The Elim Park Place Resident Association Scholarship provides financial assistance to employees or children of employees of Elim Park Baptist Home. This scholarship recognizes the dedication of staff and their families to furthering their education. Eligibility Requirements: Employment: Must be

Award: Varies Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~88 min)
4

Marie J. Della Bella Scholarship

The Marie J. Della Bella Scholarship supports female students pursuing a career in the field of law. This scholarship aims to encourage and assist women in achieving their educational and professional goals in the legal field. Eligibility Requirements: Gender: Must

Award: Varies Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~88 min)
5

Marc Decker Memorial Scholarship

The Marc Decker Memorial Scholarship is awarded to students who have participated in formal tennis activities within the Foundation’s 21-town service area. This scholarship supports students who demonstrate a passion for tennis and academic success. Eligibility Requirements: Residency: Must reside

Award: Varies Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~88 min)
6

Darrell S. Daniels Scholarship

The Darrell S. Daniels Scholarship is awarded to students who plan to attend a college or university in the southern United States. This scholarship supports students committed to furthering their education in this region. Eligibility Requirements: Residency: Must reside in

Award: Varies Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~88 min)
7

Isabelle V. Curtiss Education Fund Scholarship

The Isabelle V. Curtiss Education Fund Scholarship is a one-time award for graduating seniors of Oxford High School or prior graduates of OHS who demonstrate academic excellence and are well-rounded individuals. Financial need is considered but not required. Eligibility Requirements:

Award: $5,000 Deadline: Rolling Est. Time: Med (~88 min)
8

Richard J. Corey Memorial Scholarship

The Richard J. Corey Memorial Scholarship is awarded to students of Lebanese descent who demonstrate academic promise and commitment to their educational and personal goals. Eligibility Requirements: Ethnicity: Must be of Lebanese descent. Academic Performance: Must meet the minimum academic

Award: Varies Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~88 min)
9

William Cohen, M.D. Scholarship

The William Cohen, M.D. Scholarship provides a $5,000 renewable award for African-American students residing in Waterbury. The scholarship is aimed at supporting students with financial need and a demonstrated commitment to their academic and personal goals. Preference is given to

Award: $5,000 Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~88 min)
10

Nancy Camp Scholarship

The Nancy Camp Scholarship, offered by the Elisha Leavenworth Foundation, awards $5,000 to high school graduates who have maintained an academic average of “B” or better. Applicants must reside in one of the eligible towns and demonstrate a commitment to

Award: $5,000 Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~88 min)
11

Brownstein Family Scholarship

The Brownstein Family Scholarship is awarded to students who are planning to attend the University of Pennsylvania. This scholarship supports individuals committed to academic excellence at one of the nation's premier institutions. Eligibility Requirements: University Requirement: Must plan to attend

Award: Varies Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~88 min)
12

Brown-Garrison Memorial Scholarship

The Brown-Garrison Memorial Scholarship is awarded to graduating seniors of Thomaston High School who demonstrate academic promise and commitment to their educational goals. This scholarship supports higher education aspirations of local students. Eligibility Requirements: High School Requirement: Must be a

Award: Varies Deadline: March Est. Time: Med (~88 min)

Connecticut Scholarships, Grants & Financial Aid Overview

Article Read Time Is 5 Mins

What Scholarships and Grants Are Available for College Students in Connecticut?

Connecticut offers several state-funded and institutional scholarships to help reduce the cost of college for residents. These programs support both public and private college students and are often based on financial need and academic performance.

Examples of Connecticut scholarships and grants:

  • Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Program: Offers up to $4,500 annually to Connecticut residents attending eligible in-state colleges. Awards are based on financial need and academic merit.
  • Connecticut Independent College Student Grant (CICSG): Provides $500–$8,000 per year to students attending eligible nonprofit private colleges in Connecticut. Need-based and administered by the Office of Higher Education.
  • Need-Based Aid from CT Public Colleges: Many state universities (such as UConn and Southern CT State University) offer institutional scholarships and grants for Connecticut residents who complete the FAFSA.

Tip: Complete the FAFSA early and check your college’s financial aid page for school-specific opportunities tied to your program or GPA.

What Scholarships Are Available in Connecticut for Minorities?

Connecticut offers scholarships specifically for underrepresented and minority students, with a focus on increasing diversity in professions such as education and public service. Many local foundations also offer community-based awards for students of color.

Top minority scholarships in Connecticut include:

  • Connecticut Minority Teacher Incentive Grant Program: Provides up to $5,000 annually to minority college juniors and seniors pursuing teaching certification in Connecticut. Includes loan reimbursement incentives for teaching in-state after graduation.
  • Hartford Foundation for Public Giving Scholarships: Offers 300+ scholarship funds to students from Greater Hartford, with many specifically for Black, Hispanic, and Asian American students. Awards vary but often range from $1,000 to $5,000.
  • UNCF Connecticut Partner Scholarships: National scholarships from the United Negro College Fund often include opportunities targeted to students residing in or attending school in Connecticut.

Tip: Reach out to your local community foundation or guidance counselor for local and regional scholarship opportunities that receive fewer applicants.

What Scholarships Are Available for High School Seniors in Connecticut?

High school seniors in Connecticut have access to a variety of scholarships that recognize academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Many awards are open to students attending public, private, or charter schools across the state.

Top scholarships for CT high school seniors include:

  • Connecticut Dollars for Scholars: A network of community-based chapters offering scholarships to local seniors. Award amounts vary by chapter but often range from $500 to $2,500. Students can apply through the Scholarship America portal.
  • Henry Barnard Distinguished Student Scholarship: Honors high-achieving seniors at Connecticut State Universities. Covers full in-state tuition and fees. Requires nomination by school and demonstration of leadership and service.
  • Community Foundation Scholarships: Regional organizations such as the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut and the Valley Community Foundation offer hundreds of scholarships for seniors in specific towns or districts.

Tip: Begin applying during the fall of your senior year and prepare a strong personal essay and resume of extracurricular involvement.

What Are Connecticut Community Foundation Scholarships?

The Connecticut Community Foundation manages over 140 scholarships for students from Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills. These awards are open to high school seniors, current college students, and adult learners pursuing undergraduate, graduate, or vocational programs.

Key features:

  • Most awards range from $500 to $4,000 per academic year.
  • Scholarships are based on financial need, academic achievement, intended major, community involvement, or specific donor criteria.
  • Only students who reside in the foundation’s 21-town service area are eligible.

Tip: Students must complete one general application through the foundation’s online portal to be considered for multiple scholarships.

Are There Scholarships for International Students at Connecticut Colleges?

Yes, many Connecticut colleges and universities offer merit-based and institutional scholarships to international students to help reduce tuition costs. While federal aid is not available, private scholarships and school-funded programs provide strong support for non-U.S. citizens.

Examples of scholarships for international students in Connecticut:

  • Connecticut College International Student Scholarship: Awards range from $10,000 to full tuition, based on academic excellence and financial need. No separate application required.
  • Yale University Financial Aid for International Students: Offers need-based aid that meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for admitted students, regardless of citizenship.
  • University of Connecticut (UConn) Merit Scholarships: International applicants are considered for competitive merit-based scholarships, including the Global Distinction Award. Award amounts vary but can cover partial tuition.

Tip: Apply early, and check each school’s financial aid page for international applicant guidelines and deadlines.

What Is the CT Governor’s Scholarship Program?

The Connecticut Governor’s Scholarship Program is a financial aid initiative that offers merit-based and need-based scholarships to eligible high school seniors attending in-state colleges and universities.

Program highlights:

  • Governor’s Need-Based Award: For students with significant financial need, based on FAFSA data. Awards range from $250 to $5,000 annually.
  • Governor’s Merit-Based Award: For high-achieving Connecticut residents with strong GPAs and SAT/ACT scores. Awards are typically $1,000 to $5,000.
  • Students must be Connecticut residents enrolled full-time at an eligible in-state institution.

Tip: You must complete the FAFSA and be nominated by your high school counselor to be considered. Contact your school early in senior year for eligibility.

What Scholarships Are Available at UConn?

The University of Connecticut (UConn) offers several prestigious scholarships for incoming and continuing students. Many awards are reserved for Connecticut residents, high-achieving underrepresented students, and those with exceptional academic records.

Key UConn scholarships include:

  • Day of Pride Scholarship: Covers full tuition, fees, room, and board for high-achieving Connecticut high school seniors from historically underrepresented backgrounds. Requires strong leadership and community service.
  • Nutmeg Scholarship: Full-ride scholarship for top-performing Connecticut residents. Recipients are often valedictorians or in the top 1–2% of their class.
  • Presidential Scholars Award: Provides up to $5,000 annually for four years. Awarded based on academic excellence; automatic consideration for applicants.
  • STEM Scholars and Honors Program: Additional merit awards and enrichment opportunities for students in science, technology, engineering, and math.

Tip: UConn automatically considers students for many merit scholarships at the time of admission. Apply by the priority deadline to be eligible.

College Scholarships By Category

Quickly navigate to some of our most popular scholarships, such as state-specific scholarships, major-specific scholarships, and other popular categories. Please search our Scholarship Database to get matched with many more scholarships specific to your personal criteria.