Connecticut Scholarships & Grants for 2025 - 2026

Overview of Connecticut Scholarships & Grants

Connecticut offers a wide range of scholarships, grants, and financial aid programs for both in-state and out-of-state students. This guide covers automatic merit scholarships from major universities, full-ride opportunities, statewide grants, and private-school awards. Whether you’re a high school senior, current college student, or parent planning ahead, you’ll find reliable information to help make higher education in Connecticut more affordable.

Explore the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Program and need-based institutional awards.

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.