By completing the FAFSA, we are working to determine your eligibility for the various types of funding sources we are able to provide. All types of financial aid awarded by any CT State Financial Aid Office are dependent on available funding and require that you meet the terms of the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy. You must also be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program, and be certain the courses you are taking apply to your program of study. Financial aid is not available for courses that are not part of your program. We will award your financial aid based on an assumed full-time enrollment each semester. If you attend at a less than full-time rate, we will prorate your financial aid award accordingly. Please note, many funding sources require you to attend at least half-time (or 6 credits) in order to be eligible. In most circumstances, your final eligibility is determined on your enrollment as of the semester’s census date, which is normally the 21st calendar day of the semester. Any type of financial aid can be reduced or eliminated for less than full-time enrollment, a change in your state residency determination, or a change in any funding allocation.
Award - Up to $7,395
Application - FAFSA
Eligibility - Any undergraduate student who is a US Citizen or eligible non-citizen of the US who has Maximum Pell Grant eligibility (Max Pell), Minimum Pell Grant eligibility (Min Pell), or Calculated Pell Grant Eligibility, based on Student Aid Index (SAI).
The Pell Grant is an entitlement program that is designed to assist students who display exceptional financial need through completing the FAFSA. In general, this is a grant that does not have to be repaid under most circumstances. You are able to receive a Pell Grant for an equivalent of 12 full-time semesters over the course of your academic career. However, keep in mind that once you earn a bachelor’s degree, you will no longer qualify for a Pell Grant. It is possible for you to receive your Pell Grant for enrollment in the Fall and Spring semesters, as well as the Winter and Summer sessions.
Award - Up to $4,500 depending on eligibility for Subsidized/Unsubsidized
Application - FAFSA, Master Promissory Note, Entrance Counseling
Eligibility - Any undergraduate student who is a citizen or eligible non-citizen of the US and is enrolled at least half-time. Subsidized loans require that the student show financial need.
CT State participates in the Federal Direct Loan program. There are important pieces of information you should be aware of regarding federal student loans. All loan funding must be repaid to the federal government. A failure to repay your student loans will negatively impact your future Title IV eligibility and credit rating.
Subsidized loans are made on the basis of need, and require a minimum half-time enrollment in an eligible program of study. The federal government will subsidize the loan by paying the interest for you while you are enrolled in school. Freshman students are able to borrow up to $3,500 per year, and students reaching the sophomore level may borrow up to $4,500.
Unsubsidized loans are not made on the basis of need, but students are still required to meet a minimum half-time enrollment in an eligible program of study. The federal government will not subsidize the interest on this loan for you, and it will accrue while you are enrolled in school. Eligibility for the subsidized loan will be considered first. If the maximum class standing limit of $3,500 or $4,500 has not been met, an unsubsidized loan will be considered to reach your eligibility limit.
While loan awards are not automatically provided to you based on eligibility, we do encourage you to research and plan your financial needs prior to opting for a student loan. If you find you must take a student loan, we encourage you to only borrow what you need. You are required to complete a Master Promissory Note and Entrance Loan Counseling in order to meet the requirements of the program.
Unless otherwise designated, we will award your student loans for both the Fall and Spring semesters at the same time. You are required to be enrolled at least half-time and meet Satisfactory Academic Progress to maintain your loan eligibility.
Award - Between $100 and $4,000
Application - FAFSA
Eligibility - Any undergraduate student who is a US Citizen or eligible non-citizen who is enrolled at least half-time. Priority is given to Pell-eligible students with the lowest SAIs.
The Federal SEOG award provides additional grant funds to Pell-eligible students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. You are required to attend at least half-time to be eligible for this award.
Award - Up to $8,000 based on financial need
Application - FAFSA Hiring Packet
Eligibility - Any student who is a US Citizen or eligible non-citizen and who has financial need. Students must be enrolled at least half-time.
The work-study program offered by the college provides paying jobs for eligible students who demonstrate unmet need. Most work-study jobs are on campus, but there are also positions that are community-based and available off campus. Students work an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, and can expect to earn between $16 and $20 per hour, depending on the position. Student workers are paid bi-weekly. You are required to be enrolled at least half-time to receive this fund.
Award - Up to $7,000
Application - FAFSA or AACTUS
Eligibility - Connecticut residents with financial need.
CT State provides institutional grants to supplement a financial aid package. Students are required to be Connecticut residents and demonstrate need by completing the FAFSA.
Students ineligible to complete a FAFSA that meet certain immigration status conditions may be eligible for institutional grants. Students may complete the Aid Application for CT Undocumented Students (AACTUS) through the Financial Aid Office to apply and determine eligibility.
A student who may not be eligible for a Pell Grant but whose parent or guardian was a member of the US Armed Forces and died as a result of service in Iraq or Afghanistan after September 11, 2001 may be eligible to receive the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant. Students must be under the age of 24 and enrolled in college at least part-time at the time of the parent’s or guardian’s death.
To assist you in funding your educational expenses when aid eligibility is insufficient to cover all of your charges, each college offers a payment plan which allows students to pay their tuition and fee charges in monthly installments over a period of time. No credit check is required, and no interest is charged to participate. There is a non-refundable installment plan fee of $25.00 to participate. Please contact your Bursar’s Office for more information on establishing a payment plan. You may also access the payment plan option at myCTState.
Award - The lesser of the cost of eligible tuition and fees less any other financial aid awarded, or $500/$300, per semester (depending on enrollment level).
Application - FAFSA
Eligibility - Connecticut residents who graduated from high school. Students must be enrolled at least half-time.
Beginning in Fall 2020, the State of Connecticut established a tuition-free college program for eligible Connecticut residents attending any of the twelve CT State campuses. This program provides awards equal to any remaining eligible tuition and fee charges after subtracting all awarded financial aid, or $500/$300, depending on enrollment. This program is available for the Fall and Spring semesters, but not for any Summer session. To be eligible, students must submit a FAFSA, provide all required documentation to the Financial Aid Office, register at least half-time, and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress. Students must additionally be high school graduates and be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program. We will determine your eligibility for this award and provide it in your financial aid package automatically.