Connecticut, known for its manufacturing industry, offers high-quality education and currently ranks at #8 according to the U.S. News in overall education rankings. It is home to around 200,000 students and more than 70 tertiary institutions. The prestigious Yale University is also located in this state.

Not a lot of students are able to continue their education in Connecticut without student loans. The state’s total student loan debt is around $17.5 billion and the average debt per student is around 21% higher than the national average. Moreover, the high cost of living on average, 16% higher than the national average, in Connecticut makes graduating more expensive. This is because higher living costs mean greater transportation costs and more expensive utilities and other necessities.

Luckily, students have access to a lot of scholarships in the state. There are options for all kinds of Connecticut scholarships with some based on merit, some on need, some athletic scholarships, and some for students who have demonstrated exceptional talent or achievement in some area. A lot of these scholarships can also be used towards education-related living expenses.

We have provided a list of Connecticut scholarships for different students and information on how to get them.

There are around 73 colleges and universities active in the state of Connecticut and most of them are private schools and contain some of the top ranking schools nationally. Public schools make up around 26 of the total number. The top three Connecticut universities are Yale University, University of Connecticut, and Fairfield University.

Yale University is one of the top 5 universities in the U.S. and is located in the city of New Haven. It is a city-setting private institution with around 6,645 undergraduate enrolments. Studying at Yale can be quite expensive as its average tuition is around $64,700. Those who choose to stay on campus have the added expense of room and board which is $19,180 for the year 2023-2024. It is quite a hard college to get into as the acceptance rate is only 5% and students must have exceptional grades and SATs above 1500 to get a good chance of getting accepted.

The University of Connecticut is a public institution located in Storrs, CT. It has a rural setting and has a much lower average tuition cost than Yale, being $20,366 for in-state students. For out-of-state students, the tuition and fees rise to $43,034. The University of Connecticut has a much higher undergraduate student enrollment of almost 19,000 students. Its acceptance rate is about 55% and also accepts SATs in the 1200s. The room and board for the current year for students staying on campus is $13,996.

Fairfield University is a private institution with a total undergraduate enrollment of 4,757. Being a private university it has higher tuition costs which is around $56,360; however, the cost is still lower than Yale. Its acceptance rate is around 52% and students with a GPA around 3.8 and good SAT scores have a higher chance of getting accepted. The room and board at this university cost $17,500.

Some 4-year colleges in Connecticut accept students with a grade B or 3.0 GPA. Central Connecticut State University, Albertus Magnus College, University of Bridgeport, and Southern Connecticut State University and some examples.

Central Connecticut State University (CCSU) is located in New Britain, CT. Its average accepting GPA is around 3.2 and the chances of getting accepted are around 70%. Submitting SAT scores is not compulsory but if you do have good scores it can help you get into college more easily. The average SAT for students accepted at CCSU is around 1070.

Albertus Magnus College is another option for students with an average acceptance GPA of around 3.1. It is a private college located in the city of New Haven and has a high acceptance rate of more than 80%. Submission of SATs/ACTs is not compulsory but recommended for higher chances of approval. However, being a private institution, it has a higher tuition fee as compared to public universities.

The University of Bridgeport also attracts mostly students with ‘B’ grades and above. It generally accepts students who can score in the top 69% on standardized admission tests. It is also a private institution with tuition costs above $30,000. However, it charges the same tuition for in-state and out-of-state students.

Located in New Haven, Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) is also an option in Connecticut for universities that accept a 3.0 GPA. It has a high acceptance rate of around 82.9% and submitting a reasonable SAT along with a GPA can increase the chances of admission. It is a public 4-year institution with tuition costing around $6,162 for in-state students and $18,436 for out-of-state.

The average annual college tuition for in-state Connecticut students was close to $21,000 in 2022 which is higher than the national annual average tuition cost. Moreover, over, the living costs in the state are also 16% higher than the national average which makes studying and living in Connecticut even more expensive.

Some of the highest-costing institutions include Trinity College with tuition and fees of around $67,420, Wesleyan University with tuition costing around $67,016, Connecticut College with $64,812 tuition fees, and Yale University with tuition costs of around $64,700. These colleges are also the most prestigious ones in the state of Connecticut.

A few institutions with the lowest tuition costs include the Holy Apostles College and Seminary which charges $9,440 for tuition, Eastern Connecticut State University which costs $13,292 in terms of tuition for in-state students, Western Connecticut State University with $12,345 in-state tuition, and Goodwin University with an average in-state tuition of $21,198.

The generally higher costs of tuition and cost of living in Connecticut make it hard for students to graduate successfully and they end up taking loans. This debt can be a long-term burden that students might find hard to pay off later on. It is better to opt for some of the full-ride Connecticut scholarships such as the Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity, and The Day of Pride Scholarship UCONN.

Connecticut has a total enrollment of around 193,115 out of which around 155,286 are undergraduates and around 60% are females.

The highest number of enrolments is of White Americans, around 50% of the total enrolments. Hispanics make around 32,000, followed by African Americans with 25,524 enrollments and Asians with around 11,000. Native Hawaiians or Other Pacific Islanders make up the smallest percentage of the total – even less than 1%.

Connecticut contributes around $17.5 billion in student debt to the nation’s total of more than a trillion. This debt is spread over close to 497,700 student borrowers and the average per student debt equals $35,162 which is higher than the national average. A higher percentage of the borrowers owe between $20,000 to $40,000 in debt.

How To Apply

The following are the main steps to apply for any scholarship:

1. Check Eligibility

Scholarship websites are the easiest place to find most scholarship opportunities as they list all the available options under one roof. They also list scholarships according to state, college major, demographic, and grade level. You can also filter them according to the parameters provided to narrow down the list. This makes it easier to find scholarships that are best suited to you. Go through the eligibility requirements of the scholarships thoroughly to make sure that you qualify to save time. Some scholarships may be need-based and are awarded based on the financial need of the student, while others may be based on merit.

2. Understand the Application Requirements

It is important to understand what the scholarship demands for submitting a strong application.

Scholarship applications may require some or all of the following:

• Scholarship Application Form: Scholarship application is unique for each scholarship and is a must to be considered as an applicant. It usually asks for general information about the application like their name, date of birth, education, address, and so on. It may also contain a few short answer questions relevant to the scholarship.
• Essay: Many scholarships require an essay along with the application form. Applicants can make themselves stand out via their essays. Therefore, you should take proper time and put in good effort when writing one. It’s important that your essay is original, and represents your personality and opinions.
• Letters of Recommendation: A letter of recommendation can be written by your personal or professional references. Some scholarships specifically demand letters of recommendation from teachers. The letter contains reasons for why the applicant is a deserving one. It assesses the applicant’s qualities, characteristics, strengths, capabilities, and academic performance, which kind of acts as a character certificate when applying for scholarships.
• Grade Transcripts: Many scholarships whether they are merit-based or need-based usually require school transcripts that show the academic performance of an individual. You can get a copy through your school’s website or the office and attach it to the application form.
• Resume: A resume is where an applicant can highlight their skills and accomplishments. It does not have to have work experiences only but can also include mentions of any societies or extra-curricular activities that you have been a part of, and any special courses that you have completed that equipped you with a certain skill.
• Financial Information: Many need-based scholarships may ask you to provide financial information that may include information about your family income and any financial aid that you may have received.
• FAFSA: Some scholarships require applicants to apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for them. These are mainly need-based scholarships.
• Portfolio or Video Submission: There are a few scholarships that ask for video or portfolio submissions. This usually applies to art major scholarships as videos and portfolios are how an applicant can show their skills. Some scholarships do not have other requirements and are like contests where participants have to make a project and provide a picture or video of it to enter and win.
• School Verification: A school verification letter verifies which school the candidate is attending or has attended, the dates when they started and finished a program, and also includes a list of any certificates or degrees earned.
• Standardized Test Scores: Occasionally, you may need to provide a copy of your SAT or ACT scores. These are standardized test scores that most colleges and universities require for admission.

3. Order scholarships according to submission deadlines:

It is important to arrange the scholarships according to the deadlines to make sure that you do not miss out on any opportunity. Timing is very important and the earlier you apply the better it is. It is always wise to start early too because it may take time to complete all the submission requirements like writing essays and getting letters of recommendation in hand. Time should, especially, be invested in scholarships that require an essay as it takes a lot of time, planning, and effort to write a good one.
Proofread:

Once you have completed your application and the associated requirements, make sure to go through them all thoroughly at least once. You can also get a friend or someone from the family to help you proofread for mistakes and errors.

4. Submit your application:

After you have taken your time filling out the application form, writing the essay, collecting all the required documents, and proofreading – it is time to submit. Most applications now require online submissions and may take a few minutes only if you have everything ready to upload. Keep track of the status of your application process and keep in mind that it may take some time to receive an answer. You may put in a follow-up email if you haven’t received any reply for some time.

Tips For Applying

• Start looking early: Don’t wait until the last minute to look for Connecticut scholarships. Many organizations have deadlines that are months before the school year even starts, so it pays to begin your search as soon as possible. Make sure you research, apply, and submit all necessary documents on time in order to maximize your chances of winning scholarships.
• Network: Many of the scholarship opportunities come through networking and contacts, so make sure you take full advantage of your connections. Utilize family members, friends, contacts from any organizations or clubs you are part of, and even faculty members at your school to learn about different scholarship options in the area.
• Seek out local scholarships: Many organizations in Connecticut offer scholarships specifically for local students. Look up businesses and community groups in the area, as they often have scholarship programs available. You can also check with your school’s guidance office or college counseling department to see if they know of any opportunities. You can also filter scholarships on websites like Scholaroo for opportunities specific to your state or area.
• Read the requirements carefully: Once you have a narrowed-down list of scholarships, make sure to read the requirements carefully so you fully understand what is required.
• Do not rush when applying: Take your time and apply early. This allows sufficient time to gather all the required documents and also write a great essay if needed.
• Brainstorm for an essay and outline: If an essay is required, always start with brainstorming, then arrange your ideas and make an outline to follow. Unique, personalized, and lively essays have a better chance of qualifying than general and dull ones. Make sure that you understand the topic before starting.
• Customize application: Some students submit the same application, essays, and letters of recommendation to all organizations. It is better to thoroughly research the organization and what they are actually looking for before and customize your application and essays accordingly. You can also mention what the organization is looking for to people who are writing your recommendation letters so they can make it more relevant rather than general. However, it is important to be honest and avoid including things just for the sake of qualifying and getting a scholarship.
• Check and Proofread: You may be surprised at the amount of grammatical mistakes and other errors that you may come across when rereading your application and essays. Those applicants who submit applications full of errors appear irresponsible and undetermined to scholarship providers.

It is best to start collecting scholarship money while in the junior year of high school so you can cover a lot of the college tuition with the money saved. The following are a few options to consider:

1. Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity
2. NERC College/Graduate Scholarship

There are many college-specific and general scholarships available to high school seniors in Connecticut.

1. ACEC-CT Scholarship
2. CTASLA Landscape Architecture Environmental Stewardship Scholarship for High School Seniors 
3. Day of Pride Scholarship UCONN
4. UConn – Nutmeg Scholarship
5. UConn – Stamps Scholars Awards
6. CALAHE Competitive Scholarship

Undergraduates from all year levels including freshman, sophomore, junior, and senior years can apply for the scholarships below. These scholarships can help reduce the need to borrow student loans and help avoid debt.

1. Elson T. Killam Memorial Scholarship
2. Francis X. Crowley Scholarship
3. George E. Watters Memorial Scholarship
4. Joseph Murphy Scholarship
5. Michael Garofano Memorial Scholarship
6. ASHRAE Region I Setty Family Foundation Scholarship
7. Carlozzi Family Scholarship

There are a couple of scholarships available to Connecticut graduate students. Some of these can also be used by students at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

1. Stanley R. Arnold Scholarship
2. EPOC Environmental Scholarship Fund
3. NYWICI Scholarship
4. NEWWA Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship
5. CTASLA Karen Ann Shopis-Fox Memorial Scholarship
6. ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award program

There are not many teacher-specific scholarships in Connecticut but teaching students can apply for all general scholarships that are not limited by major choice. Following are some options to consider for all majors:

1. Connecticut Wealth Management Scholarship
2. CALAHE Competitive Scholarship

More undergraduate student enrollments are women. Some of the best women’s scholarships in Connecticut are suggested below. These can help reduce the financial burden on women, especially single moms and those with other financial responsibilities.

1. NYWICI Scholarship
2. Connecticut Chapter $1000 Scholarship
3. Carlozzi Family Scholarship
4. Interpublic Group Scholarship

Connecticut tertiary institutions offer various merit-based scholarships to their income freshmen. Some of the top-ranking universities that offer such scholarships include the University of Connecticut (UConn), Connecticut College, and the University of New Haven.

UConn offers variable renewable scholarships to their new admissions based on academic excellence. Their Stamps Scholarships cover the full cost of tuition and also award a one-time enrichment award of $12,000 to the successful applicant for their studies. This particular scholarship is available to all applicants including out-of-state students too. They have various merit-based scholarships exclusively for in-state students including the Nutmeg Scholarship, Day of Pride Scholarship, President-to-President Scholarship, and Presidential Scholars Award. There are many more merit-based options at UConn for students to opt for.

Connecticut College offers merit scholarships to new enrollments with the highest level of high school achievement and an attitude and passion for continuing achievement. They have multiple scholarships for high achieving students that range from $15,000 to $34,000 including Founders Scholarship, Trustee Scholarship, Deans Scholarship, 1911 Scholarship, Shain Scholarship, Thomas Scholarship, and Horizon Scholarship. New applicants are automatically considered for these scholarships during the admission process and selected by the College Admission Committee.

The University of New Haven also automatically considers new applicants for scholarships during the undergraduate admission process. Based on the high school performance the University awards students a Merit Based Scholarship ranging between $10,000 – $30,000. They also have other merit-based scholarships with smaller amounts of up to $4,000 like Honors Scholarship, Portfolio Scholarship, and Pompea Scholarship.

Students from all backgrounds can find relevant scholarships easily on the websites that list them all under one roof. We have provided around 30 Connecticut scholarship choices to consider. There are various charitable and not-for-profit organizations too in Connecticut that are working towards the education of their regions.

The Connecticut Community Foundation is one such example that works to benefit the locals. They award college scholarships and are one of the biggest organizations with more than 150 donors. They have two types of scholarships – General College Scholarships and Special College Scholarships. The General one is open to all within the defined locality whereas the Special ones are for students in specific majors or backgrounds.

The American Savings Foundation is another organization that is based in Connecticut and works towards supporting education in the state. It is an independent charitable foundation that serves 64 towns in Connecticut. They award scholarships primarily based on financial need and the potential impact of a scholarship award. Their scholarships are available to high school seniors, current college students, and nontraditional adult students only.

The Community Foundation for Greater Haven provides scholarships to students residing in New Haven, CT only. A few of the scholarships they have listed on their website include the Connecticut Architecture Foundation Scholarship which awards between $1,000 to $1,400 annually, the Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity with a $5,000 annual award, and the Lee Scholarship Fund ranging between $300 to $3,500.

Students can also refer to the financial aid office of their institution to find out about in-house scholarships that colleges and universities offer to their students.

In most universities and colleges, student’s eligibility for need-based aid like grants is determined by the Office of Financial Aid Services of the institution. Students in Connecticut can also access federal and state-level grants by submitting a FAFSA. Federal Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) are two federal-level grants available to college students.

The Connecticut Office of Higher Education has a Roberta B. Willis Need-Based Grant Program for students who are Connecticut residents and demonstrate financial need. Students can also refer to the CT.GOV-Connecticut’s Official State Website for information on more state-level student financial aid including grants and scholarships.

The University of Connecticut also provides in-house grants to need-based students. They have limited grant funds that they award to deserving full-time students to use for any educational expenses providing that UConn tuition is charged. You can contact your school’s financial aid office to find out if your institution supports in-house student grants.