Financial Aid in Connecticut (2026–27)
Your FAFSA deadline, Connecticut's grant programs, and how to get every dollar you qualify for: federal, state, and scholarships.
Connecticut FAFSA deadline for state aid
February 15, 2026 for priority consideration.
The FAFSA for 2026–27 opened October 1, 2025; the federal deadline is June 30, 2027. State and school funds often run out well before deadlines, so file early either way.
Not sure what you'll get? Estimate your federal aid in 2 minutes
Connecticut grant programs
Roberta B. Willis Scholarship
Need- and merit-based awards for Connecticut residents attending in-state colleges.
Administered by Connecticut Office of Higher Education. Filing the FAFSA is how you're considered for most state programs.
Scholarships for Connecticut students
Grants and federal aid have income cutoffs. Scholarships don't, and they stack on top of everything above. Award Scholar matches Connecticutstudents with scholarships they actually qualify for (including state-specific awards) and writes the application essays. It's free.
Common questions
When is the FAFSA deadline in Connecticut?
For 2026–27 state aid: February 15, 2026 for priority consideration. The federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, 2027, but state and school money often runs out far earlier, so file as soon as you can.
What grants does Connecticut offer?
Roberta B. Willis Scholarship: Need- and merit-based awards for Connecticut residents attending in-state colleges. You're considered for most of these automatically when you file the FAFSA as a Connecticut resident.
How do I apply for financial aid in Connecticut?
File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It covers federal aid (Pell Grants, loans, work-study) and is how Connecticut Office of Higher Education determines state awards. Then apply to scholarships separately; they stack on top of everything else.