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Scholarships
Find Connecticut scholarships that can help you pay for college
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Scholarships for Connecticut
10 days left!
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Sallie $2,000 No Essay Scholarship
Due: 5/31/26
$2,000
10 days left!
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Timothy S. and Palmer W. Bigelow, Jr. Scholarship
Due: 5/31/26
$4,500
The Timothy S. and Palmer W. Bigelow, Jr. Scholarship was created in 1988 by the Bigelow family to aid students from New England who are seeking a career in horticulture. Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited landscape or horticulture program or related discipline. They must be enrolled in good standing. Applicants must have senior standing in a two-year curriculum (having completed the first year), junior standing in a four-year curriculum (having completed the first two years), or a graduate student standing. Undergraduate students must have a minimum GPA of 2.25, and graduate students must have a minimum GPA of 3.0. Preference will be given to an applicant who plans to work in any aspect of the nursery industry following graduation, including the desire to own one's own business. Preference will also be given to an applicant in financial need. Previous Timothy Bigelow Scholarship award winners are not eligible for additional funding. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation. Recommendations may come from a student advisor, instructor, employer, or business associate and must be submitted directly from the recommender to HRI. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the Horticultural Research Institute for more information.
Hartford Jazz Society Scholarship
Due: 6/1/26
|No min. GPA Required
$3,000
In the greater Hartford region, there are a number of outstanding middle school, high school, and after school jazz programs that are helping to create our next generation of talented jazz musicians. In recognition of the diligence and talent of up-and-coming student jazz musicians, the Hartford Jazz Society offers annual merit scholarships to high school seniors who plan to attend college and major in music with an interest in jazz. Applicants must be residents of the Connecticut Capitol Region. They must also demonstrate notable talent as judged by the HJS scholarship committee. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation, including one from a music teacher or school music director. Applicants must also submit a CD or USB thumb drive with recordings of them reading and improvising music; or links to online audio or video performances such as YouTube, Soundcloud, Bandcamp, Dropbox, Google Drive, etc. Musical performances should include two different jazz selections of contrasting styles, and can include solo performances, small group performances, or video excerpts from performances with a school jazz ensemble/combo, etc. Applications may be submitted through email or mail. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Connecticut Association of Latinos in Higher Education Scholarships
Due: 6/20/26
$1,000
The Connecticut Association of Latinos in Higher Education Scholarships will be awarded to either high school seniors or GED equivalent and undergraduate college students. Applicants must be Latino students from Connecticut. They must be residents of Connecticut for the past twelve past months. Applicants must be seeking their first undergraduate degree. Applicants must also have demonstrated community service within the Latino community. The CALAHE scholarship is renewable for one year only, recipients must reapply. Undocumented or DACA students must submit the Verification of Financial Need. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut Scholarships
Due: 7/1/26
|No Transcripts Required
Varies
The proud tradition of awarding scholarships to college and university students was begun in 1982. The Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut Scholarships will be awarded to students in any certified college or university who are majoring in one of the following fields: Agronomy, Botany, City Planning, Conservation, Environmental Studies, Floriculture, Forestry, Horticulture, Land Management, Landscape Design, Plant Pathology, or allied subject. Three letters of recommendation required from the applicants. Letters should include discussion of the following: Scholastic ability, Character references, and Work-related experience. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Fox Pest Control Future Leaders Scholarship
Due: 10/31/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No Transcripts Required
$7,500
Fox Pest Control believes in investing in future leaders who are dedicated to making a difference in their communities. That's why they created the Fox Pest Control Future Leaders Scholarship to support students who demonstrate leadership, commitment to their communities, and a passion for growth. To be considered for the scholarship, applicants must be current college students currently enrolled in a four-year or two-year program, taking a minimum of twelve credit hours; or students have been accepted to a four-year or two-year program for the Spring 2026 semester. All students must submit a Spring 2026 class schedule upon request. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
ARRL Rocky Mountain Division Scholarship
Due: 12/30/26
|No essay
$500
The ARRL Rocky Mountain Division Scholarship will be awarded to those with any active Amateur Radio License Class. Applicants may be pursuing any field of study at a fully-accredited US college or university. The scholarship is open only to graduating high school seniors and undergraduate students. Applicants must submit a letter of recommendation from a sitting officer of an ARRL-affiliated club attesting to the applicant's regular activity on the Amateur Radio spectrum and within the Amateur Radio community. Applicants must submit transcripts which must cover the applicant's entire high school career to date and, if in college, must include all semesters for which grades have been awarded. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the ARRL Foundation Inc. for more information.
New England FEMARA Scholarship
Due: 12/30/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
$2,000
The New England FEMARA Scholarship will be awarded to those with Technical Class License or higher. Applicants must be residents of New England states, pursuing any field of study in any institution. Academic merit, financial need and a demonstrated interest in community or school interests will be considered highly important in selecting a recipient. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the ARRL Foundation Inc. for more information.
East Coast Amateur Radio Service (ECARS) Scholarship
Due: 12/30/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
$2,500
The East Coast Amateur Radio Service (ECARS) Scholarship will be awarded to those with active Technician Class or higher. Applicants must reside in the general coverage areas of ECARS including ARRL Atlantic, Great Lakes, Hudson, New England, and Roanoke Divisions. Applicants must be pursuing their studies at a two-year trade school or 4-year undergraduate institution. Applicants should generally be between the ages of 17 and 25 at the time of the award, but older applicants retraining in a changing job market will be considered. Applicants must submit transcripts which must cover the applicant's entire high school career to date and, if in college, must include all semesters for which grades have been awarded. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the ARRL Foundation Inc. for more information.
CTRI/Chris Seeber, KA1GEU, Memorial Scholarship
Due: 12/30/26
|No essay
|No Recommendations Required
$1,000
The CTRI/Chris Seeber, KA1GEU, Memorial Scholarship will be awarded to those with a General Class License or higher. Applicants must be residents of the ARRL New England Division. If no suitable applicant is identified, applicants from all regions will be considered. Applicants must be pursuing Science, Science Education, Math, Math Education, Engineering or Technology in any accredited 2- or 4-year college or university. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the ARRL Foundation Inc. for more information.
Key things to know about Connecticut scholarships
- Connecticut scholarships are free money for school. They help Connecticut students pay for tuition, books, and other school expenses, and you don't have to pay the money back.
- Scholarships aren't just for college freshmen. There are Connecticut scholarships for high school seniors, current college and grad students, transfer students, career and technical students, and adults returning to school.
- You can often combine multiple awards. Scholarships from your school and private organizations can sometimes be stacked together to bring down your total college costs.
- GPA matters, but it's not the only factor. Some Connecticut scholarships are merit-based, but many others consider leadership, community service, identity, financial need, major, or long-term goals.
- Applying regularly can really add up. Submitting a few scholarship applications every month can snowball into major savings on your college bill.
Paying for college can feel overwhelming. That's why maximizing free money you don't have to pay back—like scholarships and grants—should be part of your funding plan. If you live in Connecticut, you have access to scholarships created specifically with Connecticut students in mind.
The time you spend applying for Connecticut scholarships can make a big difference. Sallie Mae’s How America Pays for College 2025 found that 75% of students who received a scholarship said it made college possible. Whether you are in high school, already in college, or heading back to the classroom after time away, scholarships can help you reduce what you pay out of pocket or take out in loans.
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What are Connecticut scholarships?
Connecticut scholarships are financial awards designed to help students cover the cost of college, graduate school, or career training programs. These awards can come from many different places, including colleges and universities, nonprofit organizations, community foundations, and employers.
Unlike student loans, scholarship funds do not need to be repaid. While some awards do look at test scores or grades, many Connecticut scholarships focus on your story and experiences, such as:
- Community service, leadership, or extracurricular involvement
- Your intended major, field of study, or career interests
- Connecticut residency or a particular city, county, or region
- Identity-based criteria or connection to a specific community
- Career and technical education or workforce training pathways
- Artistic, athletic, or technical talents
Because eligibility can vary so much from one program to the next, students with many different backgrounds and goals can find scholarships that fit.
What scholarships are available for Connecticut students?
Most students see the best results when they apply to more than one type of scholarship at once. In Connecticut, scholarships generally fall into three broad groups: awards from colleges, local and community-based scholarships, and private or employer-sponsored programs.
To explore options that match your background, interests, and goals, you can use tools like Scholly Scholarships to find opportunities in Connecticut and across the country.
Roberta B. Willis Scholarship
The Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Program supports eligible Connecticut residents pursuing undergraduate study at participating in-state public and independent colleges and universities. Depending on the award type, eligibility may include academic performance, financial need, and enrollment at an eligible institution.
Because program rules can change by year and by participating school, confirm requirements with your college financial aid office and plan to file the FAFSA early. If a deadline is not listed for your institution, follow the school’s priority financial aid dates.
PACT (Pledge to Advance Connecticut)
PACT (Pledge to Advance Connecticut) is Connecticut’s debt-free community college tuition initiative (now commonly described as CT State’s free tuition / tuition-free program). It is designed to help eligible residents reduce tuition and mandatory fee costs at Connecticut State Community College.
Eligibility often depends on residency, enrollment, and completing required financial aid steps such as the FAFSA. If you do not see a clear deadline, check your community college’s financial aid calendar.
Connecticut Promise Programs
Connecticut also has local Promise-style scholarship programs that aim to reduce tuition costs for qualifying students. Examples include Hartford Promise and New Haven Promise.
Because Promise programs vary by city and partner schools, review eligibility details carefully and verify deadlines directly with the program.
University of Connecticut Merit Awards
Students applying to the University of Connecticut may be considered for UConn merit scholarships through the admissions and financial aid process. Some UConn scholarships are tied to academic achievement, while others may reflect leadership, talent, or program-specific goals.
To maximize your chances, pay close attention to admissions timelines and any scholarship application requirements published by the university.
Community Foundation Scholarships (Regional)
Community foundations across Connecticut administer donor-funded scholarships that support local students. These awards may focus on a specific town, county, high school, major, or personal background, and they often have smaller applicant pools than nationwide programs.
If a foundation scholarship does not list a single statewide deadline, look for regional application windows (often fall through spring) and keep a running list of requirements.
Private & Specialty Scholarships
Private organizations, employers, and professional associations offer Connecticut scholarships for many majors and student backgrounds. You may find awards tied to healthcare, education, business, STEM, public service, and other pathways.
Because requirements vary widely, treat each application like its own project and confirm deadlines, documents, and eligibility rules before you submit.
Local and community scholarships in Connecticut
Local scholarships can be less competitive because they often draw from a smaller pool of applicants. These awards are typically created to support students from particular Connecticut cities, counties, school districts, or regions.
Local scholarships may be offered by:
- Community and regional foundations
- City or county agencies and organizations
- Cultural, heritage, or civic groups
- Labor unions and professional associations
- Local employers and small businesses
Institutional scholarships from Connecticut colleges
Many Connecticut colleges automatically review applicants for institutional scholarships as part of the admission process, while others require a separate application. These awards may be based on academics, major, leadership, or other factors like talent or special involvement.
Students attending institutions such as the University of Connecticut or schools within the Connecticut State Colleges & Universities system may qualify for institutional scholarships through their financial aid offices.
Examples include:
- Connecticut public universities: University-wide and departmental scholarships for new and continuing students
- CSCU colleges: Campus-based awards and foundation scholarships for community college and state university students
- Connecticut community colleges: Donor-funded awards and program-based support
- Private colleges: Institutional merit scholarships that may significantly lower published tuition
Still exploring your options? You can compare programs, costs, and average financial aid packages with Scout College Search.
Additional financial aid resources in Connecticut
Alongside Connecticut scholarships, there are state and federal programs that function as grants or tuition support rather than traditional scholarships.
Roberta B. Willis Need-Based Grant
The Roberta B. Willis program also includes need-based grant funding for eligible Connecticut residents enrolled at participating in-state institutions. Students generally need to submit the FAFSA so schools can determine eligibility.
Federal Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based federal program that can help eligible Connecticut students pay for undergraduate education. Filing the FAFSA is required to be considered.
Scholly Scholarships
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Easily search through thousands of college scholarships based on your background, major, state you live in, and more.
Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.
How to apply for Connecticut scholarships
Breaking the process into smaller pieces can make applying for scholarships feel more manageable.
- Pull together key documents early, such as your transcript, activity list, resume, and a basic personal statement.
- Make a list of scholarships that fit your background, major, and goals, focusing on both statewide and local programs.
- Work through a few applications at a time so the process stays consistent but not overwhelming.
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) so you can be considered for need-based scholarships, grants, and other aid.
- Use a calendar, spreadsheet, or checklist to keep track of application requirements and deadlines.
- Read instructions carefully and double-check your application before you hit submit.
Looking for a faster way to get started? With Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships, you can use a single application to apply to multiple scholarships at once.
What are the eligibility requirements for Connecticut scholarships?
Each program sets its own rules, but many Connecticut scholarships share some common eligibility requirements, such as:
- Proof of Connecticut residency (for certain state and community-based programs)
- Enrollment or planned enrollment at an eligible Connecticut college, university, or training program
- Meeting minimum GPA or academic progress standards for merit-based awards
- Choosing a specific major, concentration, or career pathway
- Demonstrating financial need (for need-based scholarships and grants)
- Documented community service, leadership, or extracurricular involvement
How do I help my chances of winning scholarships?
- Mix large and small scholarships.
Big awards are appealing, but smaller scholarships often receive fewer applications, and several smaller wins can add up. - Tune your scholarship essays to each opportunity.
Reusing core stories is fine — just tailor your essay so it clearly connects to the scholarship’s mission and values. - Request letters of recommendation early.
Giving teachers, counselors, or supervisors more time usually leads to stronger, more detailed letters. - Showcase your impact.
Highlight long-term involvement, leadership roles, and specific ways you have contributed to your school or community. - Complete the FAFSA as soon as you can.
Some forms of state and institutional aid are limited and may be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
More scholarship resources
Oklahoma students can use these resources to locate scholarships that align with their major, experiences, and long-term plans.
- Scholarships by major
See scholarship options connected to your intended field of study. - Scholarships for high school seniors
Ideal if you are planning for college during your senior year of high school. - Scholarships for college students
Scholarship opportunities continue after freshman year — explore options for current undergraduates. - Scholarships for first-generation students
If you are the first in your family to attend college, these awards are designed with you in mind. - Scholarships for adults and returning learners
Find support if you are going back to school later in life or finishing a degree. - Scholarships for women
Explore scholarships that support women across a variety of majors and career paths. - LGBTQ+ scholarships
Discover scholarships that support students who identify as LGBTQ+ or who are allies. - STEM scholarships
Funding options for students pursuing science, technology, engineering, or math degrees. - Scholarships for graduate students
Learn about scholarships that can help reduce the cost of master’s, PhD, or professional programs. - Scholarships for minority students
Scholarship programs supporting students from underrepresented racial and ethnic backgrounds. - Scholarships for Native American students
Opportunities for American Indian, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian students.
FAQs about Connecticut scholarships
What scholarships are available for Connecticut students?
Connecticut students can pursue options like the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Program, PACT tuition support at community colleges, regional community foundation scholarships, private and specialty awards, and institutional scholarships from colleges and universities across the state.
What is the Roberta B. Willis Scholarship?
The Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Program is Connecticut’s primary state financial aid program for eligible residents pursuing undergraduate education at participating in-state institutions. Requirements can vary by award type, so check with your school’s financial aid office.
What is the PACT (Pledge to Advance Connecticut)?
PACT is Connecticut’s debt-free community college tuition initiative (now commonly described as CT State’s tuition-free/free tuition program). Students usually need to meet residency and enrollment rules and complete required financial aid steps.
Are there Promise programs for Connecticut students?
Yes. Connecticut has Promise-style programs offered through certain cities and initiatives. Examples include Hartford Promise and New Haven Promise.
What deadlines do most Connecticut scholarships follow?
Deadlines vary by program, but many Connecticut scholarships open in the fall and close between late winter and early spring for the next academic year. Use a checklist and track deadlines for every program you plan to apply to.
What private scholarships are popular in Connecticut?
Many Connecticut students apply through regional community foundations, local civic organizations, and employer-sponsored programs. These opportunities may be tied to a town, high school, major, or community involvement.
What scholarships does UConn offer?
UConn offers institutional scholarships, including merit scholarships for qualifying students. Some are considered through admissions, while others may require additional steps, so review current timelines carefully.
Are there easy scholarships Connecticut students can apply for?
Yes. Some scholarships have shorter applications or no-essay requirements. You can also look at options like Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships, which let you apply to multiple scholarships with one streamlined application.
Do I need the FAFSA for Connecticut scholarships?
Many need-based Connecticut programs use FAFSA information, and schools often require it for institutional aid. Submitting the FAFSA® early can help you qualify for more types of assistance.
Can Connecticut community college students get scholarships?
Yes. Students at Connecticut community colleges may qualify for PACT / CT State free tuition as well as campus foundation awards, local scholarships, and private programs.
Need more money for college?
Private student loans can help you cover additional costs for school.
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