The Best Scholarships in Connecticut

Connecticut students, paying for college is not easy, but with this guide, you can find a scholarship to fund your education. With over 160,000 Connecticut students entering a college, university, or technical school in 2019, scholarships are not guaranteed, and it is important to find the one that is right for you. Considering the average cost of a Connecticut school is $6,171 a year, with costs of some colleges rising to over $50,000, it is likely that you will need some help in tackling those tuition costs. While Connecticut provides helpful CHESLA loans (that you have to pay back!), scholarships are a crucial part of funding your education in Connecticut. Take a look at our list of scholarships for Connecticut students to learn about the best scholarships Connecticut has to offer.

Finding a scholarship can be a competitive process, and it is important to apply to scholarships that are tailored to you. This list not only tells you about the best state scholarships such as a Connecticut Community Foundation Scholarship, but also scholarships specific to your major or industry, such as scholarships for Connecticut nursing students or teaching scholarships in Connecticut. You can apply to the generous Connecticut State University Grants for a funded in-state experience.  Wherever your studies are taking you after you graduate high school, you can find help for funding your education. Read on to find the Connecticut scholarship that is right for you.

Looking for scholarships in another state? Check out our other scholarship lists here.

This post is part of our Ultimate FAQ for Applying to Scholarships.

The Best Scholarships in Connecticut for High Achieving Students

1. Roberta B. Willis Merit Scholarship

• Description: The Roberta B. Willis Merit Scholarship rewards Connecticut students who are graduating in the top 20% of their class and have achieved excellent test scores. Funds can be used at a public or private Connecticut college or university.
• Amount: $5,250
• Requirements: Students must be a legal Connecticut resident entering or attending a Connecticut educational institution. By the end of junior year of high school, students must have achieved at least a 1200 on their SAT or 25 on their ACT, and rank in the top twenty percent of their class.
• How to Apply: Students must submit the FAFSA and application, including transcripts and school counselor letter of recommendation by the February 15^th More information can be found on the Connecticut Office of Higher Education website.

2. Carter Mario Scholarship Program

• Description: Sponsored by the Carter Mario Law Firm, this scholarship provides this scholarship for academically successful and service-oriented students attending a Connecticut college, university, or technical institution. Summer internships are also available to scholarship recipients.
• Amount: $2,000
• Requirements: Students must be a legal Connecticut resident entering or attending a Connecticut educational institution. Students must graduate high school with at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA and have demonstrated a commitment to community service.
• How to Apply: Students must submit application materials, including a creative feature of their community service, to the Carter Mario Law Firm. More information and application materials can be found on the Carter Mario website.

3. Three Point Scholarship

• Description: Managed by the John Starks Foundation, the Three Point Scholarship Award is available for Connecticut students who have demonstrated academic excellence and community involvement, and plan to attend a Connecticut college or university.
• Amount: Award varies
• Requirements: Students must be a legal Connecticut resident planning to attend a Connecticut college or university and been involved in extra-curricular activities. Students must have achieved at least a 3.0 cumulative high school GPA.
• How to Apply: Students must submit materials including application and school counselor recommendation by April 1^st. More information can be found on the John Stark Foundation website.

4. Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity

• Description: Administered by the New Haven Community Foundation, the Milton Fisher Scholarship for Innovation and Creativity rewards students who demonstrate creative thinking and leadership. The scholarship is intended for students who have demonstrated community involvement, academic success, and a history of thinking outside the box.
• Amount: $10,000
• Requirements: Students must be a Connecticut resident with a 3.0 cumulative GPA. Student must provide transcripts and demonstrate involvement in community activities and creative thinking. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to be considered for award renewal each year. Students can plan to attend any United States college or university.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the application, including personal essays, letters of recommendation, and transcripts by March 31^st. More information can be found on the Milton Fisher Scholarship website.

The Best Scholarships in Connecticut for Minorities or Underrepresented Groups

1. Tina E. Yeh Community Service Scholarship

• Description: The Tina E. Yeh Community Scholarship Program supports Asian American students attending Yale University. The program seeks to promote community service and pride in Asian heritage. Additional funds are made available to scholarship recipients who are interested in carrying out an independent service project.
• Amount: $3,000
• Requirements: Students must be an Asian American Yale undergraduate or graduate student with demonstrated interest in community service. Students must be making Satisfactory Academic progress and must reapply for renewal annually.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the application, including personal essay and transcripts, by February 15^th. The application and more information can be found on the Yale Alumni website.

2. Alma Exley Scholarship

• Description: The Alma Exley Scholarship Fund awards grants to Connecticut students of color, with a preference to those interested in public education and teaching. Alma Exley was an advocate for educational access and this scholarship seeks to continue her legacy.
• Amount: $5,000
• Requirements: Students must be a Connecticut resident attending a Connecticut educational institution. Students must demonstrate interest in public education and teaching. Preference is given to students of color.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the application package, including demonstration of financial need, transcripts, and personal statements by October 31^st. More information and application materials can be found on the Alma Exley Scholarship Program website.

3. Minority Nursing and Allied Health Scholarship

• Description: Yale New Haven Hospital provides scholarships to Connecticut students of color attending a Connecticut college or university with an interest in a healthcare profession. Their mission is to support racial equity in healthcare and fund scholarly opportunities for students of color.
• Amount: $2,000
• Requirements: Students must be Connecticut residents attending an eligible Connecticut college or university. Students must demonstrate academic success, an interest in healthcare, and identify as a racial minority.
• How to Apply: Submit the online application and supplemental materials, including transcripts and personal essay by the March 1^st deadline on the Yale New Haven Hospital website.

4. Candice’s Sickle Cell Disease Scholarship

• Description: Candice’s Sick Cell Anemia Fund Scholarship supports students diagnosed with Sickle Cell to decrease barriers to education. Students can choose to attend any Connecticut college, university, or technical school and can be at the undergraduate or graduate level.
• Amount: $9,000
• Requirements: Students must be Connecticut residents attending a Connecticut educational institution. Essays submitted in application of this award must speak to challenges overcome in relation to Sickle Cell anemia.
• How to Apply: Students must submit the application package including medical information and personal essays by the April 14^th Application materials and more information can be found on the Candice’s Sickle Cell Anemia Fund website.

5. University of Connecticut Day of Pride Scholarship

• Description: The University of Connecticut offers the Day of Pride Scholarship to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Students should be academically successful and demonstrate a commitment to community service and leadership
• Amount: $20,000
• Requirements: Students must be attending or accepted to University of Connecticut. Students must demonstrate financial need and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to be considered for scholarship renewal.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the FAFSA and submit additional materials, including personal statements at time of application to University of Connecticut. More information and application materials can be found on the University of Connecticut financial aid website.

6. Live Out Loud Scholarship Program

• Description: The Live Out Loud Scholarship supports Connecticut students who identify as a minority gender identity or sexual orientation. Students should be academically successful and demonstrate a commitment to community service and leadership within the LGBTQ+ community. Students can plan to attend any United States college or university
• Amount: $10,000
• Requirements: Students must be attending or accepted to a United States college or university, and a legal resident of Connecticut. Students must demonstrate involvement in the LGBTQ+ community and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to be considered for scholarship renewal.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the Live Out Loud application, including personal statements and letters of recommendation, by March 31^st. More information and application materials can be found on the Live Out Loud website.

The Best In-State Scholarships and Grants for Connecticut Colleges

1. Roberta B. Willis Need-Based Grant Program

• Description: The Roberta B. Willis Need Based Grant Program supports Connecticut students who demonstrate high financial need. Funds can be used at a public or private Connecticut college or university and can be used for tuition and additional expenses.
• Amount: $4,500
• Requirements: Students must be a legal Connecticut resident entering or attending a Connecticut educational institution. Students must demonstrate unmet financial need and an Expected Family Contribution within the allowable range.
• How to Apply: Students must submit the FAFSA and will be notified of eligibility by their educational institution. More information can be found on the Connecticut Office of Higher Education website.

2. New Haven Promise Scholarships

• Description: The New Haven Promise Scholarship is available to financially needy New Haven students attending a Connecticut college, university, or technical school. Administered by the Connecticut Office of Higher Education, this grant supports students with financial need not met by other state grants.
• Amount: $1,000
• Requirements: Students must be a legal resident of New Haven, Connecticut attending a Connecticut educational institution. Students must not have missed more than seventy-two (72) days of high school. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress at their college, university, or technical institution to be considered for grant renewal.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the FAFSA and personal essay by December 20^th. Application materials and more information can be found on the New Haven Promise website.

3. Malcolm Balridge Scholarship

• Description: Sponsored by the Connecticut Community Foundation, this competitive scholarship is available to Connecticut students attending an accredited Connecticut college or university. Preference is given to students studying a business-related field
• Requirements: Students must be residents of Connecticut attending a Connecticut educational institution with demonstrated unmet financial need. Students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to be considered for grant renewal.
• Amount: $4,000
• How to Apply: Students must complete the FAFSA and Connecticut Community Application by April 15^th. More information and application materials can be found on the Connecticut Community Foundation website.

4. Connecticut State University Grant

• Description: Students accepted to a Connecticut State University campus are eligible to apply to a Connecticut States University grant. Grants are provided to a variety of students who demonstrate financial need, academic merit, or both.
• Amount: Award varies
• Requirements: Students must be accepted to or attending a Connecticut State University campus. Students must plan to enroll in at least six credits. Scholarship recipients must demonstrate Satisfactory Academic Progress to be considered for renewal each year.
• How to Apply: Students complete the FAFSA and supplemental application at time of college application on the Connecticut State University website.

The Best Connecticut Field-Specific Scholarships

1. Connecticut Society of Professional Journalists Scholarship

• Description: The Connecticut Society of Professional Journalists Scholarship encourages Connecticut students to pursue a career related to media and journalism. The scholarship is available to junior and senior undergraduate students pursuing their bachelor’s degree in a media field.
• Amount: $2,500
• Requirements: Students must be Connecticut residents attending a United States college or university with a declared media major. Students must have at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA to be eligible .
• How to Apply: Students must complete the application including letters of recommendation, transcripts, and personal essays by May 1^st. More information and application materials can be found on the Connecticut Society of Professional Journalists Scholarship website.

2. Tabor Foundation Fund

• Description: The Tabor Foundation Fund supports students studying to work in healthcare professions, encouraging students to remain in Connecticut for their career. Preference is given to non-traditional students who are supporting a family. Students can be at the undergraduate or graduate level of study.
• Amount: $4,000
• Requirements: Students must be legal residents of Connecticut attending a Connecticut educational institution and pursuing a degree related to healthcare. Students must have demonstrated commitment to community service and financial need.
• How to Apply: Students must submit the application package including personal statement and transcripts by the June 30^th Application materials and more information can be found on the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation website.

3. Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut Scholarship

• Description: Funded by the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut, this scholarship provides opportunity for Connecticut students to pursue a career related to horticulture, conservation, or environmental studies. Students can obtain this scholarship at the undergraduate or graduate level.
• Requirements: Students must be a legal resident of Connecticut and currently at least a junior at a Connecticut college or university. Students must be pursuing an eligible degree related to environmental studies and have achieved at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA.
• How to Apply: Submit the application package, including personal statement of interest and career goals, to the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut by July 1st. More information and application materials can be found on the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut website.

4. Connecticut Rising Junior Accounting Scholarship

• Description: Funded by the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants, this scholarship provides opportunity for Connecticut students to pursue a career in accounting, mitigating costs of tuition and Certified Public Accounting exams.
• Amount: $5,000
• Requirements: Students must be a resident of Connecticut and have achieved at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA in college with a major in accounting
• How to Apply: Submit the application package, including personal statement of interest in accounting, to the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants by the April 15^th More information and application materials can be found on the Connecticut Society of Certified Public Accountants website.

5. Connecticut Library Association Scholarships

• Description: Awarded to students pursuing a career in library science, this scholarship funds library graduate work. Award recipients also receive free attendance to the Connecticut Library Association conference in addition to the tuition grant.
• Amount: $2,000
• Requirements: Students must be a Connecticut resident graduating from a Connecticut college or university with acceptance to a library science Master’s program. Students must have graduated in good academic standing and demonstrated interest in library science.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the application including transcripts and personal essays by the March 1^st More information and application materials can be found on the Connecticut Library Association website.

6. Connecticut Architecture Foundation Scholarships

• Description: The Connecticut Architecture Foundation awards promising undergraduate and graduate students in architecture. Awards are determined primarily based on submission of a novel design.
• Amount: $5,000
• Requirements: Students must be a legal Connecticut resident attending a United States college or university in good academic standing. Students must be an architecture major or a part of a graduate architecture program.
• How to Apply: Students must complete the application including transcripts and personal essays by the April 15^th More information and application materials can be found on the Connecticut chapter of the American Institue of Architects website.

Now that you have read about some of the best scholarships Connecticut has to offer, it’s time to get those application materials together, write those essays, and apply!

Whether you plan to attend a college, university, or technical institution, there is a Connecticut scholarship to help you get there. Consider applying for a state scholarship like a Connecticut Community Foundation Scholarship, a scholarship for your academic achievement like a Connecticut State University grant, or a Connecticut scholarship for minority students such as the Live Out Loud scholarship. It may be a competitive process, but with a little work you can fund your education as a Connecticut student with one of these scholarships.

Applying to schools in another state? Check out our other scholarship lists here.

Lastly, be sure to read our post on the top scholarship sites to use here.