Maskay guide

Connecticut Roberta B. Willis Need-Based Grant: college aid based on financial need

Connecticut administers two forms of aid under the Roberta B. Willis name. This guide covers the Need-Based Grant, which is based on need and differs from the Need-and-Merit award requiring a school nomination and academic criteria. The gra

Connecticut administers two forms of aid under the Roberta B. Willis name. This guide covers the Need-Based Grant, which is based on need and differs from the Need-and-Merit award requiring a school nomination and academic criteria. The grant serves residents attending eligible Connecticut institutions; the Office of Higher Education uses the FAFSA Student Aid Index to determine eligibility.

The official page lists up to $4,500 for full-time study in a two- or four-year program. “Up to” matters: payment depends on need, enrollment, available funds, and other resources. The grant may cover only part of college costs and should not be treated as housing, meal, or transportation support; review the full campus aid package.

This pathway has no separate application listed: consideration occurs through financial-aid processing and FAFSA information. Eligibility is tied to students at Connecticut public or nonprofit private colleges and the applicable SAI. The state site distinguishes undergraduate conditions and application periods; confirm with your school that FAFSA is complete and whether another document is needed.

Speak with financial aid before the campus deadline and ask how the grant appears in your award letter, whether it can renew, and what happens with part-time study. If a decision differs from what you expected, request an explanation of the need calculation and confirm the school is eligible. Compare grants and loans separately and calculate what debt would remain after aid.

Before accepting, request an individual estimate showing aid applied first, residual tuition, mandatory fees, and indirect costs. Confirm residency, credits, renewal, deadlines, and documents with the official program office; keep a copy and submission confirmation. If your situation is unclear, get a written answer from the campus before committing to tuition or housing.

Read the program profile and official FAFSA guide; ask the college for an individual balance review.

Connecticut Student Aid Programs — Connecticut Office of Higher Education.

Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Fund — Connecticut Office of Higher Education.

Checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Eligibility, award amounts, funding, and dates can change by year and budget. A scholarship may cover only tuition or specified fees, not housing, meals, books, or transportation. File the FAFSA when applicable, confirm your balance with the financial-aid office, and do not pay third parties to apply.

Bottom line

Compare net cost and excluded charges before committing; the financial-aid office confirms eligibility and the final balance.

Verification

Sources & references

Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.

  1. Official website ↗ Primary source Connecticut Office of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  2. Official website ↗ Primary source Connecticut Office of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  3. Official application and program information ↗ Primary source Connecticut Office of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  4. Official website of Roberta B. Willis Scholarship — Need-Based Grant ↗ Primary source Connecticut Office of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  5. Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗ Primary source Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.

  6. Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗ Primary source Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026

    Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.