The Roberta B. Willis Scholarship helps Connecticut residents pay for study at public or independent nonprofit colleges in the state. Its Need-Merit track combines financial need with academic achievement: the Office of Higher Education cites class rank in the top 20 percent or qualifying SAT/ACT scores, along with the current cycle’s Student Aid Index cutoff. It is distinct from the separate need-based program.
For 2026–27, the state page lists up to $5,250 annually for four-year programs and up to $4,650 for two-year programs. These are caps, not a personal quote; awards depend on need and funding. Connecticut’s statute updated in July 2026 maintains the Need-Merit grant and leaves the annual scale to the agency. Ask the college whether the award covers tuition alone or other eligible costs.
The process has an important feature: a school counselor submits the scholarship application on the student’s behalf, and FAFSA must also be filed by February 15. Students and families should not wait for a college offer before learning how to involve the counselor. Contact the counselor in the fall, set up access to the OHE portal, and make sure an eligible Connecticut institution is listed on FAFSA before the deadline.
The process has an important feature: a school counselor submits the scholarship application on the student’s behalf, and FAFSA must also be filed by February 15. Students and families should not wait for a college offer before learning how to involve the counselor. Contact the counselor in the fall, set up access to the OHE portal, and make sure an eligible Connecticut institution is listed on FAFSA before the deadline.
Before applying, confirm that the cycle is open and that you meet the official requirements. Gather FAFSA or the alternative form, transcript, supporting documents, and essays when required; keep a copy and receipt. Track the deadline separately from supporting-document dates. Check the portal until the file is complete and ask financial aid how the award coordinates with other aid. Do not budget money that has not been awarded.
When comparing options, distinguish scholarships, grants, waivers, and loans: not all are repaid or cover the same charges. Ask for a balance estimate after FAFSA and other aid, and confirm the rules before relying on the funds.
Read the program profile and the federal FAFSA guide; confirm with the administrator how the aid coordinates.
Connecticut Student Aid Programs — Connecticut Office of Higher Education.
Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Program, 2026 statutes — Connecticut General Assembly.
OHE student portal — Connecticut Office of Higher Education.
Guide checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Eligibility, amounts, and calendars can change; confirm the current cycle with the administrator and your school financial-aid office. Applying does not guarantee an award.
Confirm current eligibility and application steps with the official source before relying on the aid for college costs.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Program
The Roberta B. Willis Scholarship helps Connecticut residents pay for study at public or independent nonprofit colleges in the state. Its Need-Merit track combines financial need with academic achievement: the Office of Higher Education cites class rank in the top 20 percent or qualifying SAT/ACT scores, along with the current cycle’s Student Aid Index cutoff. It is distinct from the separate need-based program.
College scholarship and financial-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Connecticut Office of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Connecticut General Assembly · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Connecticut Office of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official program information and application ↗
Primary source
Connecticut Office of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Program ↗
Primary source
Connecticut General Assembly · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Roberta B. Willis Scholarship Program ↗
Primary source
Connecticut Office of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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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.
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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.