The Roberta B. Willis Need-Merit Scholarship combines financial need with merit indicators for Connecticut high-school students entering a participating in-state public or nonprofit private college. A separate need-based component also exists, so check the exact award name and do not confuse their processes.
For the need-merit award, the official guidance describes criteria such as ranking in the top 20 percent of the class or scoring at least 1200 SAT or 25 ACT, plus a Student Aid Index below the annual OHE cutoff. Students must list an eligible institution on FAFSA. Some colleges are excluded; confirm the current list before applying.
Maximum amounts shown in the official FAQ apply to academic year 2025–26: up to $5,250 for a four-year program and $4,650 for a two-year program. Do not present those as guaranteed 2026–27 rates; budget, school sector, and need affect the award. OHE can update SAI cutoffs and allocations each cycle.
The school counselor, not the student directly, submits the nomination through CT Scholars. Both that application and FAFSA must arrive by February 15 under the published cycle. For an upcoming class, speak with your counselor in the fall, list the Connecticut college on FAFSA, and contact OHE if your school is unfamiliar with the process.
The agency or institution determines final eligibility and the award under current-cycle rules and available funding. Read the program profile and the administering agency; ask the college for an individual review.
Connecticut Student Aid Programs — Connecticut Office of Higher Education.
Roberta B. Willis Need-Merit FAQ — Connecticut Office of Higher Education.
Roberta B. Willis Program Enrollment — Connecticut OHE.
Information checked October 13, 2026 against official sources. Eligibility, deadlines, award amounts, and funding change by cycle. Confirm current terms with the agency and your college financial-aid office.
The agency or institution determines final eligibility and the award under current-cycle rules and available funding.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Roberta B. Willis Need-Merit Scholarship
For the need-merit award, the official guidance describes criteria such as ranking in the top 20 percent of the class or scoring at least 1200 SAT or 25 ACT, plus a Student Aid Index below the annual OHE cutoff. Students must list an eligible institution on FAFSA. Some colleges are excluded; confirm the current list before applying.
Public student-aid program
Connecticut Office of Higher Education (OHE)
The state office administers or coordinates the program, while the college confirms individual eligibility, enrollment, and award amounts where the rules assign it that role.
Public student-aid agency
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Connecticut Office of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Connecticut Office of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website ↗
Primary source
Connecticut OHE · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
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.
-
Official website of Roberta B. Willis Need-Merit Scholarship ↗
Primary source
Connecticut Office of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Connecticut Office of Higher Education (OHE) ↗
Primary source
Connecticut Office of Higher Education · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official website of Connecticut Office of Higher Education (OHE) ↗
Primary source
Connecticut OHE · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.