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.

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.

To estimate the real cost, ask the institution for a written breakdown of tuition, fees, housing, and expenses the award does not cover. Confirm renewal, academic-progress rules, and when funds are credited. Keep the award letter and application receipts.

Official program information and application