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.
About Roberta B. Willis Need-Merit Scholarship
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.
Who it serves and what it can cover: 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.
How to apply or get help: 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. For case-specific questions, contact the program or financial-aid office named on its official page.
Public student-aid program