By Tiffany Williams –
Hartford, Connecticut — Governor Ned Lamont and the Connecticut Office of Higher Education announced Monday that a new grant round has opened for the Connecticut Student Loan Reimbursement Program, allowing eligible residents to apply for reimbursement of student loan payments made during the 2025 calendar year.
The program, established in 2024, was designed to provide direct financial relief to Connecticut residents carrying student loan debt. Qualified applicants may receive reimbursement grants of up to $5,000 per year, with a lifetime maximum of $20,000 over four years. Each year, a new grant round is opened to reimburse payments made during the prior calendar year.
“The Connecticut Student Loan Reimbursement Program is about helping people who have worked hard, earned their education, and chosen to build their lives and careers here in our state,” Lamont said. “As we transition into a new year of the program, we continue our commitment to easing financial pressure on residents while strengthening our workforce and economy.”
To qualify, applicants must be Connecticut residents who made eligible student loan payments during 2025, earned a degree from a Connecticut institution of higher education or completed a state-approved program required for professional licensure or certification, and meet income limits of $125,000 for single filers or $175,000 for married filers. Applicants must also have completed required community service or qualify for a hardship waiver in certain circumstances.
“Our focus at the Connecticut Office of Higher Education has been on administering this program in a way that is fair, transparent, and accessible,” said Connecticut Higher Education Commissioner Timothy Larson. “As demand continues to grow, we are committed to providing clear guidance, timely application review, and high-quality support so that borrowers can successfully navigate the process and receive the relief for which they are eligible.”
“Many borrowers are still navigating repayment after the return of federal student loan payments, and programs like the Connecticut Student Loan Reimbursement Program can provide critical relief,” said Connecticut Student Loan Ombudsperson Michelle Jarvis-Lettman. “My office will continue to work closely with borrowers who are trying to understand their options, and this program offers a tangible way for eligible Connecticut residents to reduce their student loan burden while staying engaged in their communities.”
Since the first grant round launched in January 2025, the program has distributed more than $2.2 million in reimbursements statewide, with strong participation among younger residents and middle-income households. Legislative updates approved during the most recent session expanded eligibility and clarified that reimbursements apply only to payments made during the preceding calendar year.
Applications must be submitted online through the CT Scholars portal, where applicants are required to complete the application and upload supporting documentation. Full application instructions are available through the Connecticut Office of Higher Education website, and program-related questions can be directed to OHE.SLRP@ct.gov.