The Connecticut Student Loan Reimbursement Program is reopening for applications with expanded eligibility requirements.
The program, which provides up to $5,000 annually for four years to eligible applicants, will accept applications starting Aug. 15, according to a community announcement from the Connecticut Office of Higher Education.
The expansion, enacted by the 2025 General Assembly and signed by Gov. Ned Lamont, aims to reach more Connecticut residents burdened with student debt.
“This expansion ensures that we are reaching more of the hardworking Connecticut residents who need relief,” said Timothy Larson, commissioner of the Office of Higher Education. “The enhancements, combined with a streamlined application process, reflect our commitment to making education more affordable and accessible.”

Who is eligible for assistance?
The program, initially authorized by the legislature in 2024, now includes a broader range of educational and volunteer experiences, enabling more individuals to qualify for relief.
Key eligibility criteria include being a Connecticut resident for at least five consecutive years, having an outstanding student loan balance and having made a qualifying payment in 2024. Applicants must have graduated from a Connecticut college or university or attended a program to earn a professional license or certificate. Income limits apply: $125,000 for individuals or $175,000 for married applicants. Additionally, applicants must have completed 50 hours of verified volunteer service since Jan. 1 at a qualifying nonprofit, municipal agency or through military service. A hardship waiver may be requested in certain cases of degree non-completion.
Lawmakers included specific provisions to assist former Stone Academy students impacted by the school's sudden closure. Students who did not receive a tuition refund or participate in the official teach-out plan are now eligible for reimbursement under the program. This measure was introduced to acknowledge the disruption those students experienced and to offer them a pathway to recover from educational and financial setbacks.
The application will be accessible through the CT SCHOLARS portal at https://ctscholars.guarantorsolutions.com/studentportal beginning Aug. 15. Applicants must create an account, complete the application and upload all required documents to be considered for approval. For more information or questions, email [email protected].
This story was created by reporter Beth McDermott, [email protected], with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on The Bulletin: Connecticut expands student loan relief program
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