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Connecticut · Free-college programs

Mary Ann Handley Award — CT State Free Tuition

Connecticut State Community College gap funding for qualifying degree/certificate students, with a Fall 2020 prior-enrollment rule and limited first-come funds.

Free if eligibleSources checked Oct 16, 2026View sources ↓Compare related routes ↓
Students & families · General optionAdult learners · Explicitly servedLearners with disabilities · Explicitly served

At a glance

Free if eligible
What it covers
CT State funding covers the gap between federal/state grants and community-college tuition and mandatory fees for qualifying students. It is limited to the first 72 earned credits and available funds.
Income / financial rules
The official FAQ states no income requirement for this funding, but you still need the FAFSA with an official SAI, all required financial-aid steps and acceptance of other grants. You do not have to accept loans.
Who to check first
Be a Connecticut resident and a high-school graduate, GED holder or qualifying homeschooled graduate.
Application timing
Complete all aid and program requirements by your term census date. The appeal deadline is the 21st day after the first day of class; confirm the actual term calendar with CT State and apply early while funds remain.
Read official guidanceYou’ll leave FreeCheapEdu. The program makes the eligibility decision.

Check your eligibility

Some items describe alternative routes rather than requirements for everyone. Use the route that applies to you as a preparation checklist; the program makes the eligibility decision.

How to apply

  1. 1
    Apply for admission to CT State at your selected campus, then register for eligible classes. Ask the campus to check your prior enrollment and intended program.
  2. 2
    Complete the FAFSA with an official SAI, accept available grants and satisfy all requested financial-aid and free-tuition requirements by the term census date.
  3. 3
    Confirm the award with the campus based on your actual enrollment and aid. If ruled ineligible, review the official appeal procedure and its semester census-date deadline.

What to watch for

Funding is first-come, first-served and may run out; awards can be reduced or removed if eligibility or funds are not confirmed.
Fall and spring terms are covered; summer coursework is excluded. Winter intersession may be considered with spring enrollment under the college’s aid treatment.

Common questions

What is the main benefit?

CT State funding covers the gap between federal/state grants and community-college tuition and mandatory fees for qualifying students. It is limited to the first 72 earned credits and available funds.

Is there an income limit?

The official FAQ states no income requirement for this funding, but you still need the FAFSA with an official SAI, all required financial-aid steps and acceptance of other grants. You do not have to accept loans.

When should I apply?

Complete all aid and program requirements by your term census date. The appeal deadline is the 21st day after the first day of class; confirm the actual term calendar with CT State and apply early while funds remain.

Sources & verification

Source summaries checked by automated research on the dates below. No human professional review is claimed.

Checked Oct 16, 2026
Read official guidance