Roberta B. Willis Scholarship

The Roberta B. Willis Scholarship is a Connecticut state-funded program administered by the Connecticut Office of Higher Education (OHE). The program consists of two parts: a need-merit scholarship and a need-based grant.¹

The need-merit scholarship supports high-achieving Connecticut high school students. The need-based grant is distributed by participating Connecticut colleges to enrolled students based on the federal Student Aid Index (SAI).

Who is eligible for the Roberta B. Willis Need-Merit Scholarship?

An applicant must meet all of the following requirements:¹

1. Rank in the top 20 percent of the junior year class, or at graduation for all others, or have a combined SAT score of 1200 or higher, or have an ACT score of 25 or higher.
2. Have a federal Student Aid Index (SAI) of 10,999 or less, which is the annual maximum cutoff set by OHE.
3. Attend a four-year Connecticut public or nonprofit private college, except Wesleyan University and Yale University.

OHE determines SAI eligibility from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

How much is the Roberta B. Willis Need-Merit Scholarship?

For the 2025-26 academic year, the scholarship awards up to $5,250 per year for full-time enrollment in a four-year program and up to $4,650 per year for full-time enrollment in a two-year program. Awards are renewable for up to six consecutive years, covering associate or bachelor’s degree programs.¹

How does an applicant apply for the Roberta B. Willis Need-Merit Scholarship?

Only a high school counselor may submit the application. A student may not apply directly. The counselor submission and the FAFSA must both be received by February 15, and the student must list an eligible Connecticut institution on the FAFSA.¹

OHE sends award notifications to the email address listed on the FAFSA. Notifications typically begin in April.

What is the Roberta B. Willis need-based grant?

The need-based grant is funded by OHE and awarded by participating Connecticut colleges to enrolled students based on the SAI.² No separate application applies. Students complete the FAFSA, and each college determines the award.

Connecticut Office of Higher Education (OHE)
ohe.sfa@ct.gov