by Donald Eng
HARTFORD, CT – The Connecticut Office of Higher Education (OHE) Student Loan Reimbursement Program (SLRP) will reopen for applications on Friday, Aug. 15 through its CT Scholars portal. The program will include expanded eligibility designed 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 Commissioner Timothy Larson of the Office of Higher Education. “The enhancements, combined with a streamlined application process, reflect our commitment to making education more affordable and accessible.”
The SLRP, initially authorized by the legislature in 2024, provides up to $5,000 annually — with a four-year cap of $20,000 — to eligible applicants who meet service and income requirements. With the new changes in place, eligibility now includes a broader range of educational and volunteer experiences, enabling more individuals to qualify for relief.
“We’re proud to reopen the doors to this impactful program,” said Gov. Ned Lamont. “This is not just a reimbursement plan — it’s a strategic investment in our workforce, in our communities, and in the future of Connecticut. The adjustments made this year reflect our ongoing commitment to supporting those who choose to build their lives and careers right here in our state.”
Among the program’s key eligibility criteria:
- Must be a Connecticut resident for at least 5 consecutive years.
- Must have an outstanding student loan balance and made a qualifying payment in 2024.
- Must have graduated from a Connecticut college/university or attended a program to earn a professional license/certificate.
- Income limits apply: $125,000 for individuals or $175,000 for married applicants.
- 50 hours of verified volunteer service since January 1, 2024, at a qualifying nonprofit, municipal agency, or through military service.
- A hardship waiver may be requested in certain cases of degree non-completion.
As part of these changes, 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 SLRP. 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 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 OHE.SLRP@ct.gov.