Following PACT Priority Deadline, Potential Students Can Still Apply for Free Community College

Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) President Mark Ojakian today announced that, despite the July 15 priority deadline, it is not too late to apply for tuition and fee-free community college. The community colleges will continue to accept applications for the Pledge to Advance Connecticut (PACT) on a first come, first served basis.

Interest in PACT was strong through the initial deadline for the program. With several thousand applications received, CSCU will begin the process of making awards to eligible students over the next two weeks. Students who apply after the initial deadline will receive priority in the order in which they are received.

In order to qualify for PACT, potential students must meet the following requirements:

• Be a graduate of a public or private Connecticut high school (GED and homeschooled students qualify).
• Be a first-time college student (those who participated in dual enrollment programs while in high school are not excluded).
• Fill out FAFSA and accept all awards.
• Attend community college full-time (12 or more credits per semester).
• Enroll in classes today for first come, first served consideration.
• Participate in a degree or credit-bearing certificate program.
• Once enrolled, remain in good academic standing.

“The strong interest in PACT is indicative of the high demand for quality educational opportunities with no out-of-pocket costs,” President Ojakian said. “We are pleased that we can continue to accept applications for the PACT program on a first come, first served basis, but the funding is limited, so I encourage all eligible students to enroll today.”

To apply for the program, eligible students must enroll in classes at any of Connecticut’s 12 community colleges. PACT is a last-dollar scholarship, so once students enroll in classes and complete all necessary financial aid documentation, including the FAFSA, PACT funding will be applied to their account. To learn more or find a community college that suits your needs, visit ct.edu/pact.

Even for students who are not eligible for PACT, the state of Connecticut is committed to making community college affordable for all, through Pell grants, Roberta Willis funding, and institutional aid. Indeed, nearly 60 percent of community college students currently go to college without any out-of-pocket expenses.

“Community college is a pathway for so many students to expand their horizons and create opportunities for themselves and their families,” said Dr. David Levinson, interim president of Connecticut State Community College. “There has never been a better time to enroll in one of the state’s 12 community colleges. I am here to tell you that higher education is within reach, and I encourage everyone to apply today.”