Best Colleges in Connecticut

Most Popular Degrees and Careers in Connecticut

Cost of Connecticut College Education & Salaries

When you approach your bachelor's degree, you will need to take its cost into account. After all, the odds are that you will likely carry at least some debt with you when you graduate. This unpleasant reality can be mitigated by a simple cost analysis before you start your education.

Prior to enrollment, you can look at the career path you intend to take and weigh your projected salary against your projected student loan debt. You should also take into consideration the likelihood of your happiness and sense of personal satisfaction and fulfillment in your future career. Don't try to force yourself into a career that you know you will find unpleasant just because it pays well. Nonetheless, in your cost analysis of a bachelor's degree, consider how you can reduce costs. For instance, you could resolve to remain in-state at public colleges and universities. Going out-of-state is likely to cost at least twice as much as for an in-state degree.

Achieving an associate's degree from a community college might enable you to gain some experience in your field and help pay down your debt a bit. For example, after achieving your associate's degree you could work for two or three years in your field and then continue your studies either through an online bachelor's program or at a public university. You might even find that your employer is willing to shoulder some of the tuition cost. Ultimately, any cost analysis of an education should weigh not only tuition versus salary but must include intangible factors such as your overall satisfaction and quality of life.

Scholarships for Connecticut Students

Scholarships and grants can be a great way to offset your future student loan debt. There are federal and private sources for both types of funding, though private scholarships and grants are perhaps more numerous and more diversified. Keep in mind that though many scholarships are likely to pay for little more than a few credits or your book expense, simply winning carries long-term value. That is, when you list these awards on your resume, hiring managers will take note.

CCSG

Connecticut College Scholarships and Grants

Amount: $5,000-$20,000 (4 Awards)
Deadline: January 16
https://www.conncoll.edu/admission/scholarships-and-grants/
If you desire a top-notch private, liberal arts education, Connecticut College offers one of the best. They claim that 90% of their financial aid is in the form of grants that students needn't repay. Since these grants are often needs-based, less-advantaged students could end up with a private education that costs less than a public university. There are also four merit scholarships that range from $5,000 to $20,000.

AESP

Alma Exley Scholarship Program

Amount: $5,000
Deadline: October 31
https://almaexleyscholarship.org
If your calling is in the classroom, teaching eager young minds, then this is a scholarship for you. Geared towards students of color, the Exley Scholarship awards worthy future teachers with $5,000 towards their post-secondary education. It doesn't matter which school you will call your alma mater, so long as it is in the borders of Connecticut. However, you should already have been admitted to a teacher-preparation program, and either a junior or senior.

HFSF

Hartford Foundation Scholarship Fund

Amount: $3,000
Deadline: January 15
https://www.hfpg.org/donors/ways-to-give/scholarship-fund
If you are soon to graduate from a Greater Hartford high school, you could qualify for this $3,000 scholarship. You should be enrolled as a full-time student in a four-year, degree-granting institution and must demonstrate financial need. Your GPA should place you in the top 1/3 of your graduating class and you also need to show volunteering and extra-curricular activities in your application.

AARCS

Androscoggin Amateur Radio Club Scholarship

Amount: $500-$1,000
Deadline: January 31
http://www.arrl.org/scholarship-descriptions#
If your passion is amateur radio, you have an FCC license, and are studying computer science, tv/radio electronics, or Electrical Engineering, you can apply to receive up to $1,000 for your four-year college tuition. You may receive $500 if you are attending a two-year institution. The scholarship is open to amateur radio operators all over New England, so make your application includes your current transcripts and is submitted before January 31.

LIS

Lighthouse International Scholarships

Amount: $10,000
Deadline: March 31
https://lighthouseguild.org/college-bound-scholarship-application-submission-confirmation/
If you are considered legally blind and need assistance with your college tuition, the Lighthouse Guild has a $10,000 award to help. To apply, have your GPA, college board exam scores, a list of extra-curricular activities, and other pertinent information handy. You can use their website to enter all of your information and await their decision.

JSS

John Soto Scholarships

Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Varies
https://calahe.org/scholarship-eligibility-
This is a scholarship for college-bound Latinos who have a cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better, are U.S. citizens or permanent residents, and who have been Connecticut residents for the previous 12 months. Students also need to show financial need, submit an essay, and send their official transcripts for review. The fund provides a single award of $1,000.