The question of whether Connecticut community colleges are truly tuition-free is common for prospective students. The state offers a specific pathway to achieve a degree without tuition or mandatory fee costs, but this opportunity is not automatic for every resident. This access is provided through a targeted statewide initiative designed to make higher education financially attainable. Qualifying depends on meeting criteria related to a student’s academic background, residency, and enrollment status.
The PACT Program
The mechanism providing this debt-free path is the Pledge to Advance Connecticut, commonly known as the PACT program. Established by the state legislature, its primary purpose is to cover the costs of tuition and mandatory fees for eligible Connecticut residents attending the Connecticut State Community College system. The program began implementation in the fall of 2020 with the goals of mitigating student debt and boosting enrollment and student retention rates. By removing the financial barrier, the state supports students in achieving on-time credential completion.
Key Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for PACT assistance, a student must meet a specific set of state requirements. The program is intended for Connecticut residents who have graduated from a Connecticut high school, which includes public, nonpublic, home-schooled students, or those with an equivalency diploma like a GED. Residency status must be maintained throughout the student’s participation.
The student must be a first-time college attendee, meaning they have not previously enrolled at another college or university after high school graduation. Credits earned through dual enrollment or Advanced Placement courses taken in high school do not disqualify a student from PACT funding.
Students must formally apply for federal financial aid each year by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and accepting all federal, state, and institutional grant awards offered. Continuous enrollment is also a condition, requiring students to register for a minimum of six credit hours per semester to maintain part-time status. The funding is available for up to 72 credit hours, which typically covers the entirety of an associate degree or certificate program.
What Costs Are Covered
The PACT program covers all tuition and mandatory fees charged by the community college. These mandatory fees often include charges for student activities, transportation, and other required usage fees assessed to all students. The state uses the PACT award to fill the gap in educational costs after all other grants and scholarships have been applied.
This structure makes PACT a “last-dollar” scholarship, meaning it is applied after a student’s federal Pell Grant, state aid, and other gift aid are first used to pay for tuition and fees. For students whose existing financial aid fully covers their tuition and fees, PACT provides a minimum award, such as $250 for full-time students. This minimum award is intended to help offset the cost of other necessary educational expenses.
PACT funding does not extend to ancillary costs associated with attending college. Expenses such as textbooks, course supplies, laboratory fees specific to certain programs, living expenses, and transportation are not covered by the award. Students are responsible for securing funds for these out-of-pocket costs.