CSCU Reminds Connecticut Residents of July 15 PACT Registration Deadline
In order to qualify, eligible students must enroll in classes at any of Connecticut’s 12 community colleges before the deadline.
Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) President Terrence Cheng is reminding Connecticut residents that Thursday, July 15, at 11:59pm, is the deadline for priority consideration for the Pledge to Advance Connecticut (PACT), the state’s tuition and fee-free community college program. In order to qualify, eligible students must enroll in classes at any of Connecticut’s 12 community colleges before the deadline. 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 automatically applied to their account.
“There is still time for Connecticut residents to qualify for free community college, but with the July 15 deadline, the time to enroll is now,” President Cheng said. “Our community colleges can be a pathway to opportunity. Now, with no out-of-pocket expenses, there is no reason to wait. Graduates of our community college programs can even transfer seamlessly to four-year universities and Charter Oak State College, potentially saving tens of thousands of dollars toward a bachelor’s degree. Time is running out to potentially attend college for free. Visit ct.edu/pact to apply and enroll before the Thursday deadline.”
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 remain eligible).
- Fill out FAFSA and accept all awards.
- Attend community college full-time (12 or more credits per semester).
- Enroll in classes by July 15, 2021 for priority consideration.
- Participate in a degree or credit-bearing certificate program.
- Once enrolled, remain in good academic standing.
“The PACT program is an incredible opportunity for first-time Connecticut students to attend a community college with no out-of-pocket costs,” said Connecticut State Community College Interim President Dr. David Levinson. “The application is free and enrolling is easy, but in order to qualify, you must act before the July 15 deadline.”
“Connecticut community colleges are taking real measures to improve student success and equity outcomes,” said CSCU Provost and Senior Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs Dr. Jane Gates. “By putting in place the new supports, we will be able to better serve our students in the long-run and our graduates will be better positioned to find a rewarding career.”
Originally included in the state’s 2019 biennial budget, the PACT program served nearly 4,000 students for the 2020-21 academic year. The 2021 biennial budget included full funding for the program.
“PACT would not be possible without the strong support of the legislature and Governor Lamont,” President Cheng concluded. “I would like to thank our state partners for prioritizing access to our community colleges.”
To learn more about PACT or to apply online, visit ct.edu/pact.