A great resource for Connecticut students and their families!
Welcome to CT Dollars & Sense
Connecticut’s one-stop shop for helping you plan, save and pay for college. We have the information that you need – whether you’re trying to save, looking for scholarships, considering a loan, or just want to figure out how to put it all together.
What’s New
Scholarships
Invest in your future by applying for these Connecticut scholarships
Money Tips
New resources and articles added to managing money!
Career & Job Search
New resources and articles added to finding a career!
Paying for College
Resources to help students and families navigate the financial aid process.
Saving for College
529 Plan: Frequently Asked Questions
Saving for college can be challenging, but with a clear plan, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By setting achievable goals and exploring various financial aid options, you can make the process manageable and secure a brighter future. Here’s a few resources to help get you started.
Check CHET Out!
Start saving for college with only $25 and only 15 minutes. CHET is designed to help families save for future college costs.
A College Account for Babies in CT!
Did you know the state will provide up to $250 to start a college account for babies in CT? Get your Baby Scholars bonus today!
How much do I need to save for college?
Not many people can save 100% of college costs. But every dollar saved is one dollar less than you might need to borrow or pay in the future.
Paying for College Facts & Tips
Start early and explore all available financial aid options, including scholarships, grants, and work-study programs, to minimize student loan debt.
How will the number credits I take impact my financial aid?
You don’t have to be enrolled full-time to receive most types of financial aid, but it does get tricky, In most cases, the amount of aid you receive will be determined by the number of credits you are currently taking.
Financial aid resources for DACA Students:
Only about 15% of DACA students who graduate high school will go on to college. Though these students aren’t eligible for federal financial aid, there are other programs and resources available that can help them achieve their collegiate dreams.
Introducing the financial aid award letter
Shortly after being accepted by a college, you’ll receive a financial aid award letter spelling out all the details of your financial aid package. In this video, we’ll detail what you can expect to see.
A student's guide to working with a financial aid office
Entering the world of higher education is an exciting journey. But for many students, the financial aspect can be daunting. That’s where your school’s financial office comes into play. This vital resource is there to help you understand and manage the financial side of your educational journey.
College Score Card
Find the right fit! Search and compare colleges; their fields of study, costs, admissions, results, and more.
Life is about dreams. Achieve yours.
The money management tool students love and schools trust.
Create Your iGrad Account Today CHESLA and CT Dollars & Sense have partnered with iGrad to provide Connecticut students and their families access to iGrad’s award-winning financial literacy platform. While we highlight certain iGrad information on CT Dollars & Sense, creating an account provides a more personalized and in-depth financial literacy experience.
Once you create your account, you can complete a short assessment and iGrad will then design a customized dashboard for you. From there, you can access tools, calculators, articles, videos, interactive games and explore courses on various financial topics. To get started today, click below to create your account.
Office of Higher Education
State Financial Aid Programs
Access state financial aid programs for college funding.
Programs & Initiatives
Explore programs and initiatives for educational funding opportunities.
Searchable Databases
Connecticut’s colleges and universities, programs and fields of study, collegiate enrollment data, and more!
Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection & Connecticut Department of Banking
Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection
Works with non-profits, businesses and educators to expend access to financial literacy for students across the state
Connecticut Department of Banking
The DOB regulates the financial services industry in Connecticut, and advocates for consumers and investors. We are the primary state regulator for securities, consumer credit and state-chartered banks and credit unions.
Connecticut Housing Finance Authority
Now offering the SMART RATE pilot interest rate reduction program to help borrowers with student loan debt overcome the obstacle of being able to afford their first home.
