You may have been through this. Submitting applications online to no avail, waiting for the word that your debt has been cleared. Listen up — this may be your window of opportunity! On August 15, 2025, start submitting your applications for SLRP (Student Loan Forgiveness Program) on the CT Student Portal for The Connecticut Office of Higher Education. What do we have to lose. Let’s get moving — this is on the first come, first served basis. The requirement has been broadened to accommodate working households and families, and extended the income ranges for reimbursement.
Governor Lamont has stated that the program is not just a reimbursement plan, but a strategic investment in Connecticut’s workforce, communities, and future, and that the adjustments made reflect an ongoing commitment to supporting those who live and work in the state.
The Connecticut Student Loan Reimbursement Program offers loan forgiveness to eligible residents, providing up to $5,000 per year, with a maximum of $20,000 over four years. The program was launched in January of 2025 and is managed by the Connecticut Office of Higher Education (OHE)
- Residency: Must have been a Connecticut resident for at least five consecutive years prior to applying.
- Student Loan Status: Must have an outstanding student loan balance and have made a qualifying payment in 2024 on eligible federal or state-sponsored loans.
- Education: Must have graduated with a degree or obtained an occupational/professional license or certificate from a Connecticut institution. A hardship waiver is available for those who did not complete their degree.
- Income Limits: Adjusted gross income for the 2023 tax year must be at or below $125,000 for single filers and $175,000 for married applicants.
- Volunteer Service: Must have completed at least 50 hours of verified volunteer service since January 1, 2024, through a qualifying organization or military service.
Also check out interest rates for upcoming students.
CHESLA (Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority)
- Role: CHESLA provides financing options for higher education.
- Loan rate: For the 2025-2026 Academic Year, the fixed annual interest rate for the MyCHESLA Student Loan is 6.65%, with a potential 0.25% reduction for ACH payments.
- Eligibility: The student is always the borrower and must meet age requirements. The borrower must be a Connecticut resident attending an eligible non-profit institution, or a resident of certain other New England states attending a Connecticut institution. Co-borrowers must reside in Connecticut or certain other New England states. Students are encouraged to explore federal options first.
- Loan features: Funds are sent directly to the institution. There are no application or origination fees, and no application deadline. Loans range from $2,000 up to the cost of education (minus other aid), with a cumulative limit of $125,000. Loans can cover current or the immediate prior year’s expenses. Repayment occurs over 140 months after a grace period. There are no prepayment fees, and forgiveness is available for borrower death or total and permanent disability. A co-borrower release feature is available for loans disbursed after June 23, 2014.
Federal student loan interest rates (for loans disbursed between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026)
- Undergraduate Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans: 6.39% fixed.
- Graduate and Professional Direct Unsubsidized Loans: 7.94% fixed.
- Direct PLUS Loans (Parents and Graduate/Professional Students): 8.94% fixed.
Additional details
- Collections on defaulted federal student loans will resume on May 5, 2025. Borrowers with defaulted loans should contact their loan servicer or the Default Resolution Group for assistance.
- The Connecticut Department of Banking oversees Student Loan Services in the state
Applications open on August 15th through the CT Scholars online portal. Required documents include your 2023 Federal Income Tax Return, proof of education, notarized volunteer service verification, and student loan statements showing 2024 payments. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis until December 2025 or until funds are depleted. More information is available on the Connecticut Office of Higher Education website.
https://www.housedems.ct.gov/smithf/student-loan-reimbursement-program
