CT SB00273

Establishes a debt-free community college program effective July 1, 2019, requiring the Board of Regents for Higher Education to make annual awards to qualifying students for tuition and required fees at regional community-technical colleges.

Limits awards to the first 60 credit hours (excluding remedial hours) earned during the first 24 months of enrollment, with a minimum award of $500.

Restricts eligibility to students who graduated from Connecticut high schools within 2 years, enroll full-time beginning fall 2020, maintain a 2.5 GPA, complete the FAFSA, have an expected family contribution of $7,500 or less, and accept all available financial aid.

Requires each regional community-technical college to conduct financial and academic audits each semester and report findings by September 1 and February 1 to determine the number of qualifying students and award amounts.

Designates January as "FAFSA Month" and requires the Board of Regents to host assistance events throughout the state to help high school seniors and families complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid forms by January 1, 2020.