DANBURY, Connecticut — Starting January 1, Connecticut college students are now able to benefit from a bill passed in Hartford to alleviate student loan debt. The reimbursement program, led by House Democrats and the first of its kind in the nation, provides up to $5,000/year for up to four years (up to $20,000) in loan forgiveness. Six million dollars has been allocated in the current budget cycle and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
A champion of this program, 2014 Western Connecticut State University alumnus, State Rep. Corey P. Paris (D-Stamford), will return to his alma mater to explain the details to faculty, staff, alumni, students, parents and the public. Paris will speak at 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 4, in Ives Concert Hall in White Hall on the university’s Midtown campus, 181 White St. in Danbury. The event will be live streamed as well. RSVP to attend in person or online at https://wcsutickets.regfox.com/student-loan-reimbursement-program.
Paris said, “I understand how students and families carrying student loan debt feel. Student loan debt can be crippling. It feels like you’re never gaining ground. This reimbursement program was bipartisan. When a student loan debt carrier can meet the criteria and we’re able to reimburse them $5,000 a year, that gives them $5,000 for other important uses, be it paying rent, mortgage, car loan, electric, or groceries, or putting it toward a goal – a vacation, purchasing a home, or buying a car, that makes a huge difference in their lives. It’s one less concern to weigh on their minds.”
The Office of Higher Education (OHE) may approve the participation of any person in the student loan reimbursement program who meets the following requirements:
- Must have graduated from a Connecticut state public or private college or university with a bachelor’s or associate degree or have an occupational/professional license or certificate or left such college in good standing and was granted a hardship waiver by the Office of Higher Education.
- Must be a Connecticut resident for at least five years.
- Must have a Connecticut adjusted gross income of not more than $125,000 for single applicants and file a federal tax return as unmarried or have a Connecticut adjusted gross income of not more than $175,000 for married applicants and file a federal tax return as head of household, married filing jointly or a surviving spouse.
- Must have an outstanding student loan balance and have made payments in 2024 toward federal direct loans, federal direct PLUS loans, federal Perkins loans, CHESLA loans, other state’s sponsored student loans, or a private student loan.
- Must have volunteered for at least 50 hours at a Connecticut nonprofit organization that is registered with the Department of Consumer Protection, municipal government, served on the Board of Directors for a nonprofit organization, or have military service after January 1, 2024.
This program will have a direct impact not only on Connecticut’s economy, but also on its workforce. Members of the public are encouraged to attend the Feb. 4 information session at WestConn.
Questions should be directed to OHE.SLRP@CT.GOV. The application process opened on Jan. 1. For more information or to apply, go to https://www.ohe.ct.gov/. To learn more about the event, contact Communications and Marketing at pr@wcsu.edu.
Western Connecticut State University changes lives by providing all students with a high-quality education that fosters their growth as individuals, scholars, professionals and leaders in a global society. Our vision: To be widely recognized as a premier public university with outstanding teachers and scholars who prepare students to contribute to the world in a meaningful way.