State Options
CHESLA: The Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority
CHESLA is a nonprofit, quasi-public state authority created in 1982 to provide cost‑effective financing and information to Connecticut students, alumni, and families for higher education.
They offer low‑rate supplemental loans for students who have maxed out federal or other aid, along with graduate loan options, refinancing programs, and scholarships. CHESLA’s mission is to expand educational opportunities, support Connecticut’s workforce, and enhance economic development through accessible, affordable post‑secondary funding.
CHESLA Employer Student Loan Authority
The CHESS Program (CHESLA Employer Student Loan Support) is a Connecticut Higher Education Supplemental Loan Authority initiative that helps employers provide student loan repayment assistance to their employees.
What it does:
Employers can set up a CHESS program to make tax‑free contributions toward their employees’ federal or private student loans — either principal or interest on “qualified education loans” ctstudentloanpaydown.com. Payments are managed by CHESLA, with monthly confirmations sent to employees and reports available to employers.
The Connecticut Student Loan Reimbursement Program (SLRP) is a state-funded initiative created in 2024 to provide financial relief to Connecticut residents burdened with student loan debt. It is part of a $6 million program approved by the Connecticut General Assembly and administered by the Office of Higher Education (OHE).
Purpose:
SLRP
reimburses eligible Connecticut residents for the amount they paid on qualifying student loans during the prior year, up to $5,000 per year (with a $20,000 cap over four years). The goal is to help reduce the financial burden of student loans for those who meet specific criteria.
OHE SLRP Eligibility Requirements
MUST BE a current Connecticut resident who has lived in the state for at least 5 consecutive years
MUST HAVE an outstanding student loan balance and have made payments on a qualifying loan in the prior year (e.g., federal direct, PLUS, Perkins, CHESLA, or other state-sponsored loans).
MUST HAVE graduated from a Connecticut public or private college/university with an associate or bachelor's degree, or earned a rpfessional license/certificate from an accredited program, or have withdrawn due to hardship.
MUST HAVE a CT adjusted gross income of no more than $125,000 (single) or $175,000 (married)
MUST HAVE volunteered at least 50 hours after January 1 at a Connecticut nonprofit in municipal government, through military service, or as required unpaid work in a degree/certificate program (proof must be notarized)
How it Works
Reimbursement Amount: Equals the total dollars amount paid to your loan servicer in the qualifying yearm up to $5,000/year
Award basis: first-come, first-served
Application Portal: CT SCHOLARS portal (NELNET)
Documents needed: federal tax return, degree/license/certification, proof of volunteer service, student loan statement with payment history, and other required forms
Application Process
- Gather Documents
- Create an account and submit the application online via the CT SCHOLARS portal
- upload all required documents before your application is considered complete
- Monitor your application through the portal for updates
