PACT/Finish Line program expansion
CSU-AAUP was successful in 2025 in convincing the legislature and Governor to extend the Pledge to Advance Connecticut (PACT) tuition assistance program from the CT State community colleges to the CSUs.
This program pays for any remaining tuition and mandatory fees after students accept all federal and state grants and so make it possible for them to attend college almost debt free. Students must be a Connecticut resident, fill out the FAFSA, and enroll in six or more credits. Those who have their tuition covered by Pell and other grants also receive a basic needs assistance grant, making this a “middle dollar” program.
In 2025 CSU-AAUP was largely responsible for getting this program extend to the CSUs. Students who receive PACT at CT State are not able to apply for a similar program to finish their last two years of a BA degree at one of the CSUs. This was named the "Finish Line" program.
In the 2026 legislative session, CSU-AAUP advocated for more funding for the Finish Line program because the 2025 allocation was not sufficient to cover all eligible students. Although Governor Lamont attempted to cut funding in half, legislators were able to restore the original amount.
In 2027 CSU-AAUP will continue to work on expanding the Finish Line program to all CT State students and to those who begin at the CSUs. We are optimistic about success because in August 2026 Governor Lamont pledged to CSU-AAUP to make this expansion one of his top priorities if he is elected to a third term.
