Sen. Slap Applauds Increase in CSCU Student Enrollment

Today, State Senator Derek Slap, Senate Chair of the Higher Education and Employment Advancement Committee, welcomed news that the Connecticut State Colleges and University (CSCU) system reported a 6.7% increase in student enrollment for the fall 2025 semester.

According to CSCU, the four Connecticut State Universities have seen student enrollment increase by 9.8% compared to last fall:

Central Connecticut State University: 12.7%
Eastern Connecticut State University: 9.6%
Southern Connecticut State University: 6.9%
Western Connecticut State University: 9.7%
CT State Community College (12 campuses): 4.3%

In the last several years, the Higher Education Committee and the legislature have renewed their focus on expanding access to affordable higher education pathways. The Connecticut Automatic Admission Program (CAAP) allows high school students with a certain grade point average to be automatically admitted to participating schools, waiving the application fee, student essays and recommendation letters. Additionally, the legislature passed the Mary Ann Handley Award, previously known as the PACT Program offers debt-free community college tuition to qualifying students.

According to CSCU, nearly 2,000 students enrolled at one of CSCU’s four universities through the CAAP program and nearly 71% of students who use CAAP choose to apply to one of the Connecticut State Universities.

“Here in Connecticut we have some world class state universities and an outstanding community college system, but we keep hearing that affordability is a top concern for students and their families,” said Sen. Slap. “In the Higher Education committee we have been focused on expanding accessibility and ensuring that students who want to pursue a higher degree have the opportunity to do so. It is fantastic to see that these policies are having a positive influence on enrollment, making Connecticut more affordable for young folks and building out our workforce development. I look forward to continuing to build upon this progress.”

In the 2025 legislative session, the legislature increased funding into the Roberta B. Willis scholarship program that offers funding to high achieving students who demonstrate financial need to continue their education. This funding will be available to students graduating in the Spring of 2026 and beyond.