Our Philosophy

Financial aid at Connecticut College provides access to a quality educational experience for students who could not otherwise afford the full cost of tuition. As a highly selective institution, all of our students bring special talents and abilities that enhance the quality of our community.

While some colleges and universities offer financial assistance to students based on their academic, athletic, musical, or artistic abilities, Connecticut College determines a student's eligibility for financial aid based on a detailed assessment of the income, assets, and special circumstances presented by his or her family.

It is not our intent to reward student's performance through the distribution of financial aid. Rather it is our desire to open the doors of the College to highly qualified students from all economic backgrounds.

Our policy requires us to use a standardized analysis to determine the amount of financial aid we award to a student. We realize that in some instances, a family may see it differently, but we must adhere to the standard analysis in order to keep the process fair.

The Financial Aid Staff thoroughly reviews each file based on the information reported on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), CSS Profile, and other documentation. While we have little discretion in adjusting awards given the limitation of the policies governing our financial aid process, we are happy to review an aid award if you believe we have made a factual error or if your circumstances have changed due to illness or significant loss of wages or employment.  However, please note that Connecticut College does not negotiate financial aid awards based on offers made by other colleges or for reasons other than the circumstances mentioned above.

Meet the Connecticut College Financial Aid Staff

Elaine Solinga
Director of Financial Aid Services

Elizabeth Hook
Associate Director of Financial Aid Services

Christine Simmons
Senior Assistant Director of Financial Aid Services

Patricia Buono
Assistant Director of Financial Aid Services

Karen Woods
Coordinator of Technology

Gay Buths
Financial Aid Coordinator

Mildred Lopez
Student Employment Coordinator

To contact a member of the staff, use the email link on the right hand side of the page under "Contact Info".