Connecticut College Cost Contribution Estimator

Yes, Connecticut is one of approximately 16 states where courts can order divorced parents to contribute to college costs. Under Connecticut General Statutes § 46b-56c, courts may issue educational support orders for children up to age 23 attending accredited institutions. However, courts can only enter such orders if they find it more likely than not that parents would have provided college support had the family remained intact.

Connecticut courts consider six statutory factors under § 46b-56c: parents' income, assets, and obligations to other dependents; the child's financial need and earning ability; availability of financial aid including grants and loans; reasonableness of the education given the child's academic record; the child's preparation, aptitude, and commitment to higher education; and evidence of which institution the child would attend. Courts weigh all relevant circumstances when determining contribution amounts.

Yes, Connecticut law caps court-ordered educational support at the University of Connecticut in-state tuition rate, approximately $21,745 for 2025-2026 (tuition, fees, room, and board). This is commonly called the "UConn cap." However, parents can voluntarily agree to exceed this limit in their divorce settlement. The cap includes tuition, room, board, fees, registration, application costs, books, and medical insurance.

Starting in 2024-25, the parent who provides the most financial support—not necessarily the custodial parent—completes the FAFSA. If both parents provide equal support, the parent with higher income and assets files. Remarried parents must include stepparent income and assets regardless of prenuptial agreements. Private colleges often require CSS Profile information from both biological parents, even if divorced.

Connecticut does not allow joint ownership of 529 plans—only one parent can be the account owner with full control over contributions and withdrawals. In divorce, courts treat 529 plans as marital assets subject to equitable distribution. Protective measures include naming the non-owner parent as successor participant, requiring notification before distributions, prohibiting beneficiary changes without consent, and mandating statement sharing with both parents.

Yes, parents can contractually agree to college contribution terms in their divorce settlement, and Connecticut courts will enforce these agreements. You can agree to exceed the statutory UConn cap, specify contribution percentages, designate which schools qualify, or set academic performance requirements. Written agreements provide certainty regardless of whether a court would have ordered support under § 46b-56c.

Connecticut courts cannot order parents to pay more than the UConn in-state rate (approximately $21,745 for 2025-2026), regardless of which school the child attends. If a child chooses a private university costing $60,000 annually, the court-ordered contribution is still capped at UConn rates. However, parents can voluntarily agree in their divorce settlement to cover full private school costs or a higher percentage.

Under § 46b-56c, educational support orders terminate when the child reaches age 23 or completes four full academic years of undergraduate education, whichever comes first. The statute does not cover graduate or postgraduate education. Children must maintain at least half-time enrollment and good academic standing—if they fail to meet these requirements, the support order is suspended until compliance resumes.