Connecticut Automatic Admissions Program Applications to CSCU’s Universities Increase Nearly 15%

Nearly 15,000 applications from Connecticut high school students were submitted through the Connecticut Automatic Admissions Program (CAAP) to the four regional universities of the Connecticut State Colleges and Universities (CSCU) system for the 2025-26 academic year. Students can now apply to one of CSCU's universities through CAAP for the 2027-2028 academic year until May 1, 2027.

The 14,901 applications to Central, Eastern, Southern and Western Connecticut State universities represent an increase of 1,931 applications, or 14.9% in 2025-26, up from 12,970 in the 2024-25 academic year.

Southern Connecticut State University experienced the largest increase, with CAAP applications more than doubling from 2,179 in 2024-25 to 4,418 in 2025-26. Eastern Connecticut State University applications increased from 3,578 in 2024-25 to 3,692 in 2025-26, while Western Connecticut State University remained steady at 2,468 applications compared with 2,462 in 2024-25. Central Connecticut State University received 4,323 applications in 2025-26, compared with 4,751 in 2024-25.

CAAP provides eligible Connecticut high school students with a streamlined pathway to admission at the four universities. The CSCU system partners with Common App to offer in-state high school seniors' automatic admission into CAAP partner colleges and universities by filling out only one application form.

During the 2025-26 academic year, 1,876 students who applied through CAAP enrolled at one of the four regional universities, including 649 at Central, 512 at Eastern, 473 at Southern and 242 at Western.

"The continued growth in applications through CAAP demonstrates the importance of making the college admissions process as simple and accessible as possible for Connecticut students," said CSCU Interim Chancellor Natalie Braswell. "By removing application fees and providing a direct pathway to admission, we are helping more students see that a high-quality, affordable public university education is within their reach."

"We are proud to partner with CSCU and are excited about the increase in applications through the CAAP program, as well as the steady enrollment numbers these institutions are seeing as a result. Proactively telling in-state students that they are worthy and welcome on these campuses is leading to great results for students and schools, and we're eager to continue this partnership and create even more connections to educational opportunities," said Jenny Rickard, CEO of Common App.

Connecticut high school seniors who have a 3.0 weighted grade point average (GPA) or a 2.75 unweighted GPA, are eligible upon application to be automatically admitted to CSCU's participating institutions: Central, Eastern, Southern, and Western Connecticut State Universities. CAAP waives the application fee, student essays, and recommendation letters for participating institutions.

CAAP is now open for students seeking admission for the 2027-28 academic year. Eligible Connecticut high school seniors can apply through Common App.

For more information and to apply, visit Connecticut Automatic Admissions Program (CAAP).