Scholarships and Grants in Wisconsin
Financial Aid Perks from the State
The Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board administers the state's scholarships and grants. The state university system is comprised of 13 University of Wisconsin campuses and sixteen technical colleges. There are nearly two-dozen private colleges and universities in the state and dozens of professional/career institutions that offer training from real estate sales to massage therapy. Wisconsin also has two tribal colleges within the state.
General Scholarships and Grants
Wisconsin Higher Education Grants are provided to augment federal student loans for those most financially disadvantaged. Eligible students must be Wisconsin residents and pursuing a state technical college, tribal college, or state university degree program on at least a half time basis. Preference is given to minority students and those with severely disadvantaged backgrounds. The grants are renewable as long as students continue to meet the program's academic criteria. Amount of award is dependent on funding, but maximum is $3000 per academic year. Apply by filling out the FAFSA.
For students enrolled in a Wisconsin private college or university - sometimes called "independent" colleges - the Wisconsin Tuition Grant offers monetary resources to those with financial need. The grant is designed for undergraduate students who are pursuing a degree or certificate program at least half time. Maximum amounts depend on available funding, but minimum awards are $250.
Often students do not only suffer financially, but there are those whose backgrounds also challenge them socially and culturally. Students with severely disadvantaged backgrounds that would not ordinarily find the support necessary for a college program may find the Talent Incentive Program Grant to be the best bet. Students must exhibit academic promise and motivation to succeed against their odds. Candidates may enroll in any type of Wisconsin college or university. Maximum awards are $1800 per academic year.
Merit-based Academic Excellence Scholarships are designed to reward that percentage of students whose motivation and dedication have earned them accolades in the form of scholarship money. Students may be enrolled full time in any state college or university to be eligible. Maximum awards are $2200 per academic year.
The Academic Excellence program nets a wider group than the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship that recognizes the upper crust of academic honors-level students. The Byrd program is slightly different in Wisconsin in that the program is a part of the Wisconsin All State Scholars Program. Byrd scholars are chosen in every state from the very top seniors in their graduating high school class. School officials make nominations. Byrd scholars must possess top ACT/SAT scores, the best GPAs and have proven leadership and community service skills. Students receive $1500 scholarships and must already be accepted into a college or university program anywhere in the United States.
The Indian Student Assistance Program provides undergraduate or graduate Native American students with grant money to apply to a program at any Wisconsin college or university. The program is both merit and need-based. Students must be Wisconsin residents and able to prove at least one quarter Native American heritage. Students must apply by filling out the FAFSA and the program application. Maximum grants are around $1000. See more Native American scholarships.
The Minority Undergraduate Retention Grant is designed to keep disadvantaged and under-represented populations in college. Minority students - African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Asian - may qualify if they meet the financial criteria. Students enrolled in the UW system are ineligible. Qualified students will be Wisconsin residents, undergraduates, in at least their sophomore year, and attending one of the private, technical or tribal institutions in the state. Maximum award amount is $2500. See more minority scholarships.
Wisconsin students with hearing and sight disabilities may qualify for the Wisconsin Hearing and Visually Handicapped Student Grant. The grant is need and disability based. Students may attend any type of college or university in the state and some out of state institutions may participate.
Specialized Studies Programs
Wisconsin has established a number of loan repayment or loan forgiveness programs that target nurses and teachers. Like many other states these professionals are in constant demand especially in underserved areas. Students who agree to accept grant money for nursing or teaching programs will likely be asked to sign agreements that commit their services to the state for a specified amount of time following graduation:
- The Minority Teacher Loan Program is designed to offer incentive to undergraduate or graduate level teaching students who are enrolled in a Wisconsin college or university. Students who participate must be willing to work as teachers in a Wisconsin public school that is recognized as underserved and where minority students comprise a significant percentage of the student population. Maximum assistance is $2500 per academic year.
- Are you a teaching student enrolled at the Milwaukee Teacher Education Center? If so you may want to explore the Teacher Education Loan Program offered to drive incentive for Milwaukee public school teachers. See more teaching scholarships.
- In many states special education teachers receive incentives, but in Wisconsin it is teachers who are pursuing programs that train them to teach the visually impaired. The Teacher of the Visually Impaired Loan provides loan repayment for those teaching students willing to work after graduation in one of a number of Wisconsin institutions requiring their expertise. Maximum assistance is $10,000 per academic year.
- The Nursing Student Loan covers two nursing shortage areas - licensed nurses (RNs or LPNs) and nursing faculty. Nursing students attending an undergraduate or graduate level program at a Wisconsin college or university may choose to participate if they can meet eligibility requirements and be willing to work in Wisconsin in the capacity in which they were trained. Maximum loan amounts are $3000 per academic year. Qualified students may apply directly through their school. See more nursing scholarships.
Go to this State of Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board page for complete application instructions.
