STATE OF WISCONSIN FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS

 

The following are financial aid programs available to students who are residents of the state of Wisconsin.  For more detailed information on state financial aid programs contact:

Wisconsin Higher Education Aids Board (HEAB)
Mailing Address:
Higher Educational Aids Board
Post Office Box 7885
Madison, WI 53707-7885
 
Street Address:
131 West Wilson Street, Suite 902
Madison, Wisconsin
Telephone (608) 267-2206
Fax (608) 267-2808

www.heab.state.wi.us

WISCONSIN HIGHER EDUCATION GRANT

UW System, Wisconsin Technical Colleges, Tribal Colleges

The Wisconsin Higher Education Grant (WHEG) Program provides grant assistance to undergraduate, Wisconsin residents enrolled at least half-time in degree or certificate programs at University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Technical College, and Tribal institutions. Awards are based on financial need. Eligibility cannot exceed ten semesters.

Application: FAFSA

Required Enrollment: At least half-time

Award Amount: $250 minimum, maximum set annually by HEAB (may not exceed $3,000)

Eligibility:

Eligibility for need-based state financial aid programs is determined using the data from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA may be filled-out and submitted online at https://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Paper copies of the FAFSA are available from college and university financial aid offices or high school guidance offices.

State statutes prohibit students from receiving state financial aid who are: Not registered with Selective Service, if required to register.

 

WISCONSIN TUITION GRANT

Independent Colleges & Universities

The Wisconsin Tuition Grant (WTG) Program provides grant assistance to undergraduate, Wisconsin residents enrolled at least half-time in degree or certificate programs at non-profit, independent colleges or universities based in Wisconsin. Awards are based on financial need and partially based on that portion of tuition in excess of UW - Madison tuition. The maximum award amount is established annually by HEAB. Eligibility cannot exceed ten semesters.

Application: FAFSA

Required Enrollment: At least half-time

Award Amount: $250 minimum, maximum set annually by HEAB

Eligibility:

Eligibility for need-based state financial aid programs is determined using the data from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA may be filled-out and submitted online at https://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Paper copies of the FAFSA are available from college and university financial aid offices or high school guidance offices.

State statutes prohibit students from receiving state financial aid who are: Not registered with Selective Service, if required to register.

 

TALENT INCENTIVE PROGRAM GRANT

UW System, Wisconsin Technical Colleges, Independent Colleges & Universities, Tribal Colleges

The Talent Incentive Program (TIP) Grant provides grant assistance to the most financially needy and educationally disadvantaged Wisconsin resident students attending colleges and universities in the State of Wisconsin. First-time freshmen students are nominated for the TIP Grant by the school financial aid offices or by counselors of the Wisconsin Educational Opportunity Programs (WEOP). To continue to receive the TIP Grant, students must be enrolled consecutive terms and continue to show financial need. Eligibility cannot exceed ten semesters. Funding for the TIP Grant is provided by both the State of Wisconsin and the Federal Government.

Application: FAFSA and nomination (for initial awards) by Financial Aid Office or WEOP

Required Enrollment: At least half-time, first-time freshman for initial awards, and continuous enrollment from term to term

Award Amount: $600 to $1,800 for initial awards, $250 minimum continuing award, maximum continuing award set annually by HEAB (may not exceed $1,800)

Eligibility:

 
Eligibility for need-based state financial aid programs is determined using the data from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA may be filled-out and submitted online at https://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Paper copies of the FAFSA are available from college and university financial aid offices or high school guidance offices.

State statutes prohibit students from receiving state financial aid who are: Not registered with Selective Service, if required to register.

Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common questions about the Talent Incentive Program Grant.

 

INDIAN STUDENT ASSISTANCE GRANT

UW System, Wisconsin Technical Colleges, Independent Colleges & Universities, Tribal Colleges, and Proprietary (for-profit) Schools

Awards under this program are made to Wisconsin residents who are at least 25% Native American and are undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in degree or certificate programs at University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Technical College, independent colleges and universities, tribal colleges, or proprietary institutions based in Wisconsin. Awards are based on financial need with a limit of ten semesters of eligibility. HEAB has an informal matching arrangement with grant funds awarded by the Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs and Wisconsin Tribal governments.

Application: FAFSA and Indian Student Assistance Grant Application

Required Enrollment: At least part-time (including less than half-time)

Award Amount: $250 to $1,100

Eligibility:

Eligibility for need-based state financial aid programs is determined using the data from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA may be filled-out and submitted online at https://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Paper copies of the FAFSA are available from college and university financial aid offices or high school guidance offices.

State statutes prohibit students from receiving state financial aid who are: Not registered with Selective Service, if required to register.
 

MINORITY UNDERGRADUATE RETENTION GRANT

Wisconsin Technical Colleges, Independent Colleges & Universities, Tribal Colleges

Awards under this program are made to Wisconsin resident minority undergraduates, excluding first year students, enrolled at least half-time in independent, tribal, or Wisconsin Technical College institutions. According to the statutes, a minority student is defined as a student who is either an African American; American Indian; Hispanic; or Southeast Asian from Laos, Cambodia, or Vietnam admitted to the U. S. after December 31, 1975. Awards are based on financial need with a maximum grant of $2,500 per year for up to eight semesters or twelve quarters.

Application: FAFSA and nomination by Financial Aid Office

Required Enrollment: At least half-time, and excluding first year

Award Amount: $250 to $2,500

Eligibility:

Eligibility for need-based state financial aid programs is determined using the data from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA may be filled-out and submitted online at https://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Paper copies of the FAFSA are available from college and university financial aid offices or high school guidance offices.

State statutes prohibit students from receiving state financial aid who are: Not registered with Selective Service, if required to register.

PLEASE NOTE: The UW System Administration administers a similar program, the Ben R. Lawton Minority Undergraduate Retention Grant, for University of Wisconsin System students.

 

HEARING & VISUALLY HANDICAPPED STUDENT GRANT

UW System, Wisconsin Technical Colleges, Independent Colleges & Universities, Tribal Colleges, and some out-of-state schools

The Handicapped Student Grant Program was established to provide funding for undergraduate Wisconsin residents, enrolled at in-state or eligible out-of-state public or independent institutions who show financial need and have a severe or profound hearing or visual impairment. Students are eligible to receive up to $1,800 per year for up to ten semesters.

Application: FAFSA and Hearing & Visually Handicapped Student Grant Application

Required Enrollment: At least half-time

Award Amount: $250 to $1,800

Eligibility:

Eligibility for need-based state financial aid programs is determined using the data from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA may be filled-out and submitted online at https://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Paper copies of the FAFSA are available from college and university financial aid offices or high school guidance offices.

State statutes prohibit students from receiving state financial aid who are: Not registered with Selective Service, if required to register.

ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE SCHOLARSHIP

UW System, Wisconsin Technical Colleges, Independent Colleges & Universities

Academic Excellence Scholarships are awarded to Wisconsin high school seniors who have the highest grade point average in each public and private high school throughout the State of Wisconsin. The number of scholarships each high school is eligible for is based on total student enrollment. In order to receive a scholarship, a student must be enrolled on a full-time basis by September 30th of the academic year following the academic year in which he or she was designated as a scholar, at a participating University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Technical College, or independent institution in the state. The value of the scholarship is $2,250 per year, to be applied towards tuition. Half of the scholarship is funded by the state, while the other half is matched by the institution.

Application: None - recipients are designated by their high school based on GPA

Required Enrollment: Full-time, and continuous enrollment from term to term

Award Amount: Full-time tuition, up to $2,250

Eligibility:

Eligibility for need-based state financial aid programs is determined using the data from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA may be filled-out and submitted online at https://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Paper copies of the FAFSA are available from college and university financial aid offices or high school guidance offices.

State statutes prohibit students from receiving state financial aid who are: Not registered with Selective Service, if required to register.

Please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page for answers to common questions about the Academic Excellence Scholarship.

 

MINORITY TEACHER LOAN

Available at Wisconsin colleges & universities which offer teaching degrees.

The Minority Teacher Loan Program provides loans to Wisconsin resident, minority, undergraduate juniors or seniors or graduate students who are enrolled at least half-time in programs leading to teacher licensure at an independent or University of Wisconsin Institution. The maximum award per year is $2,500 with an overall maximum of $5,000. According to the statutes, a minority student is defined as a student who is either an African American; American Indian; Hispanic; or Southeast Asian from Laos, Cambodia, or Vietnam admitted to the U. S. after December 31, 1975. The student who participates in this program must agree to teach in a Wisconsin school district in which minority students constitute at least 29% of total enrollment or in a school district participating in the inter-district pupil transfer (Chapter 220) program. For each year the student teaches in an eligible school district, 25% of the loan is forgiven. If the student does not teach in an eligible district, the loan must be repaid at an interest rate of 5%.

Application: Nomination by Financial Aid Office

Required Enrollment: At least half-time; juniors, seniors, or graduate students only

Award Amount: $250 to $2,500

Forgiveness: 25% per year for teaching in a minority school district in Wisconsin
 
Eligibility:

Eligibility for need-based state financial aid programs is determined using the data from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA may be filled-out and submitted online at https://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Paper copies of the FAFSA are available from college and university financial aid offices or high school guidance offices.

State statutes prohibit students from receiving state financial aid who are: Not registered with Selective Service, if required to register.

 

NURSING STUDENT LOAN

Available at Wisconsin colleges & universities which offer nursing degrees.

The Nursing Student Loan Program provides loans to Wisconsin resident undergraduates or graduate students who are enrolled at least half-time at an eligible in-state institution that prepares them to be licensed as nurses, either RN or LPN. The maximum award per year is $3,000 with an overall maximum of $15,000. The student who participates in this program must agree to be employed as a licensed nurse in Wisconsin. For each of the first two years the student works as a nurse or nurse educator and meets the eligibility criteria, 25% of the loan is forgiven. The balance remaining after forgiveness must be repaid at an interest rate of 5%. If the student does not work as a nurse or nurse educator and meet the eligibility criteria, the loan must be repaid at an interest rate of 5%.

Application: FAFSA and nomination by Financial Aid Office

Required Enrollment: At least half-time

Award Amount: $250 to $3,000

Forgiveness: 25% per year for 2 years for working as a nurse or nurse educator in Wisconsin

Eligibility:

Eligibility for need-based state financial aid programs is determined using the data from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA may be filled-out and submitted online at https://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Paper copies of the FAFSA are available from college and university financial aid offices or high school guidance offices.

State statutes prohibit students from receiving state financial aid who are: Not registered with Selective Service, if required to register.

 

TEACHER EDUCATION LOAN

Available only at the Milwaukee Teacher Education Center (MTEC).

The Teacher Education Loan Program provides loans to Wisconsin residents enrolled in the teacher education programs at the Milwaukee Teacher Education Center (MTEC). The student who receives this loan must agree to teach in the Wisconsin school district operating under Chapter 119 of the Wisconsin State Statutes, First Class City School System (currently only the Milwaukee Public Schools). For each year the student teaches in the eligible school district, 50% of the loan is forgiven. If the student does not teach in the eligible district, the loan must be repaid at an interest rate of 5%.

Application: Teacher Education Loan Program Recipient Application

Required Enrollment: Teacher education program at MTEC

Award Amount: $250 minimum, maximum set annually be HEAB

Forgiveness: 50% per year for teaching in the Milwaukee Public Schools

Eligibility:

Eligibility for need-based state financial aid programs is determined using the data from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA may be filled-out and submitted online at https://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Paper copies of the FAFSA are available from college and university financial aid offices or high school guidance offices.

State statutes prohibit students from receiving state financial aid who are: Not registered with Selective Service, if required to register.
 

TEACHER OF THE VISUALLY IMPAIRED LOAN

Available at colleges & universities which offer programs for teachers of visually impaired students, located in Wisconsin or in an adjacent state (Illinois, Iowa, Michigan or Minnesota).

The Teacher of the Visually Impaired Loan Program provides loans to Wisconsin resident undergraduates or graduate students who are enrolled at least half-time at an in-state or eligible out-of-state institution in a program that prepares them to be licensed as teachers of the visually impaired or as orientation and mobility instructors. The maximum award per year is $10,000 with an overall maximum of $40,000. The student who participates in this program must agree to be a licensed teacher or an orientation or mobility instructor in a Wisconsin school district, the Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired or a cooperative educational service agency. For each of the first two years the student teaches and meets the eligibility criteria, 25% of the loan is forgiven. For the third year, 50% is forgiven. If the student does not teach and meet the eligibility criteria, the loan must be repaid at an interest rate of 5%.

Application: FAFSA and nomination by Financial Aid Office

Required Enrollment: At least part-time (including less than half-time)

Award Amount: $250 to $10,000

Forgiveness: 25% per year for the 1st and 2nd year, and 50% for the 3rd year, for teaching visually impaired students in Wisconsin

Eligibility:

Eligibility for need-based state financial aid programs is determined using the data from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA may be filled-out and submitted online at https://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Paper copies of the FAFSA are available from college and university financial aid offices or high school guidance offices.

State statutes prohibit students from receiving state financial aid who are: Not registered with Selective Service, if required to register.

 

Tuition Reciprocity 

 
Tuition reciprocity agreements reduce the cost of out-of-state tuition for Wisconsin residents attending specific schools in other states.
 
MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN TUITION RECIPROCITY

For Wisconsin residents attending colleges and universities in Minnesota

The MN-WI Tuition Reciprocity Program provides tuition reciprocity for Wisconsin residents who enroll in an eligible Minnesota public institution program on a space available basis. Students who qualify pay the established reciprocity fee for course work that is available at public institutions in Wisconsin. Professional students enrolling in a Doctor of Medicine, a Doctor of Dental Sciences, or a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program are not eligible for tuition reciprocity under this program.

Application: Minnesota-Wisconsin Application for Reciprocity Fee Status

Deadline: Applications must be postmarked or electronically submitted no later than the last day of scheduled classes of the first term for which the student expects to receive benefits.

Required Enrollment: At least part-time (including less than half-time)

 

Tuition Capitation 

 
Tuition capitation contracts provide fixed tuition subsides for limited numbers of Wisconsin residents at specific graduate-level professional schools.

 

CONTRACT FOR DENTAL EDUCATION

Available only at the Marquette University School of Dentistry

The Contract for Dental Education allows a finite number of Wisconsin residents to attend the Marquette University School of Dentistry at a "resident" tuition rate. Currently 160 students are able to participate each academic year. Students who meet the program criteria are awarded $8,753 in tuition subsidization.

Application: None

Required Enrollment: Full-time in the D.D.S. program at Marquette University

Award Amount: $8,753

Eligibility:

Eligibility for need-based state financial aid programs is determined using the data from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA may be filled-out and submitted online at https://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Paper copies of the FAFSA are available from college and university financial aid offices or high school guidance offices.

State statutes prohibit students from receiving state financial aid who are: Not registered with Selective Service, if required to register.

 

MEDICAL COLLEGE OF WISCONSIN CAPITATION

Available only at the Medical College of Wisconsin

The Medical College of Wisconsin Capitation Program provides tuition assistance to a finite number of Wisconsin residents enrolled full-time in the Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Application: None

Required Enrollment: Full-time in the M.D. program at the Medical College of Wisconsin

Eligibility:

Eligibility for need-based state financial aid programs is determined using the data from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA may be filled-out and submitted online at https://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Paper copies of the FAFSA are available from college and university financial aid offices or high school guidance offices.

State statutes prohibit students from receiving state financial aid who are: Not registered with Selective Service, if required to register.

State Financial Aid Information

Find state financial aid information for the specific state that you live in. Find contact information for your local federal aid office, and get details about specific federal aid programs in your area.