Admissons


 Financial Aid Information

The UW Colleges School Code is: 003897.

There are four general types of financial aid: scholarships, grants, loans, and employment.

Scholarships
Scholarships are monetary gifts from community, private, and campus sources and are usually based on academic merit or some criteria other than financial need. Campus foundations, local businesses, and other sources provide scholarships for students at the 13 UW Colleges campuses. No repayment of scholarships is required. Contact your high school counselor and/or your campus Student Services Office for scholarship information.

Grants
Grants are need-based financial assistance. No repayment is required unless you withdraw from school. The amount of a grant will depend on your financial need; the availability of funds; and specific federal, state, and institutional awarding policies.

Federal Pell Grants are the most common source of federal grants for undergraduates. The federal government determines a student's need-based eligibility and award amount.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are federal funds awarded to high-need students according to institutional and federal guidelines.

Wisconsin Higher Education Grants (WHEG) are need-based funds awarded to Wisconsin residents according to state eligibility criteria.

Indian Grants are available to students who are at least 1/4 Native American. Grants are available through both the Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs and the State of Wisconsin.

Talent Incentive Program (TIP) grants are awards for disadvantaged Wisconsin residents who meet specific state eligibility criteria.

Wisconsin Handicapped Grants are state awards for Wisconsin residents who have auditory or visual impairments.
Minority Grants (available through the University of Wisconsin System) are for Wisconsin residents who are of African-American, Hispanic, Native American, or Southeast Asian heritage. These grants are based on both financial need and academic merit.

Loans
Loans are awards that must be repaid. Some loans require repayment while you are still in school. You do not need to repay others until after you graduate or if you drop below half time enrollment. Some loans are based on financial need; others are not. All loans require that you sign a promissory note in which you promise to repay the loan according to specific provisions.

Federal Perkins Loans are loans awarded by the UW Colleges with funds provided by the federal government. Funding is limited in this low-interest loan program. To qualify, you must show financial need and be enrolled at least half time. Interest does not accrue on this loan until repayment is begun nine months after you graduate, leave school, or enroll less than half time.

Federal Stafford Loans are federally guaranteed loans available through banks and other lenders. You must be enrolled at least half time to qualify. There are two types of Stafford Loans:

-- The subsidized Stafford Loan is awarded based upon financial need. This loan carries an interest-free deferment of payments while you are enrolled at least half time and for six months after you are no longer enrolled at least half time.

-- The unsubsidized Stafford Loan can be awarded even if you have no financial need. Interest accrues on this loan while you are in school. You may pay the interest while you are enrolled, or it can be added to the loan total and deferred while you are enrolled at least half time and for six months after you are no longer enrolled at least half time.

 Complete your Stafford Loan Master Promissory Note Online

 Complete your Stafford Loan Entrance Counseling Online

 Federal Parents' Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) are loans made to parents of dependent students to help parents finance their children's education. These loans are not based upon financial need. The interest rate varies according to a federal index. Repayment of PLUS loans begins within 60 days after the money is disbursed.

Employment
Employment is a form of financial aid that you earn. There are many opportunities for you to work while you attend the UW Colleges. Jobs are available both on campus and in the local community.

Federal Work-Study is a program offering employment to students who show financial need. Jobs are usually part time; however, full-time work may be available during the summer. Although most jobs are on campus, there are employment opportunities in community service agencies as well.

Regular Student Employment is also available on campus regardless of your financial need.

For more specific information about Student Financial Aid programs, contact the Financial Aid Advisor in your campus Student Services Office. You can also consult the U.S. Department of Education's free booklet, The Student Guide, which is available in public libraries, in high school guidance offices, any Student Services Office, and through the World Wide Web at: http://studentaid.ed.gov/students/publications/student_guide/index.html  (link will open in new window)

Other Aid and Benefit Programs
In addition to federal and state financial aid programs, other sources of funding are available to assist you in financing the cost of your education.

Vocational Rehabilitation Grants are provided to qualified students by the state Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). To qualify, you must have a physical, emotional, or learning disability and meet other criteria established by DVR. Contact the local DVR office for additional information.

Veterans Benefits are available to qualified veterans; to members of the National Guard or Reserves; and in some cases to the sons, daughters, or spouses of deceased or disabled veterans. There are a wide variety of veterans programs offered through the federal Veterans Administration and through the State of Wisconsin. Contact your local County Veterans Service Office or your campus Student Services Office for details. The UW Colleges is fully approved for the certification of educational benefits for veterans and veteran’s dependents under both federal and state Veterans Administration programs.