Wisconsin Scholarships

Studying in Wisconsin offers students a chance to experience the beauty of the Midwest while enjoying an excellent education. The U.S. News ranks Wisconsin at #6 in education overall and #9 in higher education specifically.

With world-class universities and colleges to be found throughout the state, like the University of Wisconsin – Madison, Wisconsin provides students with access to top-notch academic programs and resources. The average in-state tuition in the state is here is also more affordable and is around 6% lower than the national average.

However, with tuition rates rising each year, it can become difficult to afford even the most basic college education. The rise in student loan debt has become a significant issue across the state. Currently, Wisconsin contributes more than $23 billion to the total student debt of America and the figure is rising. Scholarships and grants can be a great way to pay for tuition, cut down on student loans, and avoid long-term liability.

There’s a wide range of scholarships available to students who wish to pursue higher education in the state. From full-ride merit scholarships to need-based grants, there is something for everyone in Wisconsin. Many of these scholarships are provided by universities and colleges themselves, while others come from community organizations and private foundations. Scholar provides more than 20 Wisconsin scholarships for students to choose from. There is also a guide on how to apply provided and some tips and tricks to win one.

There are around 92 higher education institutions in Wisconsin and the majority of them, around 60, are private. 54 out of the total are 4-year colleges. Students looking to complete certificates and diplomas can choose from the 17 trade school options also available in Wisconsin. The best national colleges in Wisconsin include the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Marquette University, and the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse.

The University of Wisconsin campus located in Madison is the best choice for pursuing higher studies. It has a total enrolment of more than 49,000 students out of which around 37,200 are undergraduates. The university is a public institution and charges $11,205 for in-state tuition and fees; however, out-of-state students pay around $40,603. There is also on-campus housing available for students that costs $13,500 for the year ending 2024. Popular majors at this institution include Computer and Information Sciences, Economics, Psychology, Finance, and Biology. The acceptance rate of this campus is around 49%.

Marquette University is a private university located in Milwaukee, WI. The acceptance rate here is also higher being 87% and it houses more than 7,500 undergraduates. Since it is a private institution, the cost of studying here is much higher than the previous option. Marquette University charges around $48,700 for tuition and fees and room and board here costs around $15,740 for the current year. The most popular majors here include Business, Management, Marketing, and Biological and Biomedical Sciences.

The University of Wisconsin campus in La Crosse is also a great public institution. It is also more affordable than the Madison campus, charging $9,774 for tuition and fees. Out-of-state students, however, pay $18,814. The acceptance rate at this campus is also higher and is 82% and the most popular majors include Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services. Total student enrolment here is around 10,000 out of which approximately 9,300 are undergraduate enrolments. The room and board is $7,345 (2023-24) which is again more affordable than the previous two options suggested.

There are a few places in Wisconsin that accept a GPA of 3.0 like Lakeland University, Mount Mary College, and the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee

Lakeland University is a private institution located in Plymouth. It has a high acceptance rate of 80% and the average GPA of students who are accepted to the university is around 3.0. Tuition and fees cost around $31,786 at this university and room and board facilities are also available at the rate of around 11,000 per year. This institute has a test-blind policy and does not consider SAT or ACTs even if submitted. To apply, prospective students must submit an application fee of $35.

Mount Mary University is another private institution located in the city of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The average GPA here of students is around 3.1, and test scores are not compulsory. However, students may submit their SATs/ACTs for consideration if they wish. The university has an acceptance rate of 69% and there is no application fee demanded.

The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee also accepts students with GPAs around 3.0. It is a public institution with a high acceptance rate of close to 90%. Submission of test scores is optional at this institution also. Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services are quite popular here, and there is also room and board available. Students, however, must pay an application fee of around $25 if they wish to apply here.

Wisconsin has an average in-state tuition of about $8,782. This is around 6% lower than the national average of $9,349. Moreover, the cost of living in the state is also slightly lower, approximately 2%, than the national average. This makes Wisconsin one of the mroeaffordable states for higher education. There are also many scholarships available here which can reduce the costs of studying even further.

The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh campus is one of the most affordable institutions as it charges $7,795 for in-state tuition and fees. Out-of-state students also pay a much lesser tuition and fees of $15,368 compared to other universities. Their Milwaukee campus is also an affordable option to consider which charges $9,650 from in-state students.

The most expensive institutions in Wisconsin can go up to $50,000 in terms of tuition and fees. Marquette University, which is a private institution, charges around $48,700 for tuition and fees. Another more expensive option in the state includes Concordia University Wisconsin which charges around $34,250. The room and board at these institutions is also on the expensive side costing between $12,000 to $16,000. Students can get help from Wisconsin scholarships to afford college education more easily. Some of the best scholarship options include the PPG Fellowship Wisconsin, the Evans Scholars Program, and the UMSA Foundation Scholarship Program.

Wisconsin houses only around 316,426 higher education students out of which 276,309 are undergraduate enrolments and the rest are pursuing graduate degrees. Moreover, women dominate the student population, making around 57% of the total enrolments.

Students from white backgrounds make up the largest proportion, 70%, of the total enrolments. The next dominant population consists of students from a Hispanic background – about 28,960 Hispanic students are studying within the state. Black/African Americans and Asians follow with each group contributing approximately 16,706 and 14,572 students to the total respectively. The smallest groups of students include the American Indian/Native American and Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islanders with students even less than 2500 in number.

Wisconsin’s students owe around $31,679 on average and the state contributes approximately $23.3 billion to the nation’s total student debt. The average debt in the state exceeds the national average by around 9.4%. There are more than 700,000 student borrowers in Wisconsin and more than half of them are under 35 years of age. Among the indebted students, 23.9% owe between $20,000 to $40,000.

How To Apply

The following are the main steps to following when applying for any scholarship:

1. Check Eligibility

Scholarship websites are the easiest place to find most scholarship opportunities as they list all the available options under one roof. They also list scholarships according to state, college major, demographic, and grade level. You can also filter them according to the parameters provided to narrow down the list. This makes it easier to find scholarships that are best suited to you. Go through the eligibility requirements of the scholarships thoroughly to make sure that you qualify to save time. Some scholarships may be need-based and are awarded based on the financial need of the student, while others may be based on merit.

2. Understand the Application Requirements:

It is important to understand what the scholarship demands for submitting a strong application.

Scholarship applications may require some or all of the following:

• Scholarship Application Form: Scholarship application is unique for each scholarship and is a must to be considered as an applicant. It usually asks for general information about the application like their name, date of birth, education, address, and so on. It may also contain a few short answer questions relevant to the scholarship.
• Essay: Many scholarships require an essay along with the application form. Applicants can make themselves stand out via their essays. Therefore, you should take proper time and put in good effort when writing one. It’s important that your essay is original, and represents your personality and opinions.
• Letters of Recommendation: A letter of recommendation can be written by your personal or professional references. Some scholarships specifically demand letters of recommendation from teachers. The letter contains reasons for why the applicant is a deserving one. It assesses the applicant’s qualities, characteristics, strengths, capabilities, and academic performance, which kind of acts as a character certificate when applying for scholarships.
• Grade Transcripts: Many Wisconsin scholarships, whether merit-based or need-based, usually require school transcripts that show an individual’s academic performance. You can get a copy through your school’s website or the office and attach it to the application form.
• Resume: A resume is where an applicant can highlight their skills and accomplishments. It does not have to have work experiences only but can also include mentions of any societies or extra-curricular activities that you have been a part of, and any special courses that you have completed that equipped you with a certain skill.
• Financial Information: Many need-based scholarships may ask you to provide financial information that may include information about your family income and any financial aid that you may have received.
• FAFSA: Some scholarships require applicants to apply for Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for them. These are mainly need-based scholarships.
• Portfolio or Video Submission: There are a few scholarships that ask for video or portfolio submissions. This usually applies to art major scholarships as videos and portfolios are how an applicant can show their skills. Some scholarships do not have other requirements and are like contests where participants have to make a project and provide a picture or video of it to enter and win.
• School Verification: A school verification letter verifies which school the candidate is attending or has attended, the dates when they started and finished a program, and also includes a list of any certificates or degrees earned.
• Standardized Test Scores: Occasionally, you may need to provide a copy of your SAT or ACT scores. These are standardized test scores that most colleges and universities require for admission.

3. Order Scholarships According to Submission Deadlines:

It is important to arrange the scholarships according to the deadlines to ensure you take advantage of every opportunity. Timing is very important and the earlier you apply the better it is. It is always wise to start early too because it may take time to complete all the submission requirements like writing essays and getting letters of recommendation in hand. Time should, especially, be invested in scholarships that require an essay as it takes a lot of time, planning, and effort to write a good one.

4. Proofread:

Once you have completed your application and the associated requirements, make sure to go through them all thoroughly at least once. You can also get a friend or family member to help you proofread for mistakes and errors.

5. Submit your application:

After you have taken your time filling out the application form, writing the essay, collecting all the required documents, and proofreading – it is time to submit. Most applications now require online submissions and may take a few minutes only if you have everything ready to upload. Keep track of the status of your application process and mind that it may take some time to receive an answer. You may put in a follow-up email if you haven’t received any reply for some time.

Tips For Applying

• Start looking early: Don’t wait until the last minute to look for scholarships in Wisconsin. Many organizations have deadlines that are months before the school year even starts, so it pays to begin your search as soon as possible. Make sure you research, apply, and submit all necessary documents on time to maximize your chances of winning scholarships.
• Network: Many of the scholarship opportunities come through networking and contacts, so make sure you take full advantage of your connections. Utilize family members, friends, contacts from any organizations or clubs you are part of, and even faculty members at your school to learn about different scholarship options in the area.
• Seek out local scholarships: Many organizations in Wisconsin offer scholarships specifically for local students. Look up businesses and community groups in the area, as they often have scholarship programs available. You can also check with your school’s guidance office or college counseling department to see if they know of any opportunities.
• Read the requirements carefully: Once you have a narrowed-down list of scholarships, make sure to read the requirements carefully so you fully understand what is required.
• Do not rush when applying: Take your time and apply early. This allows sufficient time to gather all the required documents and also write a great essay if needed.
• Brainstorm for an essay and outline: If an essay is required, always start with brainstorming, then arrange your ideas and make an outline to follow. Unique, personalized, and lively essays have a better chance of qualifying than general and dull ones. Make sure that you understand the topic before starting.
• Customize application: Some students submit the same application, essays, and letters of recommendation to all organizations. It is better to thoroughly research the organization and what they are actually looking for before and customize your application and essays accordingly. You can also mention what the organization is looking for to people who are writing your recommendation letters so they can make it more relevant rather than general. However, it is important to be honest and avoid including things just for the sake of qualifying and getting a scholarship.
• Check and Proofread: You may be surprised at the number of grammatical mistakes and other errors that you may come across when rereading your application and essays. Those applicants who submit applications full of errors appear irresponsible and undetermined to scholarship providers.

High school seniors can apply for the following scholarships in Wisconsin:

1. ISL Midwest Senior Scholarship
2. InspirASIAN Scholarship Program
3. InspirASIAN Scholarships
4. Evans Scholars Program
5. First Amendment Freedoms Art & Essay Contest

Undergraduate degrees are expensive and the added college-related costs like books and supplies and other living expenses make it even more difficult to afford without financial aid. The following Wisconsin scholarships can help pay off some or all of the tuition and make college more affordable.

1. WRA EF Culinary and Hospitality Scholarship
2. North Central Region 9 Scholarship
3. Ronald E. McNair Postbaccalaureate Achievement Program
4. Irene L. Blanchette Nursing Award
5. EMPOWER Scholarships
6. Talent Incentive Program Grants

Following are some of the best scholarships that can help graduate students minimize the need for student loans.

1. KASF Midwestern Regional Chapter Scholarships
2. PPG Fellowship Wisconsin
3. UMSA Foundation Scholarship Program
4. ¡Lánzate!/Take Off! Higher Education Travel Award program
5. College Achievement Awards

Teaching students can apply for the following general scholarships available to students from all majors.

1. KASF Midwestern Regional Chapter Scholarships
2. EMPOWER Scholarships
3. InspirASIAN Scholarship Program

The $1,850 Irene L. Blanchette Nursing Award is offered by the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh to students pursuing nursing degrees at the institution. It is based on financial need and is available to women undergraduates and graduate students. There is no minimum GPA requirement for eligibility.

Women are a dominant part of the student population in Wisconsin. Affording college independently for many of these women is a challenge due to other financial responsibilities that many women may have. A lot of these women, therefore, end up taking loans for their education creating a long-term liability. The following scholarships can eliminate the need for loans and help women afford their educational dreams more easily and independently.

1. Wisconsin Women’s Alliance Foundation Scholarship
2. American Transmission Co. Scholarship
3. Irene L. Blanchette Nursing Award

Many universities have merit-based scholarships for their students. Some examples in Wisconsin include the Marquette University, the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, and Concordia University Wisconsin.

Marquette University is one of the best to consider in the state and it offers various scholarship opportunities to support its students financially. They have multiple awards under various categories including full-tuition scholarships, general awards, scholars programs, special scholarships, and transfer scholarships. Some of their merit-based options include the Burke Scholars Program, the Ronald E. And Kathleen M. Zupko Scholarship, and the J. William And Mary Diederich Scholarship.

The University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee (UWM) is a public university and it has various scholarship programs for high-achieving students. One of the major merit-based scholarships it offers is the Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship which is based on the student’s unweighted final high school grade point average (GPA). This scholarship is only available to Wisconsin residents who are new freshmen at the institution and pursuing a bachelor’s degree. The Black & Gold Scholarship is another option offered by UWM that is also based on the student’s GPA and it can also be combined with the Chancellor’s Merit Award.

Two of the main merit-based scholarships awarded by Concordia University Wisconsin include the renewable Regents Scholarship and Presidential Scholarship. The Regent awards range between $10,000 and $11,000 for students with high school GPAs between 2.75 and 3.53. Presidential Scholarships offer higher amounts ranging between $12,000 and $15,000 and require eligible students to show a high school GPA of at least 3.54 for eligibility.

The Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions lists multiple scholarships for students to consider on its website. Some scholarships listed require the students to demonstrate financial need while others are special scholarships based on the type of degree a student is pursuing.

Wisconsin Towns Association is another organization where students can find scholarship opportunities. This organization is a statewide, voluntary, non-profit, and non-partisan association of member town and village governments. They award various $1,000 scholarships to deserving students.

Students can also look at the State of Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board website for scholarship awards to support their college education. They offer scholarships to Wisconsin residents who have graduated from high schools within Wisconsin and are enrolled in a degree- or certificate-granting program at a non-profit college or university based in Wisconsin. Two of the scholarships listed on their platform include the Academic Excellence Scholarship and Technical Excellence Scholarship. Students can also refer to the Wisconsin Public Service website for more scholarship opportunities. Most universities also have a financial aid office that can help students find in-house scholarships at their institutions.

The Wisconsin state offers multiple grants to students to support them financially in their educational journeys. The State of Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board lists all the grants available to students who are state residents. All the grants offered, however, are need-based and require students to submit FAFSA to determine eligibility.

One of the main grants offered include the Wisconsin Grant which awards a minimum of $250 and a maximum of $3,150 and requires the student to be enrolled at least half-time at public institutions. There is also a grant for those enrolled at private non-profit universities and colleges called the Wisconsin Grant – Private Non-Profit. This grant also awards a minimum of $250 and requires half-time enrollment at the minimum.

Other grants offered by the state include the Talent Incentive Program Grant which awards $600 to $1,800 for initial awards as the initial amount, the Indian Student Assistance Grant with award amounts between $250 to $1,100, the Minority Undergraduate Retention Grant which gives $250 to $2,500, and the Hearing/Visually Impaired Student Grant granting $250 to $1,800 to eligible students.