When it comes to paying for college, many Wisconsin students wonder how they will manage the cost. If you are a resident of the Badger State, there are plenty of scholarships and grants available to help make your educational journey more affordable.
Famous for its cheese, the Green Bay Packers, and the stunning Great Lakes, Wisconsin is also home to world-class schools including the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison), Marquette University, and the Medical College of Wisconsin. With its commitment to education through the “Wisconsin Idea” the state believes education should influence people's lives beyond the boundaries of the classroom.
Nearly 280,000 students are enrolled in over 85 Wisconsin colleges and universities as of 2024. If you are considering going to college in Wisconsin, these scholarships can help reduce your expenses.
$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. and international undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of an eligible Midwestern state. Applicants must have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher.
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$3,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This award is for students who plan on attending or are currently attending a four-year, accredited, public or private college or university within the state of Wisconsin. The applicant must have a 3.0 grade point average or higher, and be accepted or enrolled in a manufacturing, mechanical or industrial engineering program to be eligible.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
This scholarship is available for U.S. students who are residents of Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, or Wisconsin. Students must have completed a minimum of one year of an accredited dental hygiene certificate/associate's program with a grade point average of 3.5 or higher, and must be professional or student members of American Dental Hygienists' Association (ADHA).
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$1,166
Award Amount
3
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. college sophomores and/or graduate students who are residents of Wisconsin and who are currently attending a college/university in Wisconsin. Students must be members of the American Occupational Therapy Association and be pursing a career in occupational therapy.
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$2,500
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 1
Deadline
U.S. and Canadian citizens who will have earned no more than 12 hours towards a Master of Library Science degree by June of the award year are eligible for this award. Students must be members of a principal minority group; attend an ALA-accredited school; and plan to enter the library automation field.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 30
Deadline
This scholarship is offered to Korean-American undergraduate or graduate students who are currently enrolled in college and are residents of the midwestern region of the United States as defined by the Korean American Scholarship Fund. The following states are eligible: Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
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$5,400
Award Amount
1
Award
Dec 1
Deadline
U.S. high school seniors who demonstrate academic achievement and leadership and plan to attend UW-Eau Claire are eligible for this award. Students must graduate in the top 25% of their high school class and have an ACT/SAT score of 25/1150 or higher.
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$1,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
Students who graduated from a Wisconsin high school and have earned less than 30 undergraduate credit hours are eligible for this award at the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire. Students must demonstrate significant financial need; preference is given to single parents and students who have experienced other non-traditional paths to university.
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$2,000
Award Amount
2
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
Students who graduated from a Wisconsin high school and have earned less than 30 undergraduate credit hours are eligible for this award. Students must plan to attend University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire; preference will be given to single parents.
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$3,000
Award Amount
100
Awards
Nov 5
Deadline
Wisconsin high school seniors are eligible for this award. Applicants may be a public, religious/independent, or homeschooled high school students.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
This award is for U.S. and International students who are planning to attend Louisiana Tech University as an out-of-state transfer student. Students must have complete at least 12 semester hours of college credit and have a grade point average of 2.75 or higher.
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$6,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Feb 1
Deadline
U.S. incoming freshmen who are not residents of Kentucky and demonstrate financial need are eligible for this award. Students must attend Bellarmine University in Kentucky.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Mar 29
Deadline
Rebecca was a passionate, bright, fun-loving young woman who loved being with her friends and felt that no one should miss a high school event because they couldn’t afford to be there. She saw the inequity in the situation and sought to change things. During the Spring of her sophomore year, Becca singlehandedly collected and donated over 250 formal dresses and helped hundreds of girls across South Florida attend their High School proms in style.
To keep Becca's dream alive, countless dedicated people throughout the United States have joined forces to provide opportunities for those who seek them. Although the core mission of Becca's Closet, located in the Festival Marketplace in Pompano Beach, FL, was to collect and distribute dresses to high school girls with financial need, our goals have expanded to offer additional opportunities for deserving young people. In the spirit of Rebecca's visions and aspirations, our foundation raises funds to award post-secondary educational scholarships recognizing the exemplary efforts of young men and women nationwide who demonstrate Becca's spirit of generosity in their own communities.
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$700
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 1
Deadline
This award is available for U.S. and international undergraduate and graduate students who are residents of an eligible Midwestern state. Applicant must have a grade point average of 2.5 to 3.0.
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$8,000
Award Amount
4
Awards
Jul 1
Deadline
A special benefit of membership in the WWOA is eligibility towards receiving financial aid for college expense. Four, $2,000 scholarships are awarded each year at the annual conference to financially assist a full-time student currently enrolled in an accredited college or university. Crane Engineering funds one and WWOA funds the other three $2,000 scholarships each year. Eligible students must be at least a second semester student in a degree program supportive of the wastewater field including civil, environmental, or sanitary engineering or other wastewater related degree programs. Award preference may be given to applicants who are sponsored by an active WWOA member. WWOA member sponsorship is not required to apply for the scholarships.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Apr 10
Deadline
At John T. Fields & Associates, LLC, we have provided legal help to families in many different situations, including those involving domestic abuse or other forms of violence that affect spouses, children, and other family members. We understand the ways that domestic violence can impact victims, and we know how difficult it can be for a person to leave an abusive situation, seek help, and meet the ongoing needs of themselves and their children while maintaining protection against further abuse or harassment. Because of this, we work to provide opportunities for people who have been affected by domestic violence or who are looking to limit the impact of domestic violence on families in the United States.
With the John T. Fields & Associates, LLC Fight Against Domestic Violence Scholarship, we provide financial assistance to college students, helping them achieve their goals and take steps to better our society. Each semester, we offer a $2,000 scholarship to a college student who has been impacted by domestic violence in their life or who has a substantial interest in implementing solutions to these issues and protecting others against domestic abuse, harassment, and other forms of family violence.
To apply for our scholarship, please fill out the application form below and submit all required information by October 19, 2023.
If you have any questions, please reach out to us at
[email protected].
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$10,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Feb 6
Deadline
An eligible applicant is defined as a Wisconsin high school senior seeking to enroll or currently accepted as a full-time, first-year undergraduate student at an accredited Wisconsin Educational Institute starting in the fall 2023 semester. The Lois Crowe Recipient will receive a $2,500 scholarship disbursement per Fall academic year. The scholarship award may be applied to tuition & fees. All scholarship application documents are reviewed and scored by the Foundation’s Advisory Committee. Applicants are requested to volunteer academic documents to the Forest County Potawatomi Foundation for the application process and during the scholarship term.
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$2,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jan 5
Deadline
The Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs is pleased to again be able to offer scholarships to high school graduating seniors planning to pursue further education at an accredited two- or four-year institution of higher learning who are actively involved in snowmobiling. Applicant must be an individual member, or son, daughter, or legal ward of a family with a current membership in an AWSC club with two consecutive years prior membership. He or she is further required to have passed the snowmobile safety course. Two short essays are required for consideration. For more information, or to apply, please visit the scholarship provider's website.
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$5,000
Award Amount
1
Award
Jun 30
Deadline
KASF scholarships (which range from $500 to $5,000) are offered to the qualified Korean American students (including foreign students from Korea). All applicants must be enrolled in a full time program in the U.S during the scholarship application year. If extra funds are available, other students (non Koreans) may qualify for scholarships. Specifically, descendants of American veterans served during the Korean War may qualify for scholarships (applicable to selective regions).
To apply for KASF scholarships, it is very important to follow the specific requirements and instructions of the region where the applicant’s school is/will be located during the scholarship application year as the type and amount of available scholarships may differ from region to region.
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$10,000
Award Amount
3
Awards
Feb 15
Deadline
U.S. undergraduate students who are enrolled in a hospitality management program and have a grade point average of 3.0 or higher are eligible for this award. Applicants must attend and be nominated by an American Hotel and Lodging Association (AH&LA) member school.
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Cost of College in Wisconsin
Before exploring the scholarships available to Wisconsin students, it is important to understand the cost of attending college in the state. For Wisconsin residents attending UW-Madison, tuition and fees for the 2024-25 academic year will be approximately $11,606 for undergraduates. Non-residents will pay $42,104, however, if you are from neighboring Minnesota, you will only pay $16,638 in tuition and fees.
Other schools, such as UW-Milwaukee, have in-state tuition of around $10,398 and out-of-state tuition from $14,584 to $22,398. At private schools like Marquette University, tuition and fees are significantly higher, averaging $50,070 annually.
While the cost of attending college may seem steep, there are many Wisconsin scholarships and grants available to help students make education more affordable.
Wisconsin State-Funded Scholarships and Grants
Wisconsin provides various state-funded scholarships and grants to help its residents afford the high cost of college. To be considered for most state financial aid programs, you will need to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA),
Here are some of the state grant and scholarship opportunities available for Wisconsin students:
Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship
The Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship awards $2,250 per year for tuition, to top students from each high school in the state. To qualify, students must be high-achieving seniors, typically ranked in the top 1-2% of their graduating class, and planning to attend an eligible Wisconsin college or university.
Wisconsin Grant
The Wisconsin Grant is a need-based grant available to Wisconsin residents attending one of the state’s public universities or technical colleges. Grant awards vary depending on financial need with a maximum award of $3,150 per academic year.
Wisconsin Grant – Private Non-Profit
This grant is specifically designed for Wisconsin residents attending private, non-profit colleges and universities in Wisconsin. The award amount varies depending on financial need and the cost of attendance at the institution. Award amounts are set annually by the Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB)
Talent Incentive Program Grant (TIP)
The Talent Incentive Program (TIP) Grant is designed to support first-time college students who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. This need-based grant provides up to $1,800 per year for up to 10 semesters. Eligibility is determined by financial need as documented by a student’s FAFSA. For TIP awards, priority is given to first-generation college students and those with severe financial need.
Wisconsin National Guard Tuition Grant
If you are a member of the Wisconsin National Guard, you may qualify for a tuition and fee waiver of up to 100% if you plan to attend an eligible Wisconsin public college or university. This benefit is available for students pursuing their first bachelor’s degree,
Federal Grants
In addition to state grants and scholarships, Wisconsin students can apply for federal financial aid programs. These include the Pell Grant, which offers up to $7,395 in 2024-25, and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), which provides an additional $100 to $4,000 annually for qualifying low-income students. Both programs require students to submit the FAFSA and demonstrate financial need.
Institutional Scholarships and Grants at Wisconsin Colleges and Universities
Many Wisconsin institutions also offer grants and scholarships to reduce tuition costs. These scholarships are often awarded based on academic merit, financial need, or a combination of both Institutional grants and scholarships are often awarded on top of state and federal grants and scholarships you may be eligible for. Below are some examples of institutional scholarships available to Wisconsin students:
UW-Madison Chancellor’s Scholarship
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Chancellor’s Scholarship is awarded to high-achieving students from underrepresented backgrounds. The scholarship provides awards up to full tuition and fees for students attending UW-Madison. Eligible students must demonstrate both academic excellence as well as financial need.
Marquette University Merit Scholarships
Marquette University offers scholarships and grants to incoming freshmen who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and leadership skills. Award amounts do vary. To qualify for a merit scholarship at Marquette, students must have an exceptional high school GPA and test scores, along with strong extracurricular involvement.
UW-Milwaukee Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship
The Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship at UW-Milwaukee is awarded to incoming freshmen with a GPA of at least 3.5. The scholarship provides awards up to $5,000 per year and is renewable for up to four years, provided students maintain satisfactory academic progress.
Private Scholarships for Wisconsin Students
Many private organizations inside and out of Wisconsin offer scholarships to help students cover their college costs. These scholarships often target specific groups or fields of study, making it important to research options that fit your background and career interests.
Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association Scholarship
The Wisconsin Cheese Makers Association offers scholarships to students pursuing degrees in dairy science, food science, or related fields. Awards are typically up to $3,000 and are intended for students who plan to contribute to the state’s vital dairy industry.
Wisconsin 4-H Foundation Scholarship
The Wisconsin 4-H Foundation provides scholarships to students who have been active in the 4-H program and plan to attend college in Wisconsin. Scholarships vary in amount and can be used for tuition, room, and board. Applicants must demonstrate leadership, community service, and academic success.
Tips for Applying for Scholarships and Grants in Wisconsin
Securing grants and scholarships does take careful planning and effort. Here are some tips to improve your chances of success in the application process:
- Submit the FAFSA early: Many scholarships are need-based, so it is very important to complete the FAFSA as soon as possible.
- Stay organized: Keep track of deadlines, requirements, and necessary materials for each scholarship and grant program.
- Write strong personal statements: Highlight your achievements, goals, and passion for learning in your application essays.
- Secure solid letters of recommendation: Ask teachers, mentors, or community leaders who know you well to write your letters of recommendation. Make sure and ask them early in the process as they are likely receiving many requests from your peers.
- Search locally: Don’t overlook smaller scholarships offered by local organizations, schools, houses of worship, and community groups in your area.
With these strategies and the scholarships available in Wisconsin, you will be well on your way to making your college dreams more affordable!
Our Scholarships
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$1,500 – I Have a Dream
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$10,000 – Unigo $10K Award
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$1,500 – Sweet and Simple
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$2,500 – Superpower
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$3,000 – All About Education
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$1,500 – Fifth Month Scholarship
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$1,500 – Do-Over
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$1,500 – Flavor of the Month
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$1,500 – Make Me Laugh
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$1,500 – Shout It Out
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$2,000 – Zombie Apocalypse
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$5,000 – Education Matters
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$1,500 – Top Ten List
Written by Dave Moniz
✔️
Edited by Unigo Staff