The cost of tuition and how you will pay for your education is an important part of your decision. Financial aid, including grants, scholarships, military benefits, employer tuition reimbursement, and loans, can help bring your degree, certificate, or course within reach.
In this overview, we’ll walk you through tuition and financial aid—so you know what to expect and how to plan.
Tuition
You’ll pay the same tuition whether you live in Wisconsin or out of state, however, tuition varies by program.
As these are online programs, you will not pay segregated fees (fees for student services, activities, programs, and facilities). For most programs, you will not be charged additional course or program fees, or technology fees.
→ Visit your program page for specific tuition details.
Financial Aid
Financial aid may be available to you as a new or returning adult student and is awarded by your home campus; visit your program page for details. Students enrolling in certificate programs may not be eligible for all types of financial aid.
→ Your first step when applying for federal and state financial aid is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Even if you haven’t made a final decision to apply, you may want to file the FAFSA. Federal financial aid is distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Students who apply early have a better chance of receiving aid, including grant aid that does not have to be repaid.
Please check with your home campus regarding minimum credits required to qualify for financial aid as a full- or part-time student.
Ways to Pay for Your Education
As an online student, you may consider the following sources of financial aid to help with the cost of your online education:
- Grants—award is usually based on financial need. Grants, unlike loans, generally do not have to be repaid.
- Scholarships—usually based on academic merit, financial need, or other criteria, awarded by a wide range of organizations. Scholarships do not need to be repaid.
- Loans—a loan is money you borrow and must pay back with interest. Student loans are available from the federal government, private sources such as a bank or financial institution, or other sources. Federal student loans usually have lower interest rates than private loans, and offer flexible repayment plans.
- Veteran/military benefits—aid available to eligible veterans and current members of the military.
- Tuition reimbursement—a benefit offered by companies to their employees to help pay for education. Ask your human resources department if your company offers this benefit.
- Education tax benefits—research possible tax benefits with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).
→ Contact your home campus financial aid office for more specific information on eligibility and options available to you.
UW Online Collaboratives Grants and Scholarships
A variety of grant and scholarship programs are available to students enrolled in UW Online Collaborative programs. Eligibility varies by program.
Sylvia Rose Memorial Scholarship: New and continuing students in one of the UW Associate of Arts and Sciences degree programs (semester or competency-based) may be eligible for the Sylvia Rose Memorial Scholarship.
Aspire Scholarship: For new students in any UW Flexible Option or UW Online Collaboratives degree or certificate program. The goal of this scholarship is to assist in students’ success as they start their educational journey with us.
For more details, visit:
Aspire Scholarship: New students in any UW Flexible Option degree or certificate program may be eligible for the Aspire Scholarship. The goal of this scholarship is to assist in students’ success as they start their educational journey with us.
Aspire Scholarship: New students in any UW Online Collaboratives degree or certificate program may be eligible for the Aspire Scholarship. The goal of this scholarship is to assist in students’ success as they start their educational journey with us.
Sustainable Management Scholarship: New and continuing students in the UW bachelor’s or master’s degree in Sustainable Management may be eligible for the UW Sustainable Management Scholarship.
Sylvia Rose Memorial Scholarship: New and continuing students in UW Independent Learning may be eligible for the Sylvia Rose Memorial Scholarship.
Students currently enrolled in or withdrawn from a semester-based UW Online Collaboratives program may be eligible for a grant or scholarship to help with tuition balances and emergencies.
