Wisconsin Student Grants for College

Fund Your Education with Free Grant Money

Higher education places extraordinary financial burdens on high school graduates matriculating to colleges and universities.  In fact, most college students require assistance paying for school – in the form of grants, loans, and scholarships. Grants and scholarships provide gift-aid, that does not require repayment, so these forms of student assistance are go-to resources for educational funding.

High-achievers in athletics and academics benefit from scholarship programs that reward performance.  Grants, on the other hand, are often aimed at the entire student body, providing financial assistance for the neediest applicants.  In Wisconsin, college students enjoy access to a stable of state and federal grant programs, outlined below.

Finding Grants and Scholarships in Wisconsin

The State of Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids  Board coordinates financial aid within the state, and offers grants to qualified applicants attending state universities. HEAB also recognizes some students with merit-based awards called Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarships.  Full-time enrollment earns qualified participants as much as $2200 each.

Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium

The WPGC grant is for students enrolled in undergraduate programs, pursing aerospace science degrees. The funding applies to diverse academic majors like physics, chemistry, biology, economics, business, and art. Up to $1,500, per academic year, is awarded to each qualified student who meets the following requirements:

• Must be a resident of the state of Wisconsin
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be an entering freshman
• High school GPA must be between 3.5 and 4.0
• Minimum ACT composite test score of 25, or 1500 for SAT

Wisconsin Higher Education Grant

Wisconsin Higher Education Grants are provided for students enrolled in undergraduate programs at specific state schools. The maximum amount of each award is $3,000 per school year. Requirements for participating in the state-sponsored grant program include:

• Must be a Wisconsin resident
• Must be enrolled at least half time in a degree or certificate program
• Must attend the University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Technical College, or a Tribal Institution

To apply for this grant, visit the state financial assistance website, where you’ll find contact information for each eligible school. In addition to applying for state aid, each candidate must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Talent Incentive Program Grant

The TIP grant is awarded to Wisconsin’s most financially needy applicants – those coming from circumstances of economic disadvantage.  The initial award amount varies between $600 and $1,800, with continuation awards valued at $250 each. Eligibility requirements for this grant are:

• Must be a resident of the state of Wisconsin
• Must be nominated by the school’s Financial Aid office
• Must be pursuing first degree
• To receive the continuation award, financial need must be demonstrated.

Federal Pell Grant

Pell Grant is a stalwart federal financial aid initiative that helps low and middle-income families pay for college. Pell Grants are sought by residents of all states, including Wisconsin’s eligible applicants. Eligible students receive up to $5,500 each, per academic semester, from the Pell Grant program. To qualify for a Pell Grant, the following requirements must be met by applicants:

• Demonstrate a need for the award
• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Have a valid social security number
• Show academic progress

Lawton Grant

The Lawton Undergraduate Retention Grant is reserved for minorities. Students receive up to $2,500 per year, for up to 8 semesters, or a maximum total grant of $10,000, whichever comes first. Eligibility requirements for Lawton Grants include:

• Already applied for Financial Aid
• Resident of Wisconsin or Minnesota
• African American, Asian, Hispanic, or American Indian heritage
• Have an established financial need for the award
• Must be a Junior or Senior studying Business
• Must complete at least 6 credits per term

When applicable, minority students should also consider the Minority Undergraduate Retention Grant, the Indian Student Assistance Grant, and the Female Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Grant.

Hearing and Visually Handicapped Student Grant

This grant can be used at in-state institutions, as well as approved out of state universities. Funding is intended for those who suffer from severe hearing and/or visual impairment that make college challenging. Grant candidates are eligible for up to $1,800 each, per academic  year.  Eligibility requirements include:

• Proof of Disability
• Be at least 18 years of age
• Have proven need for financial assistance
• Enrolled at least part-time
• Prove the need for continuation of the grant

Wisconsin Tuition Grant

To be eligible for a WTG, students must be enrolled at private educational institutions. The awards are distributed based on financial need, and available funding. Other requirements include:

• Eligibility does not exceed 10 semesters
• Must apply for other forms of Financial Aid
• Financial need for the award
• U.S. citizen
• Resident of the state of Wisconsin
• Enrolled at least half time in an approved school

Wisconsin National Guard Tuition Program

This grant is given to members of the Wisconsin National Guard who meet certain qualifications.

• Must be a member of the Wisconsin National Guard
• Must be working towards a Baccalaureate degree

The award can be renewed for up to 8 semesters.

Iraq & Afghanistan Service Grant

Another grant reserved for members of the military is the Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant. This grant is worth as much as $5,500, to each qualified applicant. To remain eligible, students applying for this grant meet these conditions:

• Applied for a Pell Grant
• Parent died as a result of war in Iraq/Afghanistan
• Enrolled in college at least part-time at the time of death
• Must be 24 years of age or under
• U.S. Citizen

Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant Program (FSEOG)

This grant is available for Pell Grant recipients who demonstrate the greatest levels of financial need, paying for college. Between $100 and $4,000 is allocated for each eligible student receiving this grant award. To receive the FSEOG Grant the following requirements must be met:

• U.S. Citizen
• Demonstrated financial need
• Received a Pell Grant
• 18 years of age or older

TEACH Grant Program

For Wisconsin students pursuing teaching credentials, the TEACH Grant offers an opportunity to secure up to $4,000 worth of financial assistance, each semester. This grant was established in 2007, to address shortages of qualified educators, in certain regions. To qualify for a TEACH Grant, each candidate must meet the following eligibility requirements:

• Must agree to serve as a full time teacher in a high needs school
• Must provide 4 years of service within the 8 year time-frame after completing school
• Must be a U.S. Citizen
• Enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student, at a post secondary educational institution that participates in the TEACH Grant Program.
• Sign a TEACH service agreement
• Score a 75% or better on a college admissions test

SMART Grant

The SMART Grant is available for college juniors and seniors, and serves as a continuation of a similar program, called ACG, which addresses tuition needs for freshmen and sophomores.

Students eligible for SMART Grants are majoring in physical, life, or computer sciences, mathematics, technology, engineering or critical foreign languages. Other requirements include:

• Must be a U.S. citizen
• Must be approved for a Federal Pell Grant
• Must maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher, prior to receiving the grant
• Satisfactory academic progress after receiving the grant