You can potentially receive "free college" in Wisconsin primarily through the Wisconsin Tuition Promise program, which aims to cover tuition and segregated fees for eligible state residents. This program is designed to make higher education more accessible by ensuring financial barriers do not prevent students from attending University of Wisconsin System campuses.
What is the Wisconsin Tuition Promise?
The Wisconsin Tuition Promise is a financial aid program that guarantees the coverage of tuition and segregated fees for eligible Wisconsin residents attending any University of Wisconsin (UW) System campus. It acts as a "last-dollar" scholarship, meaning it covers any remaining tuition and fees after other financial aid, such as federal or state grants, has been applied.
Eligibility Requirements for the Wisconsin Tuition Promise
To qualify for the Wisconsin Tuition Promise and potentially attend a UW System school with your tuition and segregated fees covered, you must meet specific criteria:
- Wisconsin Residency: You must be a legal resident of Wisconsin.
- First-Time Degree Seeking: You need to be a student pursuing your first bachelor's or associate degree. This includes students who are transferring for the first time into a UW System institution.
- FAFSA Filing: You are required to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year you wish to receive the benefit.
- Income Threshold: For your first year of eligibility, your household's adjusted gross income (AGI) must be $62,000 or lower.
- Program Duration: Students seeking a bachelor's degree are eligible for a total of eight semesters of assistance under this program.
How the Program Works
The Wisconsin Tuition Promise is designed to fill the gap in financial aid. After you apply for federal and state grants by filing your FAFSA, the Promise program will cover any remaining tuition and segregated fees that are not already covered by these other grants. This effectively reduces your out-of-pocket cost for tuition to zero, making college significantly more affordable.
By meeting these requirements and actively participating in the application process, eligible Wisconsin residents can pursue higher education without the burden of tuition and segregated fees. For more detailed information, you can visit the UW-La Crosse Financial Aid page on the Wisconsin Tuition Promise.
