Financial Aid Resources

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): Completing the FAFSA is the first step toward receiving federal student aid for college. It determines a student’s eligibility for need-based federal financial aid for college, which may include loans, grants, work-study, and scholarships.

University of Wisconsin Scholarships: Every campus within the University of Wisconsin System offers scholarships. Application procedures vary; some colleges use a single application form while others require students to submit a separate application for each scholarship. Deadline: varies depending on campus

Wisconsin Private Colleges & Universities Scholarships: There can be a big difference between the published price of college tuition and what you ultimately pay. The average Wisconsin private, nonprofit college freshman financial aid package is made up of 77% grants—money you won’t have to repay—instead of loans. Deadline: varies depending on college

Wisconsin Technical Colleges Scholarships: Each Wisconsin technical college campus has a department devoted to helping its students with financial aid and scholarships. Deadline: varies depending on college

Big Future: College Board’s scholarship site. Find aid and internships for more than 2,200 programs, totaling nearly $6 billion.

CareerOneStop: Search more than 7,500 scholarships, fellowships, grants, and other financial aid award opportunities.

Fastweb: Once you complete your profile you'll have access to Fastweb's database of more than 1.5 million scholarships.

Federal Student Aid Resources: Publications, webinars, and other resources to help you prepare and pay for college.

FinAid: Search for scholarships, learn about loans, research military enlistment aid options.

Financial Resources for Veterans, Spouses, and Dependents: If you or your parent is a veteran, there are programs that may help put you through school. Also be sure to check with your college’s Veterans Office/Liaison for additional resources.

Fostered & Adopted Youth Scholarships: Focused toward youth that are or have been in foster care or were adopted.

State of Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board: Learn about grants, scholarships, and loans available to Wisconsin residents.

TIP Grants: College-bound seniors who are economically and educationally disadvantaged are encouraged to apply for TIP grants through the Wisconsin Educational Opportunity Program. TIP grants average $600 to $1,800 per year and may be renewable for up to 10 semesters. Applicants must be planning to attend a UW system school, a WI technical college, or a WI Association of Independent Private Colleges & Universities institution. Applicants must meet at least one criterion under Group A and one criterion under Group B:

Group A: FINANCIAL NEED CRITERIA (Financial contribution & student dependency status determined by FAFSA criteria):

1a. A dependent student whose Expected Parent Contribution (EFC) is $200 or less.

1b. An independent student whose expected contribution is $200 or less.

2a. A dependent student whose family is receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits.

2b. An independent student who is receiving TANF benefits.

3a. A dependent student whose parent(s) are ineligible for unemployment compensation and has/have no current income from employment.

3b. An independent student and spouse, if married, who is/are ineligible for unemployment compensation and has/have no current income from employment.

Group B: NONTRADITIONAL/DISADVANTAGED CRITERIA

1. The student is or will be enrolled in a special academic support program due to insufficient academic preparation.

2. Neither of the student’s parents graduated from a four-year college or university.

3. The student is handicapped according to the Department of Workforce Development, DVR records or the Special Needs or Disabilities Office on Wisconsin college or university campuses using the ADA definition.

4. The student is currently or was formerly incarcerated in a correctional institution.

5. The student’s environmental and academic background is such that it deters the pursuit of educational plans.

To Apply: Submit the application form, FAFSA confirmation page or the SAR (Student Aid Report), and college acceptance letter or college award notification to the Wausau DPI Office (address on application form) ASAP. Funding is limited and applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, so the sooner you apply the better.

TSF Scholarship Database: An independent service that provides free access to scholarship opportunities for aspiring and current undergraduate, graduate, and professional students.

Unigo: Fill out a free profile to discover your personalized list of possible awards.

Wisconsin Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) Education Resource Guide