Rebecca H.

“My college experience so far has been a little different than others. Sometimes life gets in the way, so I’m no stranger to taking semesters off from school and then later returning. Receiving federal financial aid like Pell Grants has allowed me to continue my education at my own pace. If it weren’t for the extra federal support, I wouldn’t be able to pursue a career in my desired field.”


Rebecca H.
UW-Stevens Point

Rebecca H

Jessica C

“I am a senior at UW-Madison, set to graduate by May of next year. After I graduate, I have plans to attend law school and become an attorney. A key driver behind my success is the economic relief provided to me through financial aid. Without it, I would not be on the promising path I am today. At least in part, I owe my education to financial aid.”

Jessica C.
UW-Madison

Jessica C

Anne W.

“Financial aid allowed me to stay in school, helped me find a safe place to live through Residence Life, and gave me a sense of stability when my dad died. I don’t know where I would have ended up if not for the Pell grants I received.”

Anne W.
UW-Oshkosh

Anne W

Kayla C.

“As an incoming senior at UWO, I have been able to attend and be at school thanks to financial aid. As a first-generation college student, college has always felt slightly out of reach. While some of my peers go out with friends I have to work to make ends meet. Financial aid has allowed me to succeed at UWO and allowed me to explore my interests, especially in the Radio/TV/Film program. Without aid, I would not be where I am today and I am grateful for each semester I can attend. Removing a tool such as financial aid would deny people like me a chance to receive an education that can change the trajectory of their lives.”

Kayla C
UW-Oshkosh

Kayla C

Nickolas G.

“I grew up in poverty, even homeless at times as a child. Federal financial aid was the only reason I could afford higher education, which allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the economy through both labor and strategic leadership.”

Nickolas G.
UW-Milwaukee

Carol W.

“I was a Pell Grant recipient and student worker while attending UW-Platteville from 1985-1989. This investment in my education enabled me to thrive with a 30+ year career in engineering. The revenues raised by the taxes I have paid and the ability to fund my children’s education are a direct result of the investment in my education. The ROI even after the impact of inflation is significant and continues with my contributions to the greater community economic development.”

Carol W.
UW-Platteville

Carol W

Lucas C.

“Having to support myself while taking classes is extremely difficult at times, especially if I have to worry about saving money to put towards tuition. Without federal financial aid, I wouldn’t be able to continue pursuing my engineering degree.”

Lucas C.
UW-Platteville

Serena T.

“Financial aid has given me the opportunity to pursue higher education as a first-generation college student. By reducing the financial burden, it has allowed me to focus on my academic and personal growth without the constant stress of tuition and expenses. Without this support, I wouldn’t be where I am today.”

Serena T.
UW-Madison

Serena T

Kate S.

“Being able to receive federal financial aid was the deciding factor enabling me to have to opportunity to attend UW-Madison. Without the financial support, I would not have been able to afford to attend university. As a pre-med student with a lot more schooling ahead of me, being a financial aid recipient has taken so much stress off of me and given me new opportunities throughout my college journey.”

Kate S.
UW-Madison

Kate S.

Ash S.

“I would not be able to study nursing to be able to help others without federal aid. I have no family who can help pay for schooling as an independent student who has been cut off since 17.”

Ash S.
UW-Milwaukee