Emma K.

“Federal financial aid was essential to my educational journey. It eased the financial burden on my family and made college possible for me. With this support, I was able to focus on my studies, graduate on time, and gain the skills needed for my next steps after earning my undergraduate degree. Financial aid didn’t just help cover tuition—it gave me the chance to build a future. For thousands of students like me, financial aid represents more than assistance; it’s access, opportunity, and the foundation for achieving our goals.”

Emma K.
UW-Oshkosh

Diante J.

“Throughout my time as an undergrad, I have come to truly understand and appreciate the significance of funding. Specifically, the Pell Grant has helped cover essentials such as educational materials and summer courses. Being able to fully participate in the opportunities that shape our future requires access to consistent funding. Hence, the reason why I wanted to … speak about the impact it can make in a scholar’s journey.”

Diante J.
UW-Milwaukee

Ashley E.

“Receiving the Pell Grant made college an option for me. Without it, it would have been even harder for me to afford to get a post-secondary education, as I come from a low-income family and did not receive financial support from family. I plan to use my UWL education and further education (master’s in counseling from Viterbo University) to support children affected by traumatic experiences and help them heal.”

Ashley E.
UW-La Crosse

Ashley E

Trinity L.

“Gaining a Federal Pell Grant and GI bill has helped me to succeed in school and continue getting a higher education as it helped me to be able to afford on campus housing and my tuition. Growing up with many siblings it is difficult for my parents to be able to pay for my schooling as they have many other kids that they will need to help. I was able to stay on campus and excel in my academics.” 

Trinity L.
UW-Oshkosh (Biomedical Science)

Amanda P.

“As a first-generation, low-income student, financial aid made college education possible for me. With no savings and no job in high school, affording college felt out of reach. Thanks to Pell, Wisconsin, SEOG grants, and the Fund for Wisconsin Scholars, my education at UW–Oshkosh is fully funded. This support not only removed the burden of tuition but also gave me the freedom to take on campus jobs, internships, and research opportunities.”

Amanda P.
UW-Oshkosh (BS & BSE | Political Science, Broadfield Social Science Education)

Benjamin L.

“I have used FAFSA, and it has helped me a lot with my tuition and paying for school overall. I have gotten almost a quarter of my tuition paid for this year which makes being at college less stressful. I highly recommend getting Financial aid in any way whether it is FAFSA, Pell Grants, Student loans or Scholarships. College is expensive however a college education is so important and using different scholarships, loans or federal aid help pay for your education and lower the cost of college.”

Benjamin L.
UW-Oshkosh (HR Management Major, African American Studies Minor)

Emma S.

“Federal financial aid, including the Pell Grant, has been essential in helping me pursue my college education. For the past two years and the upcoming year, this support has covered the majority of my schooling, reduced financial stress and allows me to focus on my studies. With additional grants, I’ve been able to stay on track toward graduation and explore opportunities that will shape my future career. Without this aid, attending college would have been significantly more difficult.”

Emma S.
UW-Oshkosh (Elementary Education)

Adrian M.

“The Pell Grant provided the invaluable support that allowed me to fully engage in my interdisciplinary studies and surrounding community at UWL. I am now a senior revising a journal article I am preparing to publish and am now poised to pursue law school in fall 2026. Going forward, I intend on using my education to create meaningful change through public service.”

Adrian M.
UW-La Crosse

Adrian M

Amber M.

“For each of my two years at UWM, the Pell grant has helped cover about 73% of my student tuition and fees. This financial support is the reason I stayed in-state and decided to go to university in the first place. As a first-generation college student, I cannot stress how critical this has been to the success I have found both professionally and personally as it has allowed me to focus on my education and build the confidence to pursue my goals wholeheartedly.”

Amber M.
UW-Milwaukee

Izi K.

“Being a recipient of federal financial aid has enabled me to pursue my lifelong dream of becoming a physical therapist. Without receiving federal aid, I would not be in the financial position to pursue a doctorate degree. I also know, through my work in the Office of Student Financial Aid, how Pell Grants and other forms of financial aid create opportunities that students would have never had without them. I want to ensure these same opportunities that were provided to me are provided to future students, because I know how life-changing they can be.”

Izi K.
UW-Madison (Doctor of Physical Therapy)

Izi K