“Coming from a low-income household, college always felt just out of reach. That changed when I received my financial aid package and saw the Pell Grant would help cover most of the cost. Without that support, I truly wouldn’t have been able to attend. Financial aid allowed me to focus on my education instead of worrying about how to afford it. I got involved on campus, earned both my undergraduate and graduate degrees, and found my path in higher education. My time at UW-Oshkosh shaped who I am today, and I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities it gave me.”

Clara H.
UW-Oshkosh (Human Services program and Educational Leadership Master’s program)

“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

“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)

“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)

“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)

“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)

“When I started college, I was worried about how I would manage all the expenses. Applying for FAFSA each year and receiving loans helped ease much of that financial stress, allowing me to focus on my academics. This support made it possible for me to purchase required textbooks, cover room and board, and maintain a meal plan. It also allowed me to pay for a class that was necessary for earning my certificate, which I may not have been able to afford otherwise.”

Hannah K.
UW-Oshkosh (Elementary Education)