Overview
Pay for College
Money matters. We’re here to help. A college degree is a big investment—and we are committed to making it affordable, transparent, and within reach. Nearly two-thirds of Wisconsin residents and over half of all UW students receive some form of financial aid.
Cost of Attendance
Your cost of attendance depends on several factors including:
- Whether you are an undergraduate or graduate student
- Your residency status (in-state, out-of-state, international)
- How many credit hours you are enrolled in
- Whether you will live or park on campus, or have a meal plan
- Which UW university and program you enroll in
Each UW university has a Net Price Calculator to help you estimate how much it will cost you to attend.
Types of Financial Aid
Depending on your personal financial situation, you may have access to:
- Grants – Money given to you, usually by the government, that you don’t have to pay back. Typically based on financial need.
- Scholarships – Money given to you by a university or other organization that you don’t have to pay back. Typically based on academic achievement.
- Loans – Money you borrow, usually from the government, that has to be paid back, usually with interest.
- Work-Study – Awarded by the federal government based on financial need. Requires students to work part-time on campus to receive funding.
- Assistantships and Fellowships – Financial aid for graduate and professional students.
- Fee Waivers – Students may be eligible for fee waivers based on their circumstances, such as active duty, veteran, or military-connected status.
To be considered for most types of aid, complete the FAFSA. Visit Applying for Financial Aid to learn more.