Pay for College

Money matters. We’re here to help.

Attending a UW university is a big decision and a major investment. The Universities of Wisconsin can help make your college journey affordable and your cost of attendance clear and easy to understand. Nearly two-thirds of Wisconsin residents receive some type of financial aid, while more than half of other students receive some type of financial aid to help address the cost of attending a University of Wisconsin.

Cost of Attendance

The cost of attending a UW university depends on various factors including, but not limited to:

• Student type (undergraduate or graduate)
• Residency (in-state, out-of-state, international)
• How many credit hours you are enrolled in
• Whether you plan to live on campus, park on campus, or participate in a meal plan
• Which UW you plan to attend and which school/college you enroll in

Each UW university has a Net Price Calculator to help you estimate how much it will cost you to attend. If you are an undergraduate student, start by reviewing a broad overview of how to pay for a UW education.

Types of Financial Aid

Your cost of attendance will be impacted by various types of financial support that might be available. 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.
• Loans – Money you borrow, usually from the government, that has to be paid back, usually with interest.
• Scholarships – Money given to you by a university or other organization that you don’t have to pay back. Typically based on academic achievement.
• Work-Study – Awarded by the federal government based on financial need. Requires students to work part-time on campus to receive funding.

Students might have access to fees waivers based on their circumstances (such as active duty, veteran, or military-connected students). Graduate and professional students might be eligible for financial aid in the form of assistantships or fellowships. Students must complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to determine eligibility for most types of financial aid.

Visit Applying for Financial Aid to learn more.