Financial Aid and Scholarships: 5 Things You Should Know

A top-down view of undergraduates seated in Agricultural Hall on the first day of class.
It’s not too late for students to fill out the 2019–20 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). (Photo: Bryce Richter / UW–Madison)
  1. The Office of Student Financial Aid at UW–Madison has begun offering financial aid for the 2019–20 academic year. If your student submitted the 2019–20 FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), but hasn’t received their financial aid offer which is sent via email, your student should contact The Office of Student Financial Aid to see what may be missing. And it’s definitely not too late to apply — students can submit the 2019–20 FASFA online through Federal Student Aid website. Wondering what your student may be eligible for? Use the UW’s Net Price/Award Calculator to see an estimate.
  2. Encourage your student to explore and apply for scholarships available through the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH). Through WiSH, your student can find information about, apply to, and accept any of the various scholarship opportunities available on campus.
  3. Has your student mentioned taking classes this summer? Financial aid for Summer 2019 will be based off of the 2018–19 FAFSA, which your student should already have completed. If enrolled at least half time for Summer Term, your student will receive a notice via email of any remaining financial aid eligibility (Visit the Office of Student Financial Aid website to learn how half-time status is determined.) Students shouldn’t only depend on potential financial aid. The UW–Madison Undergraduate Scholarship for Summer Study application is now open. Encourage your student to apply. If your student recently transferred to UW–Madison, your student may also be eligible for the Transfer Scholars Summer Award.
  4. Working on campus while attending UW–Madison can be an important component of your student’s success, both now and in the future. On-campus employment helps students to get involved, meet new people, develop critical transferable and professional skills, build a professional network, and develop as an individual — all while earning income. Students can visit studentjobs.wisc.edu to find thousands of part-time employment opportunities through UW departments and local businesses and organizations. The student jobs website also helps students explore their interests and prepare for the job search and interview process.
  5. The Office of Student Financial Aid is a resource. Visit their website or connect on Facebook and Twitter: follow the accounts for important deadline reminders, scholarship recommendations, financial wellness tips, and more. Their staff is also available to set up appointments with you and your student. They also host a variety of events and drop-in hours around campus.

— Office of Student Financial Aid