Financial Resources
A Guide to Financial Aid, Tuition, and Billing
Navigating the financial aspects of college can be a daunting task, but understanding your options is key to achieving academic success. This section is designed to provide essential information on financial aid opportunities, tuition payment options, and resources to help you and your student manage finances effectively while on campus.
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Financial Aid (Loans, Grants, and Scholarships)
In addition to federal financial aid, students have access to other forms of financial assistance, including loans, grants, and scholarships.
Office of Student Financial Aid
The Office of Student Financial Aid helps students finance their college education through grants, loans, scholarships, work-study programs, and part-time employment opportunities. Here’s what they do:
- Process the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and determine eligibility.
- Apply financial aid to the student’s account.
- Make adjustments if needed.
- Offer advice on money management.
How Financial Aid Works 📄
- Aid is applied directly to the student’s account to cover tuition and most fees (housing, dining, eTextbooks).
- If there’s extra money after bills are paid, the student gets a refund.
Loans and Grants
- Loans and grants start applying about one week before each semester begins.
Private Scholarship Checks
- Private scholarships: Most checks go straight to the Bursar’s Office.
- If your student receives a check, they should deliver it to the Bursar’s Office along with any accompanying paperwork.
- Make sure the check includes:
- Student’s name
- Campus ID number
- Note that it’s for a scholarship
UW Scholarships
- UW–Madison scholarships are sent directly to the Bursar’s Office and applied to the student’s account.
Tip for Parents ✅: Encourage your student to check their account regularly and set up direct deposit for refunds.
Tuition, Bills, and Payments
At UW–Madison, tuition and housing are combined into one bill from the Bursar’s Office for easy payment.
- The UW System Board of Regents sets tuition rates.
- The Bursar’s Office calculates each student’s tuition based on factors such as the number of credits.
- Students can see their bill in MyUW → Student Center → Financial Account.
Students also pay segregated fees each term. These fund campus services and activities, such as:
- University Health Services
- Recreation & Wellbeing
- Wisconsin Union
- Student bus passes
- Student organizations
Students using state or federal GI Bill® benefits must meet with University Veteran Services (UVS) to confirm coverage and eligibility.
Bursar’s Office
Handles billing and payments for student accounts:
- Issues refunds if there’s extra money after charges are paid.
- Sends the eBill (electronic bill)
- Applies payments, loans, grants, and scholarships
Wisconsin Residency
- Students who qualify as Wisconsin residents pay lower tuition.
- Contact Residence Specialists in the Office of the Registrar with questions.
Minnesota Wisconsin Tuition Reciprocity
- Students who qualify as Wisconsin residents pay lower tuition.
- Contact Residence Specialists in the Office of the Registrar with questions.
Parent Access to Student Bill
- Students need to set up parents as Authorized Payers for parents to be able to view and pay the eBill.
Student Account Bill and Due Date
- eBills are posted before the term begins in MyUW → Student Center → Financial Account → Manage My Payment.
- Tuition is due the second Friday after the term starts.
Paying for University Housing
- University Housing charges are included on the tuition bill
Accepted Payment Methods
- ePayments (online) – fastest and safest
- Check by mail:
- Payable to UW–Madison
- Include student name & Campus ID
- Mail to: Bursar’s Office, 333 East Campus Mall, #10501, Madison, WI 53715-1383
- Must arrive by the due date
- International students: Pay via Convera or Flywire
Third-Party Payments
If a company, agency, or UW–Madison department pays tuition:
- Submit written authorization for third-party payments to the Bursar’s Office before the due date.
- The student is responsible for any remaining balance.
- If the third party doesn’t pay, then the student is responsible for the full amount.
Student Account Refunds
If there’s extra money after charges:
- eRefund (direct deposit) – fastest
- Paper check – mailed weekly
- Parent PLUS loan refunds go to the parent
Students can sign up for eRefund in MyUW → Student Center → Financial Account.
Tip for Parents ✅: Encourage your student to set up Authorized Payer access and eRefund for faster processing.
On Campus Finances
Your student’s Wiscard is more than just an ID; it’s their key to campus access and a convenient way to manage campus expenses.
Wiscard
The Wiscard is your student’s official UW–Madison photo ID. It provides access to libraries, recreation facilities, Wisconsin Union spaces, and residence halls for on-campus students.
Students should get their Wiscard at SOAR or after enrolling by visiting the Wiscard Office in Union South (Room 149) with a valid government-issued photo ID (passport or driver’s license). Lost or stolen cards incur a $25 replacement fee.
Adding Funds
Funds can be added:
- Online
- At the Wiscard Office (cash, check, credit card)
- At the Housing Dining Administrative Office in Gordon Dining & Event Center
Using the Wiscard
Beyond serving as an ID and key card, the Wiscard is a secure, money-saving way to pay on campus. Students get discounts at:
- University Housing dining
- Babcock Hall Dairy Store
- Wisconsin Union dining locations
It can also be used for textbooks, school supplies, laundry, vending, printing, computer supplies, convenience items, recreation, and campus entertainment.
Note: The Wiscard cannot be used to pay tuition or housing bills.
Student Employment
Working part-time can help your student succeed by building connections, learning new skills, and gaining valuable professional experience. Popular campus employers include the Wisconsin Union, University Recreation & Wellbeing, and University Housing & Dining. Encourage your student to explore thousands of opportunities both on campus and in the Madison community.
Financial Assistance
Beyond the costs of tuition and books, day-to-day expenses such as food, clothing, and rent can make it challenging for students to live comfortably. Campus organizations offer resources to provide assistance and support.
Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH)
WiSH helps students find, apply for, and accept scholarships at UW–Madison.
- Students log in with their NetID and complete a general application.
- WiSH matches them to open scholarships.
Tip for Parents ✅: Encourage your student to check WiSH often throughout the year.
Basic Needs Resources
The Basic Needs Team connects students to resources for food, housing, and insurance, supporting their overall wellness.
- Help includes programs like FoodShare and local food pantries.
- Basic Needs Assistants are available to guide students.
Crisis Loans
The Office of Student Assistance and Support (OSAS) offers short-term loans or grants (usually under $500) to students facing unexpected financial hardship.
- Students apply online.
- A staff member will follow up to discuss the application.
Badger FARE
OSAS also supports students experiencing food insecurity by providing:
- $75 in Wiscard funds for campus food purchases (once per academic year).
- Additional help may be available on a case-by-case basis in the next semester.
The Open Seat Food Pantry
The Open Seat is a student-run pantry offering nonperishable food, bread, and fresh produce. All students with a Wiscard are welcome.
