Financial Aid

Introduction

Students and parents, this is most important information regarding scholarships and financial aid.

There are several sources to assist you in financing your post high school education or training.

1. PARENTS - Under State and Federal guidelines you are the prime resource for funding.
2. SENIORS - Your savings and assets, along with your summer earnings are a vital resource.
3. GOVERNMENTAL AGENCIES - The theory of financial assistance at the State and Federal Government levels is to provide support in the form of a gift and/or self help nature (loans and/or jobs) to fill in the gap between the family’s ability to pay and the total cost of education.
   1. Loans
   2. Grants
   3. Work Study
4. SCHOLARSHIPS - Continue to pay particular attention to the Scholarship Board that is read periodically and posted in the Student Services office. These notices still provide the most current information on scholarships available for academic achievement. Scholarships are gift aid and do not need to be repaid.
   1. This publication is only a guide and lists those scholarships that are usually sent to the Student Services office.
   2. Students should also check with their parent’s employer who offers scholarships to employees’ children.
   3. MILITARY
      1. ROTC (4, 3 1/2, 3 years) – Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines have scholarships which cover tuition, books and supplies, ACT or SAT required prior to December. $100/month subsistence allowance. Military obligation required after graduation.
      2. ROTC Nursing
      3. Academies – Selection to West Point, Annapolis & Air Force academies based on appointment from senators or U.S. Congressmen.
      4. Others – Reserves and National Guard
   4. Many students receive advertisements in the mail regarding scholarship search services. Be very cautious about their “promises”. See your counselor with questions.

Wisconsin Financial Aid Programs

Students applying for financial aid from the State of Wisconsin must use the common federal forms. Students must be Wisconsin residents to be considered for financial aid from the State of Wisconsin; they may require verification of residency status.

Wisconsin High Education Grant (WHEG) (608) 266-0888

This is an undergraduate grant program administered by the Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB) and open to Wisconsin residents enrolled at least half-time at the University of Wisconsin school and the technical colleges. All WHEG awards are based on student financial need.

Talent Incentive Program (TIP) (920) 492-5749

The purpose of TIP is to provide grants to several needy non-traditional students. The program is open to freshmen and to upperclassmen who continue to be enrolled and have financial need. Additional information is available from the Wisconsin Educational Opportunity Program (WEOP) at 2140 Holmgren Way, Suite 0400, Green Bay, WI 54304.

Wisconsin Tuition Grant (WTG) (608) 267-2206

This is an undergraduate grant program open to students enrolled in independent, non-profit institutions in Wisconsin. All awards are based on financial need and the difference between the tuition actually paid by the student and the tuition which would have been paid if the student attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. www.heab.state.wi.us.

Visual and Hearing Impaired Program (608) 266-0888

The purpose of this program is to provide grants for undergraduate study to Wisconsin residents who are legally deaf or blind. To be eligible for a grant, the student must have the financial need as determined by the institution the student attends. If the impairment prevents the student from studying in a Wisconsin institution, he or she may attend an out-of-state institution that specializes in teaching the blind and deaf.

WI Native American Student Grant (608) 266-0888

Awards under this program are made to Wisconsin residents who have at least twenty-five percent (25 %) Native American heritage. Applicants must attend a Wisconsin institution, either public, independent, or proprietary. Awards are made to graduate students as well as undergraduates. Application is made by the student through use of a joint HEAB-BIA Tribal form in addition to the needs analysis form.

MN-WI Reciprocity Program (608) 267-2209

Wisconsin residents may attend a Minnesota public college or university and pay the reciprocity tuition charged by that institution. Reciprocity tuition is defined as the average tuition that would have been charged the applicant at a similar post-secondary institution and in a similar program in his or her home state. An application provided by HEAB must be filed when the student begins his or her Minnesota program. A separate agreement between the two states allows Wisconsin residents to attend Minnesota technical colleges and pay Minnesota resident tuition. Students must notify the Minnesota technical college that they intend to participate in the program.

Federal Financial Aid Programs

• PELL GRANT - A federal grant designed for student's who have the most need. Eligibility and size of the grant are determined through a complex formula based on financial information submitted by the student.
• SEOG – The Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. Federal money sent to the colleges to be distributed to needy students on a government formula.
• STAFFORD LOAN – Formerly the Guaranteed Student Loan or GSL. Loans are interest free until six months after leaving school.
• PERKINS LOAN – Loan made by colleges, from money allocated by the government, to students who show exceptional need. Repayment begins nine months after leaving school.
• PLUS LOAN – Loan to parents of dependent students, up to the cost of education minus other financial aid per student per year. Parents who qualify pay only interest until student leaves school. Interest rate tied to 52 week Treasury bills.