2008-2009 Undergraduate
FINANCIAL AID
How and When to Apply for Aid
Your E-mail and Address
How We Calculate Your Financial Need
Your Cost of Attendance
Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
Meeting Your Financial Need
Financial Aid Changes and Appeals
Types of Aid
Scholarships
Student Employment
Short-Term Loans
Counseling
Other Types of Assistance
Financial Aid Eligibility
Student Consumer Information
Office of Student Financial Services
The mission of the Office of Student Financial Services is to help you and your family with the cost of attending University of Wisconsin-Madison. The financial aid offered through our office includes grants, work-study, and loans. The funds for these programs come from the federal government, the State of Wisconsin, and the university. We offer money management and debt counseling and information on other kinds of financial aid, such as scholarships and student employment.
How and When to Apply for Aid
We recommend that you complete your application as early in the year as possible to make sure you are considered for all funds.
All applicants must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), available online at fafsa.ed.gov, as soon as possible after January 1, 2008. Use UW-Madison’s school code 003895. After we receive your FAFSA we may request other information from you, such as 2007 federal tax returns. The best way to check the progress of your aid application is to check your status in the Student Center on My UW-Madison at http://my.wisc.edu.
Special Students are not eligible for aid from our office, except EDCS and UNRS students, who may qualify for Federal Stafford Loan and Federal Work-Study.
Summer Aid: If you wish to apply for summer financial aid, go to My UW-Madison (http://my.wisc.edu) and click on "Student Center." In the "Finances" section find "View Financial Aid," select aid year 2009, and click on "Summer Application." Try to submit all your 2008-09 forms by late April. In order to be eligible for summer financial aid you must be enrolled half-time in a session at least four weeks in length. Types of aid available during the summer are usually limited to Federal Work-Study, Federal Stafford Loan, Federal PLUS Loan, and in a few cases, Federal Pell Grant. If you receive a Stafford Loan during the summer it may affect the maximum amount of loan you can borrow during the following school year.
Note: Financial aid is awarded on an annual basis so you must reapply every year.
Your E-mail and Address
Our office will correspond with you at your "wisc.edu" e-mail address, or at your MAILING address if you have no e-mail address. Be sure to keep both addresses current at My UW-Madison, http://my.wisc.edu.
How We Calculate Your Financial Need
The information on your FAFSA is analyzed by the Federal Student Aid Program and then reviewed for accuracy by our office. All the information you provide to us is kept confidential and is used only as necessary to calculate your financial aid.
For financial aid purposes, "need" is defined as the difference between your cost of attendance (as determined by the university) and your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is calculated from the information you provided on your FAFSA.
Your Cost of Attendance
Although the cost of attending UW-Madison will vary among all students, the university bases its financial aid packages on cost estimates or "budgets." Following are the estimated average costs used for an unmarried undergraduate for the 2008-09 academic year.
| Wisconsin Resident | Non-Resident | Minnesota Resident | |
| Tuition and Fees | $7,530 | $21,780 | $9,230 |
| Books and Supplies | 990 | 990 | 990 |
| Room and Board | 7,700 | 7,700 | 7,700 |
| Miscellaneous | 2,210 | 2,210 | 2,210 |
| Travel | 560 | 560 | 930 |
| TOTAL | $18,990 | $33,240 | $21,060 |
- Residency for tuition purposes is determined only by the residence examiner in the Registrar's Office.
- Most nonresidents receive an extra travel allowance.
- Students in certain academic majors have extra course-related allowances.
Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
It is a basic assumption of the federal financial aid programs that you and your family bear the main responsibility for paying college expenses. When the federal processor analyzes your FAFSA they calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)—a measure of your family’s financial strength. This includes income, assets and debts, family size, number of children in college, and other factors. The EFC also takes into account your own income and assets.
Note About Independent Status: For financial aid purposes, you can be considered independent only if you meet one of the federal criteria listed below. Even if you are not supported by your parents or claimed as a dependent on your parent’s tax forms, you will only be considered independent for the 2008-09 aid year if you:
- are 24 years of age or older by December 31, 2008; or
- are an orphan or ward of the court; or
- are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces; or
- are currently on active duty for purposes other than training
- are a graduate or professional student; or
- are married; or
- have legal dependents other than a spouse.
Meeting Your Financial Need
Our office makes every effort to meet your financial need. In many cases there are not enough funds to meet the full need, especially for non-resident students. You may only be eligible for a standard amount of Federal Stafford Loan based on your grade level ($3,500 maximum for freshmen). You may need to rely on private or merit scholarships, Federal PLUS loans, or private alternative loans to supplement your aid package.
Your Financial Aid Award Offer
You will receive your 2008-09 award offer at your "wisc.edu" e-mail address. If you have completed your aid application and sent us all requested information, you can expect to receive an award offer as follows:
| Before early March | By May 1 |
| Early March and later | Several weeks after file completed |
Financial Aid Changes and Appeals
If you would like us to reconsider your financial aid application, you may send a letter of appeal to our office. Appeals are usually successful only if your or your family’s income or expenses have changed dramatically since your original application. Likewise, if there are changes in your financial situation, such as a receipt of a scholarship, it is your responsibility to let our office know. We will send you an award revision if we need to make any changes to your original award.
Types of Aid
When you apply for financial aid through our office you will be considered for the following types of aid. Because some funds may be depleted part way into the year, it is always best to apply as early as possible.
Federal Pell Grant: Amounts up to $4,800 based on need as determined by the Federal Pell Grant Program.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG): Based on need (and availability of funds) as determined by our office.
Wisconsin Higher Education Grant (WHEG): Based on need (and availability of funds) as determined by our office.
University Gift and Trust Funds:Donors make many bequests to the university to assist needy students. These grant funds are given in varying amounts on the basis of financial need as determined by our office.
Federal Perkins Loan:Amounts vary by grade level and need, usually between $200 and $2,800 per year, with a $20,000 cumulative undergraduate maximum. Interest is 5%, and neither interest nor payments begin until nine months after the student is no longer enrolled at least half-time. Borrowers must sign a promissory note. Based on financial need as determined by our office and on fund availability.
Nursing Student Loan (NSL):A federal loan program for nursing students. Awards range from $100 to $2,500 for the first two years, and up to $4,000 per year in subsequent years, with a cumulative maximum of $13,000. Interest is 5%, and neither interest nor payments begin until the student is no longer enrolled at least half-time in the School of Nursing.
Federal Work-Study (FWS):This program assists students looking for employment, either on campus or in a nonprofit agency. The amounts students can earn usually range from $500 to $2,500 per school year and are based on financial need as determined by our office and on fund availability. Students receive a work-study paycheck every two weeks.
Federal Stafford Loan:Undergraduates who qualify can borrow up to $3,500 per year for their freshman year, up to $4,500 for their sophomore year, and up to $5,500 per year for three additional years, with a $23,000 cumulative undergraduate maximum. First-time borrowers are required to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Stafford Loan entrance counseling when the loan is accepted. These funds are obtained through banks and are guaranteed, or insured, by state or private agencies. Eligibility is based on financial need as determined by our office. For all new loans disbursed after July 1, 2007, the interest rate is fixed at 6.8%. Neither interest nor principal payments begin until six months after the borrower is no longer enrolled at least half-time. Up to a 3% origination fee, assessed by the federal government, may be deducted from the loan funds.
Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan:This loan has the same terms and conditions as the Federal Stafford Loan except that interest accrues on the loan while the student is in school. Eligibility is not based on financial need. Dependent students may receive both subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford Loans, totaling up to the above Stafford limits, if they do not qualify for the full amount of the subsidized Stafford Loan. Independent students may receive unsubsidized loans of up to $4,000 per year for the freshman and sophomore years and up to $5,000 per year for any remaining undergraduate years, in addition to any subsidized Stafford Loan.
More detailed information about these aid programs will be sent to you if they are part of your aid package, including (1) how funds will be disbursed, (2) the terms of any loan received and sample repayment schedules, (3) the general conditions and terms applicable to any work-study employment, and (4) the responsibilities involved in accepting any type of aid.
Scholarships
The university offers a number of scholarships for both incoming freshmen and continuing undergraduates. These scholarships are generally offered in recognition of academic merit, athletic ability, and artistic talent. For incoming freshmen, a scholarship is usually awarded based on outstanding high school performance. No special application is required. For returning students, scholarships are usually awarded based on academic record and/or outstanding ability in a particular field, generally without regard to financial need. Most of the schools/colleges and some individual departments within the university award scholarships to students studying within their programs. For more information on these scholarships, contact the specific school/college or department directly. For general information on scholarships at the university, visit our Web site at www.finaid.wisc.edu and click on "Undergraduate Scholarships."
If you would like information about other possible scholarships, there are a number of Web sites that offer free scholarship information. Two of the best are www.fastweb.com and www.finaid.org. Also, there is information on non-university scholarships on the "Scholarship Information Board," found under "Undergraduate Scholarships" on our Web site (www.finaid.wisc.edu). Other sources for non-university scholarships include high school guidance counselors, civic or church groups, labor unions, PTAs, or parents’ employers.
Student Employment
Although Federal Work-Study positions are offered to some students as part of their financial aid package, there are many other job opportunities advertised through the UW Student Job Center, lower level at 432 N. Murray St. Both on- and off-campus job openings are posted daily on the Job Center's Web site: http://jobcenter.wisc.edu. These jobs are open to all students and their spouses. In addition, the Memorial Union, Union South, University Hospital and Clinics, University Housing, and campus libraries all hire many student employees each semester.
Short-Term Loans
We offer short-term loans on a limited basis to students registered in a current session. These loans are only given to help in unanticipated emergency situations and must be repaid within the semester they are borrowed. To be considered for a short-term loan you must make an appointment with a financial aid counselor. Students enrolled in the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, the School of Pharmacy, the School of Human Ecology, or the College of Engineering must apply for a short-term loan through those schools rather than our office.
Counseling
Many financial aid questions can be answered by our front desk staff, but in some cases it is helpful to see a financial aid counselor. Counseling is available if you need more information about financial assistance, choosing a loan, employment, personal budgeting, or debt management. Our financial aid counselors are available Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on an appointment basis.
Other Types of Assistance
Students may be eligible for some of the following other types of assistance. Application procedures vary for each program.
Federal PLUS Loans (Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students): These are loans for parents of dependent undergraduates and are based on the parent’s credit. Parents may borrow up to the student’s cost of education minus other financial aid. Parents should go to our Web site, www.finaid.wisc.edu, to complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) online. Parents will be asked to choose a lender and a credit decision will usually be made immediately. For all new loans disbursed after July 1, 2006, the interest rate is fixed at 8.5%. Repayment begins sixty days after the loan is fully disbursed unless the borrower qualifies for a deferment.
Alternative Loans: These are loans which are offered through private lenders and are meant to provide additional college funding only after a student and his/her family have exhausted all other sources of funding, such as federal and state aid. These loans are not guaranteed by the federal government and may carry high interest rates and origination fees. These loans will require a credit check, and most will require a co-signer if the borrower has little or negative credit history. Visit our Web site for more information about choosing a lender or a loan program.
Lawton Undergraduate Minority Retention Grant: Grants of up to about $3,000 per year, based on financial need, for Wisconsin or Minnesota resident African American, Hispanic, American Indian, Cambodian, Laotian, and Vietnamese sophomores, juniors, and seniors who have grade-point averages of at least 2.0. To apply, contact your school/college minority program coordinator, and follow the procedures described under "How and When to Apply" in this brochure.
Talent Incentive Program Grant: These grants are made possible by the Wisconsin State Legislature. The student must be a Wisconsin resident and certified as eligible by the Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board.
FASTrack (Financial Aid Security Track) Program assists economically disadvantaged Wisconsin undergraduates in paying for college through a combination of grants, work, and small loans. The program assures that a student’s financial need will be met each year for four years. Single, financially dependent students are considered for the program based on the family’s current and past financial situation and need for aid. Both work and borrowing are minimized to reduce the student’s financial burden. All students who apply for aid are considered for FASTrack—there is no special application. Qualifying students are selected by our office.
BANNER (Badger Aid for Non-Residents) is a program designed to help low-income non-resident students pay for college through grants, loans, and work. The program strives to meet a student’s full financial need each year for four years. Single, financially dependent students are considered for the program based on the family’s financial situation (current and past) and financial need as calculated by our office and funding availability. We consider all non-resident undergraduates who apply for aid through our office for BANNER—there is no special application. Qualifying students are selected by our office.
Academic Competitiveness (AC) Grant: This grant is available for Pell-eligible students who are full-time and are in their first or second academic year. These students must have completed a rigorous high school program of study and graduated high school on or after January 1, 2005. Second-year AC Grant recipients must have a grade point average of at least 3.0 from their first year. At the time of printing, first-year AC Grant students are eligible for up to $750 and second-year students are eligible for up to $1,300. There is no special application for the grant—qualifying students are identified by our office.
National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grants: This grant is available to Pell-eligible students who attend full time and are in their third and fourth academic year of a four-year degree program. They must have and maintain a 3.0 grade point average each term of eligibility. An eligible student must have declared a major such as mathematics, sciences, engineering or a critical foreign language. For specific eligible majors see our Web site at the time of printing. Annual SMART Grants are $4,000. There is no special application for the grant—qualifying students are identified by our office.
Veterans: There are several aid programs available to help veterans meet their educational expenses. Veterans may qualify for monthly benefits, long-term loans, or grants. For further information contact the Vets Information Center, 714 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, 608/263-3456.
Students with Disabilities: Students with disabilities may be eligible for tuition and book funding through a grant from the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR). Visit their Web site, www.dwd.state.wi.us/dvr. For information regarding disability-related services and programs on the UW-Madison campus, contact either the DVR office or the McBurney Disability Resource Center, 1305 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, 608/263-2741.
Bureau of Indian Affairs Grant (BIA): Grants are available to full-time students who are also members of a federally recognized Indian tribe. The amount is based on financial need as determined by our office. These grants replace some or all of the loan or work-study portion in a student’s aid package. For further information contact us or the respective tribal government.
Wisconsin Indian Grant (WIG): Grants are available to students who are both Wisconsin residents and American Indians. The amount is based on financial need as determined by our office. Contact us for more information.
Child-Care Tuition Assistance Program: Students with children may qualify for up to $1,400 per academic year to assist in paying child-care costs. Eligibility is based on financial need, but unlike many other financial aid programs, all students, including Special students, those enrolled less than half-time, international students, and others, are potentially eligible. Applications are available from our office.
Financial Aid Eligibility
In order to receive funds through the Office of Student Financial Services you must:
- be a citizen or permanent resident of the United States (international students are not eligible for any aid through our office);
- have a valid Social Security number;
- be in compliance with Selective Service registration;
- be admitted to UW-Madison in a degree program (see section on Special students);
- demonstrate financial need as determined by the Office of Student Financial Services (except for Federal Unsubsidized Stafford, PLUS, and alternative loans);
- maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by our office and by your academic college or school;
- carry a minimum of 6 credits per semester (at least half-time status);
- meet the eligibility requirements of each of the aid programs you accept;
- not be in default on any educational loan, not show an unwillingness to repay any educational loan, and not owe any refund on a grant or loan;
- have no convictions for the sale or possession of illegal drugs while receiving financial aid (depending on the date of conviction, you may be ineligible for federal student aid); and
- not be delinquent in payments of court-ordered child support and/or maintenance (applies to State of Wisconsin controlled grants and scholarships).
Student Consumer Information
- Data on student-retention rates are available from the Office of the Registrar, www.registrar.wisc.edu.
- Information on academic programs, faculty, and physical facilities is available in the Undergraduate Catalog.
- Information regarding university accreditation, such as that by the North Central Association, may be obtained from the Academic Planning and Analysis Office in the Office of the Provost, 170 Bascom Hall.
- The university tuition refund policy for withdrawal from classes is available on the "Tuition and Fees" link on the Office of the Registrar’s Web site (registrar.wisc.edu). Students with financial aid who withdraw will be required to return any tuition refund to the university’s financial aid accounts.
- Students who withdraw from the university may have to repay a portion of their award to the university. The exact amount of repayment will vary depending on when the withdrawal occurs. Any tuition refund to the student will automatically be applied to the amount that must be repaid.
- Criteria used to determine whether a student is maintaining satisfactory academic progress (SAP) are available in the "Student Award Guide" on our Web site. Essentially, students are allowed to enroll for a maximum of 150% of the number of degree credits needed to complete the program, and must maintain a successful degree credit completion rate of two-thirds of all credits for which they have enrolled. They must also have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 at the end of their second academic year. This applies to all semesters during which the student is enrolled, not just those during which aid is received.
The information in this brochure is the most accurate
available at the time of publication, and is subject to change at any
time without notice.
In conformance with applicable federal and state law and with university policy, UW-Madison does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sexual orientation, arrest or conviction record, marital status, handicap, political affiliation, or veteran's status with regard to treatment of employees and students in educational programs or activities which it operates. Inquiries concerning this policy may be directed to the appropriate campus admitting or employing unit or to the Office for Equity and Diversity, 179A Bascom Hall, 608/263-2378, http://oed.wisc.edu.
Office of Student Financial Services
University of Wisconsin-Madison
432 N. Murray Street
Madison, WI 53706-1497
608/262-3060, Fax 608/262-9068
E-mail: finaid@finaid.wisc.edu
Web site: www.finaid.wisc.edu
Produced by the Office of University Communications
Photos by the Office of University Communications