Wisconsin is famous for its unique geology, its farmlands, and, of course, its cheese. The Badger State is home to several renowned colleges including UW-Madison, UW-Milwaukee, and Lawrence University.
To make Wisconsin your home for four or more years of college, be sure to apply for Wisconsin scholarships! Whether you are an in-state resident or considering colleges in Wisconsin as an out-of-state student, you’ll find many vetted opportunities on our list. Let’s get into it!
How to win Wisconsin scholarships
Wisconsin is home to natural beauty as it borders two of the Great Lakes. The “Badger State” is famous for cheese production and being the stomping grounds of the Green Bay Packers. Therefore, it is understandable that you are curious about winning Wisconsin scholarships in order to live and study in this beautiful state with so much to offer.
Winning Wisconsin scholarships can be a reality if you highlight your interests while simultaneously emphasizing the unique aspects of Wisconsin that make it such a great state to live in. This can be done by applying for Wisconsin scholarships that are niche to your particular interests.
For example, perhaps you enjoy cooking using fresh dairy products from a local Wisconsin farm which led you down a path towards culinary school. Or maybe hiking and swimming around Lake Michigan spurred an interest in becoming a park ranger. Whatever your personal interests, connect it back to your life as a Wisconsinite (or hopeful future Wisconsinite) in order to help you stand out in the applicant pool! Highlighting Wisconsin as the perfect place to continue your education is the best thing you can do in order to win Wisconsin scholarships.
Writing resources for writing Wisconsin scholarship essays
Wisconsin scholarships may have you write an essay about yourself. These scholarship essays can vary in length from 250 words up to 500 words. Therefore, make a point to read over our Scholarships360 ultimate guide to finding and winning scholarships to ensure you are well prepared to not only reply to these Wisconsin scholarships but also win them! Additionally, check out our guides on how to start a scholarship essay and how to end a scholarship essay to ensure your Wisconsin scholarship application is flawless.
Wisconsin student debt snapshot
According to the Department of Education, in total, Wisconsin residents owe $23.2 billion in federal student loan debt. Student borrowers owe an average of $31,894 each (those numbers do not include private loans). Around 57.7% of loan borrowers are under the age of 35. As you are starting your higher education journey, remember that scholarships allow students to take fewer loans. Make sure that you apply to as many scholarships as you qualify for!
Keep on reading to learn more about top scholarships in Wisconsin, as well as merit scholarships from colleges in Wisconsin!
Merit scholarships at Wisconsin colleges and universities
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Eligibility: Incoming freshmen to almost every department for students based on academic information and extracurricular activities
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Admission to the University of Wisconsin-Madison
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
- Eligibility: Incoming freshmen students who have a competitive ACT/SAT score, GPA and high school course rigor
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: February 1
Marquette University
- Eligibility: First time undergraduate students are automatically eligible
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Admission to Marquette University
Lawrence University
- Eligibility: First time undergraduate students with strong academic performance, strong curriculum, class rank, essay and standardized test results
- Amount: Up to $5,000
- Deadline: Admission to Lawrence University
Concordia University Wisconsin
- Eligibility: Incoming students with a 2.75+ GPA
- Amount: $10,000 up to $15,000
- Deadline: Admission to Concordia University Wisconsin
Beloit College
- Eligibility: Incoming freshmen with strong academic achievement, talent, leadership, community engagement and service
- Amount: $24,000 up to $40,000
- Deadline: Admission to Beloit College
St. Norbert College
- Eligibility: First year students who demonstrate high academic achievement
- Amount: $10,000 up to $27,000
- Deadline: Admission to St. Norbert College
Consider in-state tuition and tuition reciprocity
In-state tuition allows residents of a state to receive cheaper tuition for a college or university in their state. Additionally, many universities and colleges reserve scholarships and financial aid for in-state students, which helps reduce the cost of attending college for those who live there.
Here are a few well-known Wisconsin universities and their in-state vs out-of-state tuition costs:
University of Wisconsin-Madison
- In-state tuition: $11,216
- Out-of-state tuition: $40,612
University of Wisconsin-La Crosse
- In-state tuition: $9,773
- Out-of-state tuition: $18,813
How do you get in-state tuition?
Receiving in-state tuition in Wisconsin can help cut the cost of tuition by more than half. In order to qualify as a Wisconsin resident for tuition purposes, you must qualify as a bona fide resident of Wisconsin for at least 12 consecutive months prior to the beginning of the semester. However, it is important to note that if you come to Wisconsin primarily for educational purposes you generally do not qualify as Wisconsin residents for tuition purposes even after living in Wisconsin for a year or more. Be sure to double check with your intended Wisconsin college to learn about their specific requirements for residency.
Does Wisconsin offer tuition reciprocity?
Yes, Wisconsin has a tuition reciprocity agreement with Minnesota. This agreement allows Wisconsin residents to attend Minnesota public universities at in-state tuition rates.
Wisconsin scholarship spotlight
Madison Club of Madison Women in Public Affairs Scholarship
- Eligibility: Women residing in Madison ages 16-19 who have demonstrated “superior leadership skills and a commitment to public service and civic causes.” History of volunteerism, local or student government, and knowledge of Zonta programs are all positives
- Amount: $1,000 up to $5,000
- Deadline: Early February
Korean American Midwest Region Scholarship
- Eligibility: Students with Korean heritage living in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota or Wisconsin with a 3.0+ GPA
- Amount: $5,000
- Deadline: End of June
Ruth DeYoung Kohler Scholarship
- Eligibility: High school seniors or homeschooled students in the Sheboygan County area who plan to pursue a career in the arts
- Amount: Up to $100,000 at select institutions, or up to $50,000
- Deadline: Mid-February
Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region Scholarships
- Eligibility: Wide variety of scholarships available for residents of the Fox Valley region.
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Varies
Wisconsin Restaurant Association Education Foundation Scholarship
- Eligibility: Wisconsin residents pursuing a post-secondary degree in a field related to the restaurant or hospitality industry
- Amount: Varies
- Deadline: Fall
Wisconsin Public Service Foundation Technical College Scholarship
- Eligibility: High school seniors with a primary residence within the WPS service area who planning to attend Fox Valley, Lakeshore, Northcentral, Nicolet, Mid-State, or Northeast Wisconsin Technical College, full-time
- Amount: $750
- Deadline: March 1
Zonta Club of Madison Jane M. Klausman Women in Business Scholarship
- Eligibility: Women residing in Madison of any age who are pursuing a business program in accounting, economics, finance, business management, marketing, operations management, human resources management, international business, or entrepreneurship at an accredited university/college/institute
- Amount: Up to $5,000
- Deadline: June 1
Wisconsin Indian Student Assistance Grant
- Eligibility: Wisconsin residents who are attending a post-secondary institution in Wisconsin, demonstrate financial need, and have at least one-quarter Native American blood, or be a member of a federally recognized tribe
- Amount: $250 up to $1,100
- Deadline: Rolling
Minority Undergraduate Retention Grant
- Eligibility: Wisconsin minority undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time at independent, tribal, or Wisconsin Technical College institutions. Apply via FAFSA
- Amount: Up to $2,500 per year
- Deadline: Rolling
Wisconsin Grant
- Eligibility: Undergraduate Wisconsin residents enrolled at least half-time at University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Technical College, or Tribal institutions. Award based on financial need and can be renewed for up to 10 semesters. Apply via FAFSA
- Amount: $250 up to $3,150
- Deadline: Rolling
Talent Incentive Program Scholarships
- Eligibility: Wisconsin resident attending colleges or universities in Wisconsin with demonstrated financial need. First-time freshmen students must be nominated by school financial aid offices or by counselors of the Wisconsin Educational Opportunity Programs. Apply via FAFSA
- Amount: $600 up to $1,800 for first award, and $250 up to $1,800 for additional awards
- Deadline: Rolling
Wisconsin Hearing/Visually Impaired Student Grant
- Eligibility: Undergraduate Wisconsin residents with a severe or profound hearing or visual impairment and demonstrated financial need, enrolled at least half-time at an in-state or eligible out-of-state public or independent higher education institution.
- Amount: $250 up to $1,800
- Deadline: Varies
Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Scholarship
- Eligibility: Wisconsin high school juniors or seniors, or students attending a Wisconsin post-secondary institution, who are pursuing media careers that include audio, visual and digital/social media platforms
- Amount: $1,500 up to $2,000
- Deadline: Varies
Additional Wisconsin resources
FAFSA Guide
On October 1st of every year, the FAFSA opens nationwide. Students in Wisconsin should apply for the FAFSA as soon as possible after it opens!
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction
A valuable resource that lists Wisconsin scholarships and grants as well as some helpful websites for students. Be sure to check this website out!
Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB)
The HEAB is a state agency that oversees the state’s financial aid system for Wisconsin residents attending colleges and universities in Wisconsin. Therefore, the HEAB website is chock full of great information regarding grants, scholarships, loans and tuition reciprocity.
Frequently asked questions about Wisconsin scholarships
How do I know if a scholarship is legitimate?
Do I need to be a Wisconsin resident to receive Wisconsin scholarships?
What type of scholarships does Wisconsin offer?
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