Eligibility

Eligibility Requirements for Federal and State Aid

• You must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
• You must be a U.S. Citizen or an Eligible Non-citizen.
• Male students, ages 18-25, must be registered for Selective Service (for aid from the State of Wisconsin, including the WI Grant).
• You must have a High School Diploma or General Education Development (GED) High School Equivalency Diploma.
• You must be admitted in an eligible degree program
• You must be enrolled at least half time for most aid programs.
• You may not be in default on any federal educational loans or owe a refund on a federal grant.
• You must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Ineligible Programs

Students must be in an eligible degree program in order to receive financial aid.  Certificate programs are not eligible programs.  A non-candidate for degree is not eligible for aid.

International Students

International students are not eligible for Federal Student Aid.  University policy requires international students to have adequate resources to cover their educational expenses. Students may still be considered for scholarships, or they may apply for a private loan with a US Citizen cosigner. Opportunities to work are very limited based on federal regulations.

Determining Financial Aid

Financial aid programs were established on the premise that the primary responsibility for paying educational expenses rests with the student and his or her family. Students and families who lack the necessary resources to pay these educational expenses are encouraged to apply for financial aid by completing a FAFSA. This information is used to determine your financial aid eligibility.

The following formula is used to determine whether you are eligible for need based financial aid:

    COST OF ATTENDANCE 
– EXPECTED FAMILY CONTRIBUTION
    FINANCIAL NEED

Cost of Attendance (COA)

The Financial Aid Office establishes student expense budgets that are used to calculate financial aid eligibility as well as to provide students and their families with a reasonable estimate of the cost of attendance. These student budgets include allowances for tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and personal and miscellaneous expenses. These budgets are based on what are considered reasonable, but modest, costs after surveying segments of our student population.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is calculated according to a formula established by federal law using the information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  It is defined as an amount that the student and the student's parents may reasonably be expected to contribute toward postsecondary education.  However, it is NOT an amount they will be required to contribute.  The EFC is an index number used to determine the student's financial need and their eligibility for various aid programs.

Financial Need

The difference between the Cost of Attendance and the Expected Family Contribution is considered financial need. The Financial Aid Office will assist students and their families in trying to meet their financial need by offering a combination of grants, loans, and employment opportunities.  Students who have no financial need are eligible to be considered for non-need based loans and employment.