Scholarships for College Students in Wisconsin

As the cost of higher education continues to rise, securing scholarships has become one of the most effective ways for college students to reduce the financial burden. Wisconsin is home to a range of scholarships and financial aid options available to both in-state and out-of-state students. In this guide, we’ll look at the top 8 scholarships for college students in Wisconsin, providing valuable information to help you navigate your financial aid journey.

Why Scholarships Are Important for Wisconsin Students

The increasing cost of tuition can be overwhelming for students and their families. For many, the dream of attending college requires financial support beyond federal student loans or personal savings. Scholarships are a form of financial aid that helps students pay for their education without the need for repayment. Scholarships come in many forms, including merit-based, need-based, and program-specific, such as those for nursing programs or students pursuing degrees in healthcare.

Whether you’re applying to Wisconsin’s public universities, private institutions, or an online degree program, scholarships can significantly reduce the financial strain.

Top 8 Scholarships for College Students in Wisconsin

Wisconsin Grant for In-State Students

The Wisconsin Grant is a need-based financial aid program for undergraduate students who are attending one of Wisconsin’s public universities or colleges. This grant is designed to assist Wisconsin residents with the cost of tuition and fees, making it one of the best financial aid options for in-state students. The Wisconsin Grant is automatically applied to eligible students who complete their FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

Who should apply?

• Wisconsin residents who demonstrate financial need
• Students enrolled in a Wisconsin public college or university
• Undergraduate students pursuing any Bachelor’s degree

Why apply?

• No repayment required
• Easy application through FAFSA
• Can be used alongside other state and federal financial aid

The Herbert and Ethel Armstrong Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship, administered by the Wisconsin Association of Colleges and Employers (WACE), provides support to academically gifted students who demonstrate strong potential in their chosen fields. The scholarship is available to students who are majoring in areas such as business, healthcare, or nursing. Students must maintain a high GPA to remain eligible for this scholarship.

Who should apply?

• Wisconsin residents with excellent academic records
• Students pursuing degrees in business, healthcare, or nursing
• Applicants with a demonstrated commitment to leadership and community service

Why apply?

• Generous scholarship for academically gifted students
• Can be used for tuition, books, and other college expenses
• A great addition to your resume for future job applications

Wisconsin Nursing Scholarships

Nursing programs across Wisconsin offer several scholarships aimed at reducing the financial burden for students pursuing a degree in nursing. Some of the top scholarships in this category include the Wisconsin Nurses Foundation Scholarship and the Badger Nurses Scholarship Program. These scholarships help students enrolled in nursing programs offset the cost of tuition and fees, as well as provide funding for certifications and licensure exams.

Who should apply?

• Students accepted into nursing programs at Wisconsin universities or colleges
• Applicants committed to a career in healthcare
• Students who demonstrate financial need

Why apply?

• Great for students planning to enter the high-demand healthcare field
• Large number of scholarships available for nursing students
• Can be combined with other forms of financial aid

The Wisconsin GI Bill

For veterans and their dependents, the Wisconsin GI Bill provides substantial financial assistance for tuition at Wisconsin public colleges and universities. This program is available to both in-state and out-of-state students who are military veterans or who are dependents of veterans. The Wisconsin GI Bill can cover all or part of tuition costs, making it one of the highest-value state scholarships available for veterans.

Who should apply?

• Military veterans and their dependents
• Wisconsin residents, or those attending a public university in Wisconsin
• Students pursuing a Bachelor’s or graduate degree

Why apply?

• Significant tuition coverage for veterans and their families
• Can be combined with federal military benefits
• A great opportunity for veterans pursuing higher education

The William L. Dwyer Scholarship

Offered by the Wisconsin Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC), the William L. Dwyer Scholarship provides support for underrepresented students in Wisconsin who plan to attend a college or university in the state. This scholarship is particularly focused on students from diverse backgrounds, including low-income students, students with disabilities, and first-generation college students.

Who should apply?

• Students from underrepresented or low-income backgrounds
• First-generation college students
• Those planning to attend a Wisconsin-based college or university

Why apply?

• Encourages diversity and inclusivity in higher education
• Available for students planning to attend any college in Wisconsin
• No repayment required

The Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Scholarships

Wisconsin’s technical colleges offer a variety of scholarships for students pursuing technical and vocational training. The WTCS Foundation Scholarship is one of the most notable, providing assistance for students who are enrolling in programs that train them for careers in high-demand fields such as healthcare, IT, or manufacturing. These scholarships help ease the financial burden for students in technical degree programs.

Who should apply?

• Students enrolling in technical colleges within Wisconsin
• Those pursuing degrees in high-demand fields like healthcare, IT, or manufacturing
• Students with financial need

Why apply?

• Helps offset the costs of technical programs
• Provides opportunities for students to enter fast-growing job markets
• Available to both full-time and part-time students

The Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program

Kohl’s, the Wisconsin-based retail giant, offers an annual scholarship program to recognize and reward academically gifted high school students who demonstrate leadership and commitment to community service. The Kohl’s Cares Scholarship Program awards scholarships to students based on academic achievement and volunteer efforts.

Who should apply?

• High school students in Wisconsin with strong academic records
• Students who have demonstrated leadership and community service
• Those applying to colleges within or outside Wisconsin

Why apply?

• A high-value scholarship based on academics and community involvement
• Excellent for students looking to demonstrate leadership on their college applications
• Provides an opportunity to build a network of influential mentors

The Milwaukee Foundation Scholarship

The Milwaukee Foundation Scholarship supports students from the Milwaukee area who are pursuing a higher education at Wisconsin colleges and universities. The scholarship is designed to help academically gifted students who are facing financial challenges. Applicants must demonstrate academic excellence, strong leadership qualities, and a commitment to serving the local community.

Who should apply?

• Students from the Milwaukee area
• Students with academic achievements and a commitment to community service
• Those attending or planning to attend a college in Wisconsin

Why apply?

• Supports high-achieving, community-focused students
• Available for students attending various universities and colleges in Wisconsin
• Offers a strong foundation for students pursuing Bachelor’s degrees

How to Apply for Scholarships in Wisconsin

Applying for scholarships in Wisconsin can be a straightforward process, but it requires attention to detail. To get started, it’s essential to follow these steps:

Complete Your Admissions Application: Before applying for scholarships, you need to be admitted to your chosen college or university. Visit the school’s website and review their Institutional catalog for admission requirements, including any necessary inquiry forms.

Fill Out the FAFSA: Most scholarships require you to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form helps schools determine your eligibility for federal and state financial aid, including need-based scholarships.

Review Rankings and Scholarship Options: Many Wisconsin colleges and universities list available scholarships on their website, often under a section dedicated to financial aid or scholarships. Look for scholarships that align with your academic achievements, degree program, or financial need.

Check Deadlines: Scholarships often have specific application periods, so make sure you’re aware of deadlines. Be proactive and apply early to ensure you don’t miss out on funding opportunities.

Apply for Multiple Scholarships: Apply for as many scholarships as possible, especially those with the highest value. Some scholarships, such as the Wisconsin Nursing Scholarships, may have additional requirements, so make sure to review the application criteria carefully.

Submit Your Application: Whether you’re applying for nursing programs, online degrees, or transfer credits, ensure your application is complete and submitted on time.

To sum up:

Scholarships provide a valuable opportunity for Wisconsin college students to alleviate the financial burden of higher education. Whether you’re a first-time freshman, a transfer student, or pursuing a career in healthcare, there are numerous scholarship opportunities available. From the Wisconsin Grant for in-state students to the Herbert and Ethel Armstrong Memorial Scholarship for academically gifted students, there’s a scholarship program for almost every type of student.

Don’t let the hefty price tag of college tuition hold you back—take advantage of these scholarships, apply today, and set yourself on the path to success!