Financial Aid & Paying for Your Education

Advancing your education is an investment in yourself. Wisconsin Online’s portfolio of 200+ degrees can get you to where you want to go! Whether through loans, grants, or other types of aid, there are many opportunities for financial support.

Financial Aid

Financial aid may be available to you as a new or returning-adult student and is awarded at the campus level.
Your first step when applying for federal and state financial aid is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Please check with your campus regarding minimum credits required to qualify for financial aid as a full- or part-time student.

Ways to Pay for Your Degree

As an online student, you may consider the following sources of financial aid to help with the cost of your online education:

• Grants—award is usually based on financial need. Grants, unlike loans, generally do not have to be repaid.
• Scholarships—usually based on academic merit, financial need, or other criteria, awarded by a wide range of organizations. Scholarships do not need to be repaid.
• Loans—a loan is money you borrow and must pay back with interest. Student loans are available from the federal government, private sources such as a bank or financial institution, or other sources. Federal student loans usually have lower interest rates than private loans, and offer flexible repayment plans.
• Military benefits—aid available to eligible veterans and current members of the military.
• Tuition reimbursement—a benefit offered by companies to their employees to help pay for education. Ask your human resources department if your company offers this benefit.
• Education tax benefits—research possible tax benefits with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS).

Contact your university’s financial aid office for more specific information on eligibility and options available to you.