Wisconsin
Student Financial Aid Agencies
Link to: Wisconsin State Higher Education web site |
Link to: Wisconsin Pre-paid Tuition and 529 Plans |
Link to: Wisconsin Colleges and Universities |
Link to: Wisconsin Community Colleges and Universities |
Types of Aid Programs:
Wisconsin Private Student Loans
Private student loans can be used to pay college tuition, books, school supplies, transportation to and from home, computer, and other education-related expenses, including any portion of past due balances from previous academic periods.
- You can borrow as much as you need for college.2
- Save money - build good credit - pay off your loan faster.1
Private student loans are available for most Wisconsin colleges and universities. The funds are sent directly to the student after the loan has been certified by the school.
Private student loans are credit-based loans, meaning the student will need to meet certain credit criteria in order to qualify. Many students will ask their parent or another to co-sign for the loan with co-signer benefits.
Federal student loans include the Stafford student loan administered and guaranteed by the federal government. Stafford student loans are available for both undergraduate and graduate level programs.
Stafford student loans are fixed-rate loans. You must file and process the FASFA form through your Wisconsin college or university to become eligible for Stafford student loans.
Total Stafford student loan amounts will vary depending on your grade level and dependency status. Loan amounts generally do not cover the full cost of education. Many students will turn to private student loans to make up the difference.
There are 2 types of PLUS student loans:
- PLUS loans for parents of undergraduate students
available to parents of undergraduate students. Parents can borrow up to the full cost of education minus any financial aid received by the student.
Parent PLUS loans are fixed rate loans. PLUS loans are processed through your Wisconsin college or university. Repayment begins 60 days after the first disbursement.
- PLUS loans for graduates and professionals
available to graduate and professional students. You can borrow up the full cost of education minus all other eligible aid amounts available to the student.
Grad PLUS loans are fixed rate loans. Grad PLUS loans are processed through your Wisconsin college or university. Repayment begins 180 days after graduation.
Home owners can use the equity value in their homes to pay for college expenses. Your best option is the home equity line of credit, where you can withdrawal funds from your equity line when and as you need.
Home equity lines are variable rate credit lines. The interest rate and loan amount is determine by the LTV position of your home and your credit rating.
We recommend using the Banker Line of Credit Account to pay the education expenses at your student's Wisconsin college or university. It provides greater flexibility at minimal costs.
Scholarships are awarded by colleges and private institutions. Scholarships are free money awards that do not need to paid back.
Scholarship awards can vary in award amounts. College scholarships for athletic, academic, artistic and other talent can pay up to the full cost of education.
Private scholarships are usually awarded at lower amounts that can add to your total financial aid package.
Full college scholarships are rare. So many students need to search for other financial aid options to cover the full cost of college.
Students need to search early and thoroughly to find all the scholarship money available to pay expenses at their Wisconsin college or university. We offer a complete directory of college search databases.
Other student financial aid includes the following:
- federal grants
- college grants
- work study
- military service
- loan forgiveness service
view these financial aid charts for information
