Apply for financial aid as soon as possible after January 1 of the year you'd like to attend college. Most financial aid is based on the financial "need" of each student. Need is the difference between the cost of attendance and your family's ability to contribute toward that cost. For students who have not yet enrolled in college, the U.S. Department of Education offers a free, introductory financial aid publication, Funding Your Education relating to federal financial aid.

Students need to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after January 1 for the following fall enrollment. You only need to fill out one form to apply for federal, state, and campus-based financial assistance. For information call 1-800-4FED-AID; or TDD 1-800-730-8913 for the hearing impaired

GRANTS

Wisconsin Higher Education Grant (WHEG)
Up to $960 per year for Wisconsin residents for up to 10 semesters. Must be enrolled at least half time. Based on financial need. More details are available at the Wisconsin Higher Education Aids Board Web site.

Federal Pell Grants
Up to $4,050 per year. Based on cost of attendance and expected family contribution. More details are available at the U.S. Department of Education Web site.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)
Undergraduate students can receive from $100 to $4,000 based on financial need and campus policy. More details are available at the U.S. Department of Education Web site.

Wisconsin Talent Incentive Program (TIP) Grant
$600 to $1,800 per year for Wisconsin residents. Renewable up to 10 semesters. Based on financial need. More details are available at the Wisconsin Higher Education Aids Board Web site.

Wisconsin Hearing and Visually Handicapped Student Grant
Undergraduate study grants for Wisconsin residents who are legally deaf or blind and show financial need. The maximum grant is $1,800 per year for up to 10 semesters. More details are available at the Wisconsin Higher Education Aids Board Web site. Medical certification is necessary.

Minority Undergraduate Student Retention Grant
Up to $2,500 per year for up to 8 semesters. Based on financial need. Must be a second year student of a two-year program and enrolled at least half time at a WTCS college. Must be a member of a racial minority (Black, Hispanic, American Indian, or student from Cambodia, Laos, or Vietnam). More details are available at the Wisconsin Higher Education Aids Board Web site.

Indian Student Assistance Grant
Up to $1,100 per year for Wisconsin residents who are at least one quarter Native American and enrolled in degree programs. Based on financial need. Ten semester eligibility limit. More details are available at the Wisconsin Higher Education Aids Board Web site.

Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs Grant
Maximum grant depends on tribal policy. Must have tribal membership or be enrolled in a federally recognized American Indian tribe.

LOANS

Federal Stafford Student Loans
Subsidized need-based loan to students enrolled at least half time. Students may borrow up to $2,625 for the first year, $3,500 for the second year of a two-year program. Interest is equal to T-bill + 3.1% (not to exceed 8.25%) with no interest charged to the student until six months after student graduates or loses eligibility. Up to ten years to repay. Loans may include a guarantee fee of up to 1% and origination fee of 3%. More details are available at the U.S. Department of Education Web site.

Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan Program
Available to students who are enrolled at least half time, regardless of need. The maximum loan is the difference between the maximum Stafford Loan allowed and the amount of the student's subsidized Stafford Loan. Independent students may borrow an additional $4,000 unsubsidized loan based on cost of attendance. Students must have applied for all other types of financial aid before being eligible for an unsubsidized loan. Repayment terms, grace period and interest are the same as the Federal Stafford Loan, except interest accrues immediately. Loans may include a guarantee and origination fee of 3%. (The combined loan limit of the Federal Stafford Student Loan and the Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan for dependent undergraduate students is $23,000. The combined loan limit for independent undergraduate students is $46,000). More details are available at the U.S. Department of Education Web site.

Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)
Parents of dependent students may borrow amounts equal to or less than the cost of attendance, minus all other aid received. Student must be enrolled at least half time. Interest rates are variable. Lenders must conduct credit history of parents. Interest accrues immediately. Guarantee fee of up to 1% and origination fee of 3% may be charged. More details are available at the U.S. Department of Education Web site.

Wisconsin Nursing Stipend Loans
Eligible borrowers may receive up to $3,000 a year based on financial need. Students must be enrolled full time in either year of a two-year Associate Degree Nursing Program and agree to be employed as an RN in a Wisconsin hospital, nursing home, or home health agency. Up to 50 percent of the loan can be forgiven. Borrowers shall repay the loan if not employed as a nurse in Wisconsin.

OTHER AID PROGRAMS

Federal Work-Study Program
Hourly wage and work schedule determined by federal law and/or the employer. Based on financial need and uniform campus policy.

Individual College Scholarships
Contact the financial aid office of the college you plan to attend for more information.

Veteran's Tuition Remission
The State of Wisconsin provides a number of educational programs for state veterans that are in addition to any federal veterans' educational benefits that may be available. Eligibility varies between programs, including state residency requirements. Tuition remission is one of the state designated benefits for veterans.

Effective with the Fall 2005 semester, the Wisconsin G.I. Bill provides a waiver ("remission") of tuition and fees for eligible veterans and their dependents for up to eight full-time semesters or 128 credits at any Wisconsin Technical College System or University of Wisconsin System institution.

Check out Wisconsin G.I. Bill frequently asked questions regarding eligibility, applying for benefits and residency provisions.

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For more information regarding veterans' education programs, please go to the Department of Veteran's Affairs Web site.