The starting point
Selective Big Ten flagship that does not run a published automatic out-of-state merit ladder. The dominant aid story is in-state need-based: Bucky's Tuition Promise covers tuition and segregated fees for Wisconsin residents under $65K AGI, and Bucky's Pell Pathway meets full need for Pell-eligible WI residents. Out-of-state merit is small, holistic, and competitive.
Selection beyond grades and scores. These awards are not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read each award's selection rules, application steps and dates. Meeting a minimum is not an award offer.
Awards to discuss
First 3 of 7 recorded awards, in chapter display order. This is a selection, not a ranking. Read the full chapter for all awards. Amounts retain the original units and conditions; confirm the entering year with the school.
Bucky's Tuition Promise (Wisconsin residents)
Tuition + segregated fees, in-state rate, fully covered for 4 years (or 2 years for transfer students) · Published coverage or package
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
Eligibility: Wisconsin residents in an on-campus undergraduate program with adjusted gross income (AGI) of $65,000 or less. Determined by the FAFSA. No separate application required.
Renewal: Renewable for 8 consecutive fall/spring semesters for entering first-year students; 4 semesters for entering transfer students. Continuous full-time enrollment (12+ credits) and satisfactory academic progress required.
Other terms: UW-Madison's signature in-state need-based commitment. Pays tuition and segregated fees only; does not cover housing, food, or other expenses. Stacks with Pell, Wisconsin Grant, and Bucky's Pell Pathway.
https://financialaid.wisc.edu/types-of-aid/
Bucky's Pell Pathway (Wisconsin residents)
Full demonstrated financial need (tuition, fees, housing, and food) covered through grants, scholarships, and work-study · Published coverage or package
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
Eligibility: Wisconsin residents who are Federal Pell Grant-eligible, enrolled in an on-campus undergraduate program. First-year and new transfer students. Determined by FAFSA.
Renewal: Renewable each year provided the student remains a Wisconsin resident, Pell-eligible, full-time enrolled, and meets satisfactory academic progress.
Other terms: An expansion of UW-Madison's commitment to lowest-income WI residents. Closes the full need gap that Bucky's Tuition Promise alone does not cover (which is tuition+fees only). Both programs work together.
https://financialaid.wisc.edu/types-of-aid/
Wisconsin Tribal Educational Promise
Full cost of attendance for undergraduates in an on-campus program. In-state tuition only for J.D. and M.D. students. · Published coverage or package
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
Eligibility: Wisconsin residents who are enrolled members of any federally recognized Wisconsin American Indian tribe. Determined through admission and FAFSA process.
Renewal: Renewable each year while the student remains an enrolled member of a federally recognized WI American Indian tribe and meets enrollment and academic standards.
Other terms: Among the most generous tribal-tuition commitments at any Big Ten school. Covers full undergrad COA, not just tuition, distinguishing it from many peer programs that only waive tuition.
https://financialaid.wisc.edu/types-of-aid/
