Financing Your Education
We know that the cost of tuition is an important factor in your decision to return to school. There are resources available to help you determine how to finance your education. It will take time and effort, but we recommend you invest the time to explore all the options.
Financial aid and scholarships
Financial aid
UW–Madison Office of Student Financial Aid
Support for nontraditional students
Outstanding Undergraduate Returning Adult Student Award
Mary K. Rouse & Roger P. Bruesewitz Beyond Bars scholarship
Emergency support fund
The Division of Continuing Studies provides emergency grant assistance for students in need. University Special students and students enrolled in UW–Madison Online degree programs should contact University Special Student Services (advising@dcs.wisc.edu or 608-263-6960) for support.
Can Special students receive financial aid?
Students in these classifications of Special students may qualify for financial aid.
As a Capstone certificate student you may be eligible for federal financial aid if the you meet the eligibility criteria.
Similar to graduate students, eligible Capstone certificate students can receive a Federal Direct unsubsidized loan each year.
Capstone certificate students interested in receiving financial aid should submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). More information on applying can be found through the Office of Student Financial Aid.
If you are admitted as a visiting undergraduate student, you may be able to obtain financial aid through your home institution to cover your expenses while you are at UW–Madison.
Check with your home institution’s financial aid office to explore this possibility as there will need to be a consortium agreement between your school and UW–Madison.
Students who are taking courses that are designated prerequisites for admission into a graduate or professional program may be eligible to receive aid for a single 12-month period.
If you feel you meet the above criteria, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid (608-262-3060; finaid@finaid.wisc.edu) to discuss your situation and to obtain the necessary forms.
After talking with financial aid and determining your potential eligibility for aid, please contact graduate and professional advising offices for approval letters. Our office is not able to provide approval letters to financial aid.
