Types of Financial Aid
for Associate Degree Students

Gift aid (grants/scholarships) for Associate Degree students is based on their financial need as determined by the FAFSA. The most common sources for gift aid are:

• Federal Government
  • Federal Pell Grant
    • Annual amount: up to $7,395
    • Qualifications: Students who file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and demonstrate eligibility determined by the U.S. Department of Education.
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
    • Annual amount: up to $800
    • Qualifications: Students who file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and demonstrate exceptional need as determined by the U.S. Department of Education.
• State Government
  • Wisconsin TIP Grant (Talent Incentive Program Grant)
    • Annual award amount: $600 - $1,800 for initial awards.
    • Qualifications: Wisconsin resident who filed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and demonstrates extreme financial need and comes from an educationally disadvantaged background. First-time freshmen students are nominated by the TIP grant office, or by counselors of the Wisconsin Education Opportunity Programs (WEOP). To determine eligibility, please contact your local WEOP office (https://dpi.wi.gov/weop/directory).
  • Wisconsin Grant
    • Annual amount: up to $4,400, based on enrollment status
    • Qualifications: Wisconsin resident who files the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and demonstrates financial need. Awarded by the Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board to students based on a pre-determined formula.
    • Funds are applicable to tuition and fees only for school years 2023-24 and prior.

Loan programs are available for students and parents. There are two forms of student loans—government-guaranteed loans and private loans that require a co-signer. The government-guaranteed loans are called Subsidized Stafford Loans and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans. Limits are placed on how much students can borrow based on their year in school. These loans are long-term loans with no repayment while the student is in school. Any student who files the FAFSA is eligible to receive this loan regardless of their economic situation. Alternative loans are student loans that typically require a co-signer and are taken out through a bank. Terms vary based on the bank that is used.

Learn more about loans