Smack in the center of the American midwest, people know the great state of Wisconsin for many things: massive, sprawling forests, the dairy and farming industries, and, of course, the Green Bay Packers football team.
Wisconsinites are known for their pride in their state, which often acts as a destination for midwestern students looking for a great collegiate atmosphere. Options for college scholarships in the Badger state include:
Academic Excellence Scholarship
Deadline: Varying
Amount: $2,250
Similar to programs in other states, Academic Excellence scholarships awards seniors with the highest GPAs in every public and private high school statewide. Every high school in the state has at least one recipient, but the number of scholarships given out depends on the school’s total enrollment.
For example, students in a graduating class of 75 will mathematically have less competition for a scholarship than their peers in a class of 300, leading to the smaller school being awarded fewer scholarships. The scholarship renews for eight semesters and goes toward an institution of higher learning within the state.
WRA Education Foundation Culinary & Hospitality Scholarship
Deadline: April 1, 2020
Amount: $4,000
The Wisconsin Restaurant Association awards thirty-five scholarships annually to students who strive to work in the culinary or hospitality industries.
In order to be eligible, students enroll or plan on enrolling in a culinary or hospitality apprenticeship program, and provide an acceptance letter to the scholarship board. Additionally, students must provide letters of recommendation from former employers in their respective fields.
Indian Student Assistance Grant
Deadline: Varying
Amount: $250 — $1,100
Wisconsin has a proud American Indian community with a rich history, and tribes such as the Chippewa (Ojibwe), Oneida, and Menominee continue their traditions in the state to this day. In order to ensure that American Indian students receive assistance in education, the state’s Higher Educational Aid Board (HEAB) established in 1971 the Indian Student Assistance Grant, given each year to many students statewide.
In order to be eligible, students must be at least one-quarter Native American by blood or be an enrolled member of a federally recognized tribe. A number of awards are given out based on financial need and the grant is renewable for up to ten semesters of tuition.
AWSC Graduating High School Senior Scholarship
Deadline: TBD for 2021
Amount: $1,500
When out of staters think of the Wisconsin climate, many imagine icy temperatures and bundled students making their way across the frozen tundra, and gigantic snowdrifts. Wisconsin culture means snow and related activities, evidenced by organizations such as the Association of Wisconsin Snowmobile Clubs.
The AWSC consists of hundreds of local snowmobile clubs statewide who get together to carve their way through icy trails on their beloved machines. Many high schoolers are also active in the clubs, which in turn pay back their loyal young members through the AWSC Scholarship Program. One such scholarship offers tuition assistance to high school seniors-slash-snowmobile enthusiasts through an essay application process.
The scholarship, sponsored by Liberty Mutual, is renewable towards tuition at a two or four-year institution.
TIP Grant
Deadline: Varying
Amount: $1,800
Aiming to level the playing field among Wisconsin students, the Talent Incentive Program provides financial assistance to those in “financial need [who] come from a non-traditional or educationally-disadvantaged background.” Included in this broad swath of students are those enrolled in vocational programs, those who are the first in their family to attend college, and those with learning disabilities, among others.
Money received through the TIP is put towards tuition at any university in Wisconsin and is also renewable for up to ten semesters as long as the student meets certain academic standards.
WPS Foundation Daughters and Sons Scholarship
Deadline: Feburary 15 (Opens December 15) annually
Amount: $1,000 — $4,000
Wisconsin Public Service Corporation (WPS) is a gas and energy company that serves all of Wisconsin and parts of Michigan. As a way to give back to the community, the WPS offers renewable scholarships to students who reside in their service areas.
In order to be eligible for the award, students must be the child of a currently employed or retired WPS worker. The money must go towards tuition at a WPS-served two or four-year school.
Community Foundation for Fox Valley Scholarships
Deadline: Varying
Amount: Varying
The Community Foundation for Fox Valley serves the northeast region of Wisconsin, an area through which the Fox River ebbs and flows, known, appropriately, as Fox Valley. The CFFV awards many scholarships to both students in and out of their region, some specific to high schools, others dependent on intended majors, jobs, or financial need.
The foundation’s website also offers over one hundred opportunities for academic awards and is well worth browsing.
| Lender | Rates (APR) | Eligibility | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
5.50%-16.12%* Variable
3.99%-15.61%* Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CITIZENS |
|
|
5.54% - 15.70% Variable
3.99% - 15.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT SALLIE MAE |
 |
4.63% - 17.99% Variable
3.49% - 17.99% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT CREDIBLE |
 |
6.00% - 13.75% Variable
3.99% - 13.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT LENDKEY |
 |
5.66% - 14.72% Variable
3.69% - 14.56% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ASCENT |
 |
3.70% - 8.75% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ISL |
 |
5.62% - 16.85% Variable
3.69% - 16.49% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT EARNEST |
 |
5.00% - 14.22% Variable
3.69% - 14.22% Fixed
|
Undergraduate and Graduate
|
VISIT ELFI |
