10 Wisconsin Scholarships to Save You Thousands on College
What’s Covered:
Wisconsin is full of opportunities for students who want to pursue a college degree. The state university system is considered one of the best in the nation, particularly the University of Wisconsin – Madison campus, the flagship state university, known as a Public Ivy.
But paying for your education is not always an easy feat. That’s why we’ve rounded up some of the best scholarships for Wisconsin students to offset the cost of your college tuition and expenses.
10 Wisconsin Scholarships
1. The Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship
Amount: $2,250/year for up to four years
Deadline: N/A
Eligibility: Students with the highest GPA in each Wisconsin private or public school
Application Requirements: None
The Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship is awarded to the student with the highest GPA in every Wisconsin private or public school. Recipients must attend a Wisconsin Technical College, the University of Wisconsin, or another eligible independent institution within Wisconsin. There is no application — the award is automatic.
2. Katherine H. Anderson Scholarship
Amount: N/A
Deadline: N/A
Eligibility: Graduating seniors from Wausau East, Wausau West, and Newman Catholic High Schools who are in the lower 90% of their class
Application Requirements: Application
Each school in the designated geographic area will select a recipient from their school to win this scholarship, which is awarded to students in the lower 90% of their class who demonstrate an appreciation for Wausau, Wisconsin, and its way of life, as well as good citizenship qualities through volunteerism and extracurricular activities.
3. The Indian Student Assistant Grant
Amount: $250 to $1,100
Deadline: N/A
Eligibility: Wisconsin residents who are at least 25% Native American and are undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in a degree or certificate programs at approved institutions; must demonstrate financial need
Application Requirements: FAFSA, Indian Student Assistance Grant Application
These awards, made possible by the Higher Educational Aids Board, are granted to students with financial need who are at least 25% Native American. Recipients must attend an institution in Wisconsin. The scholarships are renewable for up to 10 semesters.
4. Wisconsin Aviation Hall of Fame Scholarships
Amount: N/A
Deadline: March 15
Eligibility: Wisconsin residents (at least 2 years) who plan to pursue an education in the aviation/aerospace field; must have a minimum 3.0 GPA
Application Requirements: Application, transcript, list of extracurricular activities, 2 instructor references
This scholarship helps Wisconsin residents hoping to pursue education and a career in the aviation or aerospace field, no matter when they decide to go to college. There are several different awards available, each with different requirements and criteria.
5. Wisconsin Women’s Alliance Foundation Scholarship
Amount: Up to $1,000
Deadline: N/A
Eligibility: Women age 25+ who will be attending an accredited technical college or two-or four-year college or university
Application Requirements: N/A
The Wisconsin Women’s Alliance Foundation awards scholarships to female adult learners who are pursuing higher education. Winners are chosen based on career goals, employment history, community service, and financial need.
6. Leon & Alma Burger Scholarships Fund
Amount: N/A
Deadline: February 15
Eligibility: Students graduating from a high school within a 10-mile radius of Wausau City Hall
Application Requirements: Community Foundation application, transcript, list of extracurricular activities, two reference letters
These awards are granted to students planning to pursue an education at a trade school, technical school, college, or university. Scholarships are awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, and an interest and ability in the fields of health, teaching, or commerce.
7. Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Scholarship
Amount: $2,000
Deadline: April 1
Eligibility: Seniors attending a high school within 150 miles of Green Bay with a minimum 3.0 GPA and 19 ACT; must plan to pursue a career with an agriculture focus that will enhance rural communities; must demonstrate financial need
Application Requirements: Application form with extracurricular activities, two personal statements, two letters of recommendation, transcript, ACT/SAT scores, FAFSA
The Thomas H. Lutsey-Waseda Farms Scholarship supports students with a rural or agriculture background who want to pursue a career with an agriculture focus. Students should attend a 4-year college, although applicants may transfer from a 2-year technical school.
8. Badger Mining Corporation Scholarships
Amount: Up to $10,000
Deadline: N/A
Eligibility: High school seniors graduating from Green Lake, Princeton, or Markesan High Schools planning to pursue a degree in environmental science or mining engineering
Application Requirements: N/A
Badger Mining Corporation (BMC) awards several scholarships each year to help students continue their education in engineering or environmental science. Eligible candidates should have a strong academic history, be involved in extracurricular activities, and demonstrate leadership qualities.
9. Wisconsin Towns Association Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: May 27
Eligibility: Wisconsin high school seniors who are attending a Wisconsin institution
Application Requirements: Essay, background information form
In partnership with Rural Mutual Insurance Company and Scott Construction, the Wisconsin Towns Association offers seven scholarships to Wisconsin students. Applicants will write an essay on a topic relating to town government. In 2022, the topic is:
What can Wisconsin’s leaders do to increase young adult interest in serving on a town board?
10. The Wisconsin Bakers Association Scholarship
Amount: $1,000
Deadline: N/A
Eligibility: Must have worked as a bakery operator for at least 500 hours
Application Requirements: Resume, 3 letters of reference, personal statement
The Wisconsin Bakers Association offers scholarships to students who have worked as bakery operators in an effort to foster the education of future and current bakers. Recipients must be entering a baking/pastry arts program. The WBA also offers the R.W. Hiller Scholarship, a national award.
Tips for Applying for Scholarships
1. Start with institutional aid.
Your best source of financial aid, including both merit awards and need-based scholarships, is the college or university you attend. Often, schools offer generous packages. External scholarships like those listed above can help you fill in the gaps.
2. Look for niche scholarships.
Awards that appeal to students with specific demographics, talents, or intended majors and careers, tend to be easier to secure than those that attract a larger pool of candidates. So, it’s in your best interest to look for scholarships that attract a smaller group of students.
3. Keep applying.
Start early, and keep applying to as many scholarships as you can. This will help you maximize your chances of earning awards to help you pay for your education.
