Informational sessions will introduce employees to free tuition programs at UW–Madison

Upcoming sessions will introduce UW–Madison employees to two financial aid programs that can put an undergraduate education within reach for their children or other family members. Both programs are designed to ensure that an education at the state’s flagship public university is accessible to Wisconsin students and affordable for their families.

Bucky’s Tuition Promise is a commitment to cover four years of tuition and segregated fees for any incoming freshman from Wisconsin whose household adjusted gross income is $56,000 or less. Eligible transfer students will receive free tuition and fees for two years.

Badger Promise is a commitment to Wisconsin resident, first-generation college students. The program guarantees at least two semesters of free tuition and fees to students who are transferring from any two-year UW College or from liberal arts associate degree programs at Madison College, Milwaukee Area Technical College, Western Technical College, Nicolet College, the College of Menominee Nation or the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwa Community College. A first-generation student is defined as a student for whom neither parent holds a four-year college or university degree.

Students must apply for admission to UW–Madison and be admitted in order to qualify for financial aid through either program. Students only need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered. No separate application process is required for either Bucky’s Tuition Promise or Badger Promise; financial aid offers will be automatic to those who qualify.

Informational sessions are scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 13, 2:30–3:30 p.m. at Gordon Dining and Event Center, and Wednesday, Nov. 14, 11 p.m.–midnight at the Health Sciences Learning Center (HSLC). The late-night session is designed for employees who work the second or third shift. All interested UW–Madison employees are welcome to attend either session. Employees may attend without loss of pay.

At these sessions, representatives of the Office of Student Financial Aid will present information about program benefits and requirements for both Bucky’s Tuition Promise and Badger Promise. The Office of Admissions and Recruitment will provide information about how UW–Madison evaluates applicants for admission and the application process. Time will be available for questions and answers.

The informational sessions will be presented in several languages for the benefit of UW–Madison’s diverse workforce. Languages offered will include English, Spanish, Hmong, Tibetan, Chinese, and Nepalese.

Families are encouraged to complete and submit the FAFSA by December 1 of each year in order to receive the best consideration for financial aid as an entering student the following fall semester. The Office of Student Financial Aid is hosting FAFSA Frenzy events through December 7 to help students and families complete the form.

Students and families who would like free assistance navigating the financial aid or admissions application process can contact either the Office of Student Financial Aid or the Office of Admissions and Recruitment. Those who require language assistance can contact Cultural Linguistic Services.