UW System relaunches Tuition Promise for lower-income students

The University of Wisconsin System has announced the reintroduction of its Wisconsin Tuition Promise program, set to begin in fall 2025. This initiative aims to provide financial support for in-state students from families with modest incomes enrolling at UW System campuses.

According to UW System President Jay Rothman, the program will cover four years of tuition and fees for eligible students whose families earn $55,000 or less annually. “We’re pleased to once again offer Wisconsin resident students of modest means an opportunity to attend a UW tuition-free,” Rothman stated, as the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported.

The Wisconsin Tuition Promise fills the gap between the total cost of tuition and fees and the other financial aid a student receives. However, students remain responsible for expenses such as room, board, and textbooks.

This program follows a previous version that debuted in 2023 with a slightly higher income threshold of $62,000. The current program will not be available for students starting at most UW campuses in fall 2024, with the exceptions of UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee, which maintain their tuition promise programs.

The program’s funding structure includes contributions from various sources. Ascendium Education Group and the UW System administration each provide $5 million, with additional support from the 11 participating universities.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports that approximately 1,300 students are expected to qualify for the Wisconsin Tuition Promise when it launches in fall 2025. This estimate suggests the program may notably impact college accessibility for lower-income students in Wisconsin.

The relaunch of this program comes after a period of uncertainty. The UW System had requested funding from the state legislature to continue the program in 2024, but lawmakers declined to allocate the necessary funds. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos suggested that campuses should engage in fundraising efforts to support the initiative.

It is worth noting that the Wisconsin Tuition Promise is part of a broader landscape of financial aid programs in the state. Many technical colleges and other Wisconsin institutions offer tuition assistance initiatives, reflecting a growing awareness of the need to address college affordability.

As the program prepares for its 2025 relaunch, prospective students and their families may find more detailed information on the UW System’s official website, which outlines eligibility requirements and application procedures for the Wisconsin Tuition Promise.