Graduate Financial Aid Assistance
There are several forms of financial aid assistance available to graduate students. Please note that the financial aid application deadline for fellowships and assistantships is March 1. Students completing the financial aid application after March 1 will be considered for awards if monies are available. (Students applying for January entry should check with the department offering their degree program to determine if assistantship/fellowship opportunities are available). The following are forms of aid available to graduate students:
Fellowships are awarded on the basis of scholarship and scholarly potential. Fellowship recipients must be admitted to full standing in a degree program (or be eligible for full standing upon completion of their baccalaureate degree).
Students must be enrolled in at least three graduate credit hours per semester, one graduate credit hour during the summer session or be enrolled for an approved number of thesis credits during the semester in which the award is paid. The value of the fellowships is $500 for the academic year. Smaller figures may be available during the summer sessions when resources permit.
Assistantship awards are based, in part, on admission to full standing in a degree program (or eligibility for full standing upon completion of the baccalaureate degree).
Students with assistantships of 13.3 hours or more of work per week must be enrolled in not less than six nor more than ten credits per semester (not less than three nor more than five for summer) or be enrolled for an approved number of thesis credits. Students with partial assistantships (less than 13.3 hours of work per week) may enroll in a full credit load of courses
Assistantships are currently valued at $10,010/semester for a full-time assignment (20 hours per week) during the academic year. Assignments for 13.3 to 20 hours per week also include 1) possible non-resident tuition remission for out-of-state students (current value is up to $5300/semester) and 2) a group health insurance plan, single or family coverage available at a minimal cost. Non-resident students may be eligible for non-resident tuition remissions if funds are available. Minnesota residents must apply for tuition reciprocity (1-800-657-3866).
Partial assistantships may be awarded depending on resources available and faculty needs. Partial assistantships (less than 13.3 hours per week) do not include health insurance coverage or waiver of nonresident fees. Partial summer assistantships may be available if resources permit.
Advanced Opportunity Program Fellowships
These fellowships are available to U.S. Citizens or permanent residents who are Native Americans, African Americans, Hispanics, South East Asian Refugees, or economically disadvantaged non-minorities. The Graduate Assistantship/Fellowship application and the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be completed.
Students must complete at least nine graduate credit hours per semester and five credit hours during the summer session, or be enrolled in an approved number of thesis credits during the semester in which the award is received. The values of these awards approximate assistantship awards (depending on available resources). Out-of-state students are also eligible to receive a non-resident tuition remission (valued at $5,300 per semester for the 2006-2007 year).
Applicants applying for Federal Work Study must establish financial need by completing the FAFSA and meet the job skill requirements established by the employer. Applicants for Nonfederal Work Assistance need only to be admitted students and meet the job skill requirements. Students may work up to a maximum of 40 hours per week in the work study program. Contact the Financial Aid Office for specific questions concerning eligibility and restrictions (715)836-3373.
Perkins Loan applicants may borrow up to $6,000 per year for graduate study (not to exceed $40,000 for both undergraduate and graduate degrees), the amount determined by the availability of funds and the student's need. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid must be completed. Repayment must be completed within a ten year period at a 5% interest rate, beginning nine months after the borrower ceases to be a student.
Full cancellation benefits are available in some fields; inquire through the Cashier's Office for specifics.
William D. Ford Federal Stafford Subsidized Unsubsidized Loan applicants may borrow up to their financial aid budget, not to exceed $18,500 per year for graduate study (maximum accumulated loan for both undergraduate and graduate degrees is $138,500). Students must be enrolled at least half time and must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.
For more information about Assistantships and Fellowships, contact the individual department: Graduate Fact Sheets.
To request an application for an Assistantship or a Fellowship, contact the Admissions Office at (715) 836-4733 or send your request to admissions@uwec.edu . You may also download the Assistantship/Fellowship application.
For additional financial aid information, contact the Financial Aid Office at (715) 836-3373 or check out our the Financial Aid Homepage. Federal Student Aid Applications are available at any university, technical college or high school.
