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:
UWEC Foundation Fellowships
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 approximately $500 for the academic year. Smaller figures may be available during the summer sessions when resources permit.
Assistantships
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 working 13.3 hours/week or more during the academic year must be enrolled in at least six credits per semester, and students working 20 hours/week must be enrolled in at least six but not more than ten credits per semester (not less than three or more than five credits for summer), or be enrolled in at least one thesis credit.
Assistantships are currently valued at $10,530/year (approximately $5,200/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:
- Possible non-resident tuition remission for out-of-state students (current value is up to $5,100/semester)
- 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 (AOP) Fellowships
Advanced Opportunity Program (AOP) 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). AOP fellowships are for under represented minority students, and economically disadvantaged graduate students who are U.S. Citizens or permanent residents. All AOP recipients must maintain good academic standing, make satisfactory academic progress in their graduate program, and demonstrate financial need. In the semester/session during which the award is received, recipients must carry an academic load of at least five credit hours (four credit hours during the summer session), or be enrolled in at least one thesis credit. To be considered for an AOP fellowship, students must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) with the Office of Financial Aid, and complete the AOP application with the Office of Graduate Studies. Out-of-state students who receive an AOP fellowship maby also be eligible to receive a partial or full non-resident tuition remission the semester/session in which the grant is received. Preference is given to Wisconsin residents and full-time students.
Work Study
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.
Loans
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan applicants may borrow up to their financial aid budget, not to exceed $20,500 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
For more information about Assistantships and Fellowships, contact the individual department: Graduate Academic Program Sheets, or the Office of Graduate Studies: graduate@uwec.edu or 715-836-2721.
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.
