Grants & Waivers
Federal Grants
Education grants offered by the United States federal government are listed below.
Pell Grant
The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based offer that does not need to be repaid. Undergraduate students obtaining their first bachelor's degree may be eligible for funding based on their enrollment intensity. The amount offered is dependent on the student's Student Aid Index (SAI), enrollment status (number of credits each term) and the school's cost of attendance.
Effective July 1, 2012, federal regulations limit the lifetime eligibility of Pell Grant received to the equivalent of 12 full-time semesters (6 years). Less than full-time offers are prorated and remaining eligibility is tracked by the U.S. Department of Education.
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) does not need to be repaid and is for first-degree undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Priority is given to students who receive the Federal Pell Grant and those with the lowest Expected Family Contributions.
Children of Fallen Heroes Grant
A student whose parent or guardian died in the line of duty while performing as a public safety officer may qualify for funding through the federal government. The student must be Pell grant eligible based on the FAFSA and be less than 24 years or age or enrolled at an institution of higher education at the time of his or her parent's or guardian's death.
Iraq & Afghanistan Service Grant
A federal grant available to students whose parent or guardian was a member of the U.S. Armed Forces and died as a result of military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11 and were under 24 years old or enrolled in college at least part-time at the time of the parent’s or guardian’s death. The grant offer is equal to the amount of a maximum Federal Pell Grant.
State Grants
Education grants offered by the State of Wisconsin are listed below.
Wisconsin Grant
The Wisconsin Grant provides assistance to Wisconsin resident students obtaining their first undergraduate degree. Students must be enrolled at least half time at a University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Technical College, private nonprofit or Tribal institutions. The grant does not need to be repaid. Offers are based on financial need and eligibility is determined by a formula set annually by the Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB). Funds are limited. Students are limited to 10 semesters of eligibility based on the FAFSA.
Tuition Assistance Grant
The Wisconsin Tuition Assistance Grant (TAG) is a need-based State grant program for undergraduate Wisconsin residents. Students must have unmet need and be enrolled in at least 6 credits for a term.
Lawton Undergraduate Minority Retention Grant (UMRG)
Due to a recent decision by the Wisconsin Supreme Court, the Universities of Wisconsin will not award new Lawton grants, effective as of June 18, 2026.
Lawton grants for the 2026-27 academic year that were already offered prior to the June 18 ruling will be honored, subject to continued eligibility, enrollment, and applicable financial aid requirements.
More information can be found online here.
Wisconsin Indian Grant
Awards under this program are made to Wisconsin residents who are at least 25% Native American (as verified by the student's Tribal education office) and are undergraduate or graduate students enrolled in degree or certificate programs at University of Wisconsin, Wisconsin Technical College, independent colleges and universities or proprietary institutions based in Wisconsin. Awards are based on financial need with a limit of 10 semesters of eligibility. The Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB) has an informal matching arrangement with grant funds offered by the Federal Bureau of Indian Affairs and Wisconsin Tribal governments.
Talent Incentive Program Grant
The Wisconsin Talent Incentive Program (TIP) Grant provides grant assistance to the most financially needy and educationally disadvantaged Wisconsin resident students attending colleges and universities in the State of Wisconsin. First-time freshmen students are nominated for the TIP Grant by the school financial aid offices or by counselors of the Wisconsin Educational Opportunity Programs (WEOP). To continue to receive the TIP Grant, students must be enrolled consecutive terms and continue to show financial need. Eligibility cannot exceed 10 semesters. Funding for the TIP Grant is provided by both the State of Wisconsin and the Federal Government.
Study Abroad Grant
The Wisconsin Study Abroad Grant is for undergraduate Wisconsin resident students enrolled in a program leading to a first bachelor's degree. The student must demonstrate financial need (based on the FAFSA) and must be enrolled full-time in the semester preceding the study abroad semester. The grant is limited to participation in a long-term study abroad program (8 weeks in duration or longer) administered by UW-Green Bay or any other Universities of Wisconsin Institution. The amount of grant is between $500-$2,000, and priority will be given to applicants who have not received the grant for a prior term. Applications are available through the Office of International Education.
Hearing/Visually Handicapped Student Grant
The Wisconsin Hearing/Visually Handicapped Student Grant was established to provide funding for undergraduate Wisconsin residents, enrolled at in-state or eligible out-of-state public or independent institutions that show financial need and have a severe or profound hearing or visual impairment. Students are eligible to receive up to $1,800 per year for up to 10 semesters. Applications can be found on the WI Higher Educational Aids Board website.
Wisconsin Fee Remission for Survivors
A student may receive a waiver of tuition if their parent or spouse was an ambulance driver, correctional officer, fire fighter, emergency medical services technician or law enforcement officer who was killed in the line of duty in Wisconsin or who qualified for a duty disability benefit. The surviving child must have been under the age of 21 at the time of parent’s death. Contact the Financial Aid Office for more information.
Fund for Wisconsin Scholars Grant
The Fund for Wisconsin Scholars Grant (FFWS) is for full-time, Wisconsin-resident, undergraduate students, who graduated from a Wisconsin public high school. Selection criteria are established by the donor, but students must initially be Pell Grant recipients and have remaining unmet need in order to be eligible. Students may continue to receive the FFWS for up to 10 consecutive semesters if eligibility is maintained, adequate academic progress is made, and degree completion is expected. Students must maintain full-time (12+ credits) enrollment each fall and spring terms, and a minimum of 6 credits must be in-person. In addition, students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress standards. The Universities of Wisconsin Administration will randomly identify recipients from a list of eligible students provided by UW-Green Bay. Maximum grant is $4,500 per year.
Advanced Opportunity Grant
The Advanced Opportunity Grant (AOP) is funded by the State of Wisconsin and is designed to help economically disadvantaged graduate students pay for educational expenses. Eligible students must be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States.
All AOP recipients must maintain good academic standing and make satisfactory academic progress in their graduate program.
Funding is limited. Priority consideration is given to economically disadvantaged Wisconsin residents pursuing their first post-baccalaureate degree who demonstrate financial need.
Selection for each academic year begins on July 1. To be considered, students must:
- Be enrolled at least half-time in a graduate program.
- Submit a FAFSA for the current academic year.
- Receive an aid offer for consideration.
- Demonstrate financial need determined by the FAFSA.
No additional application materials are required. The Financial Aid Office will notify selected recipients if they are offered an Advanced Opportunity Grant.
More Student Aid
Looking for a different type of student support? Check out the different types of aid we are available to provide.