Top 16 Wisconsin Scholarships & Grants for 2026 - 2027

Wisconsin Scholarships, Grants & Financial Aid Overview

What Are Some Unique or “Weird” Scholarships in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin offers a variety of unusual and creative scholarships that highlight the state’s culture, long-standing traditions, and appreciation for individual talents. These awards give students opportunities to earn money for college through niche interests, unique skills, or involvement in Wisconsin’s agricultural and outdoor communities. One of the most recognizable examples is the Wisconsin Cheese Industry Scholarship, supporting students interested in food science, dairy production, or agricultural studies—fields that play a major role in Wisconsin’s economy. Another well-known award is the Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest Scholarship, which provides funding to students who demonstrate exceptional duck-calling abilities. These scholarships show that opportunities extend far beyond academics and athletics, giving Wisconsin students a chance to stand out based on interests that might not be recognized elsewhere.

• Wisconsin Cheese Industry Scholarship — supports students pursuing dairy science, agriculture, or food technology.
• Chick and Sophie Major Memorial Duck Calling Contest Scholarship — awarded to students skilled in competitive duck calling.
• Scholarships tied to Wisconsin traditions — including awards related to conservation, wildlife, and agriculture.
• Local niche scholarships — offered by community groups, businesses, or unusual donor-funded programs.
• Awards based on unique talents — highlighting creativity, personality, and distinctive extracurricular involvement.

What Scholarships Are Available for High School Seniors in Wisconsin?

High school seniors across Wisconsin have access to a broad network of scholarship opportunities offered through foundations, nonprofits, civic organizations, and local donors. Many of these awards recognize academic excellence, volunteerism, leadership, or a commitment to community service. Programs like the Milwaukee Foundation Scholarships and the Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Award support students who have demonstrated well-rounded achievements throughout high school. In addition to statewide and national awards, many school districts offer scholarships funded by alumni, local businesses, and philanthropic families. Because these opportunities vary by region, seniors should actively work with their school counselors, who typically maintain curated lists of local and hyper-local awards.

• Milwaukee Foundation Scholarships — awarded based on academics, community involvement, and financial need.
• Elks National Foundation Most Valuable Student Award — national-level funding for leadership and academic achievement.
• Local community foundation awards — available through counties and regional nonprofit groups.
• High school–specific scholarships — including memorial awards and alumni-donor programs.
• Civic organization scholarships — provided by groups such as Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions Club, and community associations.

What Is the Wisconsin Grant?

The Wisconsin Grant is a major need-based financial aid program designed to help Wisconsin residents access affordable higher education. This grant provides support to eligible undergraduate students attending Wisconsin public universities, private nonprofit colleges, and technical institutions. Award amounts are calculated based on the results of the FAFSA, taking into account financial need, cost of attendance, and enrollment details. Because it directly lowers the cost of tuition, the Wisconsin Grant plays a central role in the financial aid packages of thousands of students each year and helps ensure that low- and middle-income families can pursue college pathways within the state.

• Need-based award determined through the FAFSA.
• Available at public universities, technical colleges, and private nonprofit institutions.
• Award amounts vary based on financial need and institution type.
• Supports statewide access to affordable higher education.
• Renewable based on academic progress and continued financial need.

What Is the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH)?

The Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH) serves as the central application system for scholarships within the University of Wisconsin System. This online portal streamlines the process of finding and applying for campus-specific, departmental, and donor-funded scholarships. Students can filter awards based on academic major, financial need, involvement, leadership, or personal interests, making it easier to identify opportunities that align with their backgrounds. WiSH is widely regarded as the starting point for all UW students seeking institutional scholarships and ensures that applicants do not overlook awards offered by their specific campus or department.

• Centralized scholarship platform for the entire UW System.
• Allows filtering by major, financial need, department, or academic performance.
• Includes donor-funded, campuswide, and college-specific scholarships.
• Simplifies the application process with a single, unified system.
• Essential tool for students seeking institutional financial aid.

What Scholarships Are Available for Incoming Freshmen at the University of Wisconsin?

Incoming freshmen at UW campuses can access multiple scholarship programs designed to reward academic achievement, diversity, leadership, and community involvement. Many campuses offer renewable merit awards that help incoming students reduce expenses throughout their college experience. The Chancellor’s Undergraduate Scholarship, for example, honors students with exceptional academic records, while programs like the Powers-Knapp Scholars Program support students from underrepresented backgrounds who demonstrate strong academic promise. UW also offers scholarships for non-traditional learners through initiatives such as the Badger Ready Scholarship, helping adult learners transition back into higher education. Additional opportunities exist at the departmental level, allowing first-year students to secure funding based on their intended majors or academic interests.

• Chancellor’s Undergraduate Scholarship — recognizes high-achieving incoming freshmen.
• Powers-Knapp Scholars Program — supports students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Badger Ready Scholarship — assists non-traditional and returning adult learners.
• Major-specific scholarships — offered through UW colleges and academic departments.
• Leadership and engagement scholarships — for students active in school or community activities.

Are There Wisconsin Grants for Individuals in Specific Career Fields?

Wisconsin funds several grant programs focused on addressing statewide workforce needs in sectors that face talent shortages. These grants help students pursue degrees in healthcare, education, and other high-demand areas, while also promoting long-term workforce development. The Wisconsin Health Careers Grant encourages students to enter nursing, allied health, clinical professions, or public health fields—areas where trained professionals are urgently needed. Additionally, the Rural Wisconsin Teacher Talent Pipeline Grant supports aspiring educators who plan to teach in rural or underserved districts, helping ensure equitable access to high-quality education across the state. These grants make training more affordable while directly supporting the needs of Wisconsin communities.

• Wisconsin Health Careers Grant — supports students entering healthcare fields.
• Rural Wisconsin Teacher Talent Pipeline Grant — for future educators serving rural communities.
• Career-focused funding — aligned with high-demand workforce areas.
• Supports public service and community development roles.
• Helps reduce educational costs for career-specific pathways.

How Do You Apply for the Wisconsin Grant?

Applying for the Wisconsin Grant is a straightforward process, as eligibility is determined through a single application: the FAFSA. Once students submit the FAFSA, the state reviews financial information to determine whether the applicant qualifies for the grant. There are no extra forms or supplemental materials required for this award. To maximize their chances of receiving funding, students should submit the FAFSA as early as possible and ensure they list at least one participating Wisconsin college or university. Grant eligibility is reassessed each year based on continued financial need and satisfactory academic progress.

• Complete the FAFSA to determine eligibility.
• No separate Wisconsin Grant application is required.
• Automatically awarded to qualifying Wisconsin residents.
• Students must list a Wisconsin institution on the FAFSA.
• Eligibility reevaluated annually based on financial need and progress.

What Is the Wisconsin Technical Excellence Scholarship?

The Wisconsin Technical Excellence Scholarship (TES) honors high school seniors who excel in technical education coursework and demonstrate strong hands-on aptitude. TES supports students who plan to continue their technical training at one of the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) institutions. These scholarships help bridge the gap between high school technical programs and Wisconsin’s workforce needs by providing affordable pathways into technical fields such as manufacturing, healthcare support, engineering technology, information technology, and skilled trades. The award not only recognizes outstanding achievement but also encourages students to pursue high-demand careers that support Wisconsin’s economic growth.

• Awarded to seniors excelling in technical and vocational coursework.
• Applies to Wisconsin Technical College System schools.
• Supports training for high-demand technical and skilled trade careers.
• Encourages continuation of hands-on career education.
• Recognizes achievement in fields such as IT, healthcare, manufacturing, and engineering tech.

What Is the Tommy G. Thompson Scholarship?

The Tommy G. Thompson Scholarship honors students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership qualities, and dedication to civic engagement. Named after Wisconsin’s former governor, this award supports students attending eligible UW System institutions. It aligns closely with Governor Thompson’s lifelong commitment to expanding educational access, strengthening public service, and empowering communities. Recipients often participate in leadership development programs or service-based initiatives during their college careers, creating a holistic experience that goes beyond financial assistance. This scholarship is especially valuable for students who want to blend academic achievement with meaningful contributions to their communities.

• Merit-based scholarship available to UW System students.
• Recognizes academic achievement and leadership potential.
• Encourages civic engagement and public service involvement.
• Supports Governor Thompson’s legacy of educational opportunity.
• Often connected to leadership development and enrichment programs.