Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship

Name: Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship

Award Amount: $2,250 per year

Information And Eligibility:
The Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship is a prestigious, merit-based award established to recognize and reward exceptional academic achievement among Wisconsin high school seniors. Administered by the Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board, this scholarship is designed to encourage the state’s highest-performing students to continue their education at eligible Wisconsin colleges and universities while remaining in-state. By honoring academic excellence at the high school level, the program promotes both college attainment and retention of talented students within Wisconsin.

Each year, the scholarship is awarded to the student or students with the highest cumulative grade point average in their graduating class, as certified by their high school. The number of scholarships available at each high school is determined by total enrollment in grades 9 through 12, ensuring equitable distribution across schools of varying sizes. Because recipients are selected directly by their high schools, there is no separate application process for students to complete.

The Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship may be used at participating public and private nonprofit institutions within the state of Wisconsin. Eligible institutions include University of Wisconsin campuses, Wisconsin Technical College System institutions, and participating private colleges and universities. Recipients must enroll full time by the specified deadline to activate the award and must continue meeting enrollment requirements to maintain eligibility.

One of the key benefits of this scholarship is its renewability. Students may receive the award for up to eight consecutive semesters, provided they remain enrolled full time and meet institutional academic standards. Over four years, this can result in substantial financial support toward tuition and related educational expenses. Scholarship funds are typically applied directly to tuition, though specific disbursement procedures may vary by institution.

The Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship recognizes academic dedication, consistency, and achievement rather than test scores or extracurricular involvement. As a result, it serves as a meaningful acknowledgment of students who have demonstrated sustained academic excellence throughout high school. For many recipients, the scholarship not only reduces college costs but also enhances academic resumes and provides recognition that may support future opportunities such as graduate study or professional advancement.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Must be a legal resident of Wisconsin.
• Must be a high school senior graduating in the spring.
• Must have the highest cumulative grade point average in the graduating class, as certified by the high school.
• Must enroll full time at a participating Wisconsin college or university.
• Must begin enrollment by September 30 of the academic year following high school graduation.

Application Requirements:

• No application is required.
• Eligible students are automatically designated by their high school.
• High schools submit required certification information to the Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board.

Additional Details:

• The scholarship is renewable for up to eight semesters with continued full-time enrollment.
• Award funds are intended to help cover tuition and eligible education-related expenses.
• Recipients must attend a participating Wisconsin institution to receive the award.
• Failure to enroll by the required deadline may result in forfeiture of the scholarship.

Deadline: Enrollment by September 30 of the academic year following graduation

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