-
Colleges
-
Graduate School
- Scout Grad School Search Find and compare grad schools based on your preferences, goals and academic interests.
- $5,000 Grad School No Essay Scholarship Enter to win our $5,000 no essay grad school scholarship in 2 min or less.
- Graduate Degrees Explore graduate degree options that fit your goals.
- Paying for Graduate School Understand costs and explore ways to pay for grad school.
-
Scholarships
- $2,000 No Essay Scholarship Enter to win our no essay $2,000 college scholarship in 2 minutes or less.
- Scholly Scholarships Easily find and sort through thousands of college scholarships for free.
- Scholarships for High School Seniors Explore scholarships for high school seniors and get tips on how to apply.
- Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships Apply for up to $10,000 in scholarships each month with just one form.
- $5,000 Grad School No Essay Scholarship Enter to win our $5,000 no essay grad school scholarship in 2 min or less.
-
Financial aid
- Financial Aid Grants, work-study, and federal student loans can all be part of your financial aid package.
- FAFSA® Guide Learn how to answer the 2026-27 FAFSA® questions like a pro.
- Financial Aid Offers Compare financial aid offers to determine the most affordable schools for you and your family.
- College Grants Learn more about federal and state grants and how to apply.
- Federal Pell Grants Discover what a Pell Grant is, who is eligible, and how to apply.
- Financial Aid Resources Get expert guidance on maximizing your financial aid options to make education more affordable.
-
Pay for School
- Sallie Mae® Student Loans
- Private Student Loans Find a private student loan designed to fit your needs.
- Undergrad Student Loan For college students earning a bachelor's or associate's degree.
- Graduate Student Loans Choose the right loan for your graduate degree or post-graduate studies.
- Career Training Loan For students taking professional training or certificate courses.
- Student Loan Resources Everything you need to navigate student loans with confidence.
Scholarships
Wisconsin scholarships: Free money for WI students
Here's a scholarship you can apply for in minutes.
Scholarships for Wisconsin
6 days left!
Apply now
Sallie $2,000 No Essay Scholarship
Due: 3/31/26
$2,000
6 days left!
Apply now
Sterbenz-Ryan Scholarship
Due: 3/31/26
|No essay
|No min. GPA Required
|No Transcripts Required
$2,000
The Sterbenz-Ryan Scholarship was established in 2016 by local businessmen Richard Sterbenz and Martin Ryan who wanted to "give kids like them a shot at life they never had." Scholarships will be offered to eligible traditional and non-traditional students who otherwise may not have the opportunity to attend a public post-secondary school in Minnesota or Wisconsin due to challenging life circumstances and financial constraints. If you are renewing your Sterbenz-Ryan Scholarship, you must enter a provided access code. Applicants must be graduating seniors or non-traditional students seeking scholarship to attend any public Minnesota or Wisconsin college (technical, community, university). Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the St. Croix Valley Foundation for more information.
O'Brien-Vrba Scholarship Trust Program
Due: 4/8/26
|No essay
$2,500
The O'Brien-Vrba Scholarship Trust is intended to assist rural Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Michigan high school graduates who plan to continue their education in college. Applicants must currently live or have resided in an approved rural county during high school. Applicants must be an undergraduate student or graduate-level student, who plans to enroll in a course of study at an accredited four-year college or university for the entire upcoming academic year. Applicants must be actively involved in school activities and community service and have a family Adjusted Gross Income of $150,000 or less. Applicants of the Catholic Faith, those who attend Catholic institution, and/or who participate in activities through the Newman Center at their college are given additional consideration. Two online letters of recommendation must be submitted; one from a teacher, advisor or clergy writing about the applicant's performance and character; and one from a community service supervisor addressing the applicant's service and leadership in the activity. If you will be changing schools, please provide a copy of your acceptance letter to the school you will be attending. Please visit the scholarship's website for more information.
Major Don S. Gentile Scholarship
Due: 4/15/26
|No Transcripts Required
$6,000
The UNICO Foundation will award the Major Don S. Gentile Scholarship to high school seniors at any public or private secondary school who will be attending an accredited campus-based college or university program in the United States. The scholarship will be paid out for up to a maximum of 4 years. Online degree programs are not eligible for UNICO scholarships. Applicants must be of Italian descent. They must have at least one parent of Italian heritage. Documented and notarized proof may be requested by the selection committee, if necessary. Applicants must also reside in or have a UNICO Chapter or District sponsor from one of the eligible states. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the UNICO Foundation Inc. for more information.
William C. Davini Scholarship
Due: 4/15/26
|No Transcripts Required
$6,000
The UNICO Foundation will award the William C. Davini Scholarship to high school seniors at any public or private secondary school who will be attending an accredited campus-based college or university program in the United States. The scholarship will be paid out for up to a maximum of 4 years. Online degree programs are not eligible for UNICO scholarships. Applicants must be of Italian descent. They must have at least one parent of Italian heritage. Documented and notarized proof may be requested by the selection committee, if necessary. Applicants must also reside in or have a UNICO Chapter or District sponsor from one of the eligible states. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the UNICO Foundation Inc. for more information.
Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Graduate Scholarship
Due: 4/15/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
$3,000
The Sergeant John Basilone Memorial Graduate Scholarship is open for application to a senior undergraduate at any public or private college or university or a graduate thereof who is initiating graduate studies in the United States. Students already attending grad school do not qualify. Online degree programs are not eligible for UNICO scholarships. Applicants must be of Italian descent. They must have at least one parent of Italian heritage. Documented and notarized proof may be requested by the selection committee, if necessary. Applicants must also reside in or have a UNICO Chapter or District sponsor from one of the eligible states. Submission of letters of recommendation is optional. If the applicant is being sponsored by a local chapter, a chapter of a family member or a local district, the applicant will be asked to provide the name and email address for the chapter or district contact for the option of attaching a letter of endorsement. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the UNICO Foundation Inc. for more information.
Louise Torraco Memorial Scholarship for Science
Due: 4/15/26
|No Recommendations Required
$2,500
The Louise Torraco Memorial Scholarship for Science will be awarded to students currently pursuing a degree in the Physical Sciences including but not limited to Agro-Sciences, Astronomy, Chemistry, Earth Sciences, and Physics; or in the Life Sciences including but not limited to Anatomy, Biochemistry, Biology, Botany, Microbiology and Zoology. This program is open to applicants of all ethnicities. Online degree programs are not eligible for UNICO scholarships. Applicants must also reside in or have a UNICO Chapter or District sponsor from one of the eligible states. Submission of letters of recommendation is optional. If the applicant is being sponsored by a local chapter, a chapter of a family member or a local district, the applicant will be asked to provide the name and email address for the chapter or district contact for the option of attaching a letter of endorsement. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the UNICO Foundation Inc. for more information.
Dr. Benjamin Cottone Memorial Scholarship
Due: 4/15/26
|No Recommendations Required
|No min. GPA Required
$5,000
The Dr. Benjamin Cottone Memorial Scholarship is open for application to a senior at a campus based public or private college or university or hold a degree thereof who will be pursuing a medical doctor or doctor of osteopathy degree, or is currently enrolled in an accredited medical school within the United States. Online degree programs are not eligible for UNICO scholarships. Applicants must be of Italian descent. They must have at least one parent of Italian heritage. Documented and notarized proof may be requested by the selection committee, if necessary. Applicants must also reside in or have a UNICO Chapter or District sponsor from one of the eligible states. Submission of letters of recommendation is optional. If the applicant is being sponsored by a local chapter, a chapter of a family member or a local district, the applicant will be asked to provide the name and email address for the chapter or district contact for the option of attaching a letter of endorsement. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the UNICO Foundation Inc. for more information.
Ralph J. Torraco Fine Arts Scholarship
Due: 4/15/26
|No Recommendations Required
$2,500
The Ralph J. Torraco Fine Arts Scholarship will be awarded to students currently pursuing a degree in the Fine Arts including the Performing Arts, Visual Arts or Technical Arts. This program is open to applicants of all ethnicities. Applicants will be asked to submit a link for either a video showcasing their performance or a link to their portfolio. Online degree programs are not eligible for UNICO scholarships. Applicants must also reside in or have a UNICO Chapter or District sponsor from one of the eligible states. Submission of letters of recommendation is optional. If the applicant is being sponsored by a local chapter, a chapter of a family member or a local district, the applicant will be asked to provide the name and email address for the chapter or district contact for the option of attaching a letter of endorsement. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the UNICO Foundation Inc. for more information.
Inserra Scholarships
Due: 4/15/26
|No Recommendations Required
$2,500
The Inserra Scholarships will be awarded to students pursuing a degree in the United States. If the student is applying as a graduate student, they must be currently attending the graduate program. Online degree programs are not eligible for UNICO scholarships. Applicants must be of Italian descent. They must have at least one parent of Italian heritage. Documented and notarized proof may be requested by the selection committee, if necessary. Applicants must also reside in or have a UNICO Chapter or District sponsor from one of the eligible states. Submission of letters of recommendation is optional. If the applicant is being sponsored by a local chapter, a chapter of a family member or a local district, the applicant will be asked to provide the name and email address for the chapter or district contact for the option of attaching a letter of endorsement. Please visit the scholarship's website or contact the UNICO Foundation Inc. for more information.
Key things to know about Wisconsin scholarships
- Wisconsin scholarships can lower how much you pay for school. They can help cover tuition, fees, books, and other education costs, and you usually don’t have to pay that money back.
- Wisconsin students at all different stages can qualify for scholarships. You’ll find options for high school seniors, current college students, grad students, adult learners, and students in career training.
- Not every award is based only on grades. Some scholarships look at academics, but others focus on financial need, career goals, leadership, service, identity, or major.
- State aid and school-based aid can work together. Combine Wisconsin scholarships, institutional aid, and other forms of financial aid to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
- Starting early gives you more options. Many scholarships have limited funds or early deadlines, so applying on a regular schedule can boost your chances of winning.
Paying for college can feel like a lot, especially when you’re trying to balance tuition, housing, books, and everyday expenses. That’s why Wisconsin scholarships and other free money options should be part of your plan from the start. If you’re wondering what scholarships are available for Wisconsin students, you'll find state programs, college-based awards, and local opportunities.
The time you spend applying can pay off in a big way. Sallie Mae’s How America Pays for College 2025 found that 75% of students who received a scholarship said it made college possible. Whether you’re heading to a four-year university, a community college, or another eligible program, scholarships for Wisconsin students can make school more affordable.
Enter to win a $2,000 scholarship
No essay | Apply in 2 minutes or less
What are Wisconsin scholarships?
Wisconsin scholarships are financial awards that help students pay for college, career training, or other eligible postsecondary education costs. They can come from the state, colleges and universities, local organizations, foundations, employers, and community groups.
Unlike student loans, scholarship funds don’t need to be repaid. Some awards are merit-based, while others focus on financial need or student background. Wisconsin scholarships may consider things like:
- Academic performance or class rank
- Financial need
- Residency in Wisconsin
- Your intended major or career path
- Community service, leadership, or extracurriculars
- Tribal affiliation or cultural background
- Enrollment at an eligible Wisconsin school
What scholarships are available for Wisconsin students?
If you’re looking for top Wisconsin scholarships, it helps to search across a few categories at once. Some programs come from the state, some come from colleges, and others are offered by community foundations or private organizations.
Using Scholly Scholarships can help you find both Wisconsin scholarships and national awards that match your background, goals, and interests.
Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship
The Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship is a merit-based state scholarship for top students graduating from Wisconsin high schools. It’s commonly awarded to students with very strong academic records who attend an eligible college or university in the state. If you’re a top student at your school, this is one program to watch closely.
Wisconsin Indian Student Assistance Grant
The Wisconsin Indian Student Assistance Grant supports eligible Native American students who meet the program’s Tribal affiliation and residency rules. It’s meant to help with undergraduate or graduate educational costs at eligible institutions. This can be an important option for students looking for state-based support tied to Tribal eligibility.
Health Services Scholarship Program
The Health Services Scholarship Program is aimed at students preparing for healthcare careers in fields that may serve workforce needs in Wisconsin. Programs like this can be a strong fit for students planning to work in high-need health settings after graduation. If you’re studying nursing, medicine, or another health-related field, this is one of the top
Institutional scholarships in Wisconsin
Many Wisconsin colleges offer their own scholarships, and these can be some of the most important awards on your list. Schools like the University of Wisconsin–Madison, the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, and Marquette University all offer institutional aid that may be based on academics, financial need, leadership, or program of study.
Some colleges automatically consider you when you apply for admission, while others ask for a separate scholarship application. That’s why it’s smart to check both the admissions page and the financial aid page for each school you’re considering.
Are there local and community scholarships available for Wisconsin students?
Local scholarships can be a great option because the applicant pool is often smaller than it is for big national awards. In Wisconsin, these awards may come from community foundations, local employers, service organizations, credit unions, and regional nonprofits. Search for local scholarships through:
- Community foundations
- High school counseling offices
- Local businesses and employers
- Civic and service groups
- Regional nonprofit organizations
Additional financial aid resources
Wisconsin Talent Incentive Program Grant
The Wisconsin Talent Incentive Program Grant is a grant program, not a traditional scholarship. It’s designed for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who are nominated by counselors or financial aid administrators and who meet program requirements.
Wisconsin Grant Program
The Wisconsin Grant Program is another major state aid resource for eligible students attending certain Wisconsin colleges and universities. It’s generally based on financial need and can apply across different sectors of higher education depending on the specific grant category.
Scholly Scholarships
Find scholarships now
Find scholarships that are right for you
Easily search through thousands of college scholarships based on your background, major, state you live in, and more.
Hot tip! Smaller scholarships may have less competition, increasing your odds of winning.
How to apply for Wisconsin scholarships
- Pull together key documents early, such as your transcript, activity list, resume, and a basic personal statement.
- Make a list of scholarships that fit your background, major, and goals, focusing on both statewide and local programs.
- Work through a few applications at a time so the process stays consistent but not overwhelming.
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) so you can be considered for need-based scholarships, grants, and other aid.
- Use a calendar, spreadsheet, or checklist to keep track of application requirements and deadlines.
- Read instructions carefully and double-check your application before you hit submit.
If you want a faster way to get started, Scholly® Easy Apply Scholarships can help you apply to several scholarships with one simplified application.
What are the eligibility requirements for WI students?
Each program has its own rules, but many Wisconsin scholarships share common eligibility requirements such as:
- Wisconsin residency
- Enrollment or planned enrollment at an eligible college or program
- Minimum GPA or academic achievement for merit awards
- Demonstrated financial need for need-based aid
- A specific major, career interest, or training path
- Leadership, service, or extracurricular involvement
- Meeting school or state application deadlines
How can I improve my chances of winning a scholarship?
- Apply to a mix of scholarships.
Big-name awards get lots of attention, but smaller state and local scholarships can be easier to win and still make a real difference. - Tailor each essay to the award.
You don’t need to start from scratch every time, but your application should clearly connect your story to the scholarship’s purpose. - Keep FAFSA® on your to-do list.
Some Wisconsin aid programs are need-based, so filing early can help you qualify for more support. - Look beyond one school.
Even if you have a favorite college, compare scholarship opportunities at several Wisconsin schools before you decide. - Stay consistent.
Applying for a few scholarships every month usually works better than trying to do everything at once.
Your next steps
Wisconsin scholarships can come from a lot of places, including the state, your college, and your local community. When you combine scholarships with grants and other aid, you may be able to cut down how much you need to borrow.
Keep your search active, file the FAFSA® as early as possible, and don’t overlook smaller awards. To keep things moving, you can also check Scholly Easy Apply Scholarships, the $2,000 No Essay Scholarship, and Scholly Scholarships for more opportunities.
FAQs about Wisconsin scholarships
What scholarships are available for Wisconsin students?
Wisconsin students may find state scholarships, institutional scholarships from Wisconsin colleges, local community awards, and private scholarships. Some of the best-known options include the Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship, school-based aid, and targeted programs for specific student groups.
What is the Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship?
It’s a merit-based state scholarship awarded to top Wisconsin high school graduates who attend an eligible in-state institution. It’s one of the better-known scholarships for Wisconsin students with strong academic records.
Are there scholarships for Wisconsin high school seniors?
Yes. Many scholarships are open to Wisconsin high school seniors, including state merit awards, local community scholarships, and institutional awards from colleges you apply to during senior year.
Can Wisconsin students get scholarships for trade schools?
Some Wisconsin students in career-focused or technical programs may qualify for scholarships or grants, depending on the school and program. It’s also worth checking technical college financial aid offices for institution-specific awards.
Do Wisconsin scholarships require FAFSA®?
Some do, and some don’t. Merit-based scholarships may not require FAFSA®, but need-based aid programs and grants often do, so filing it is a smart move.
Do Wisconsin colleges offer their own scholarships?
Yes. Many Wisconsin colleges offer institutional scholarships based on academics, need, leadership, talent, or major. Always check each school’s admissions and financial aid pages.
When should Wisconsin students start applying for scholarships?
You should start as early as possible, ideally in junior year or early senior year of high school. Current college students should also keep applying because many scholarships aren’t limited to first-year applicants.
Are there easy or no-essay scholarships for Wisconsin students?
Yes, some scholarships have shorter applications or fewer requirements. You can also look at no-essay scholarships and Scholly Easy Apply opportunities to save time.
What scholarships are available for Wisconsin students with financial need?
Students with financial need may qualify for the Wisconsin Grant Program, institutional need-based aid, and local community scholarships. Filing the FAFSA should be your first step if you want to be considered.
Are there scholarships for Wisconsin students attending UW schools?
Yes. University of Wisconsin campuses may offer their own scholarships for incoming and continuing students. The exact awards vary by campus, so check the school you plan to attend.
Can Wisconsin community college students get scholarships?
Yes. Students at two-year and technical colleges may qualify for foundation scholarships, local awards, and some state aid programs depending on eligibility.
What are the top Wisconsin scholarships to look at first?
A strong starting point includes the Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship, institutional scholarships at your college, local community scholarships, and any state aid programs tied to your background or major.
Need more money for college?
Private student loans can help you cover additional costs for school.
No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds of winning depend on number of entries received. See Official Rules and Entry Periods on each scholarship page.
FAFSA® is a registered service mark of U.S. Department of Education, Federal Student Aid.