Students who are not accepted into a degree-granting program are classified as Non-Degree Students.  These students are generally not eligible for financial aid. Exceptions can be made for those enrolled in eligible certificate programs or those taking prerequisite courses for admission to a UWM graduate degree or certification program. In both cases, students must:

  • Submit the Non Degree Student Verification Form to the school or college administering the program.
    • Please Note! We use a new form every year!!
    • Use this form if you plan to attend during the 2024-25 school year. The Summer 2025 term is part of the 2024-25 school year
    • Use this form if you plan to attend during the 2025-26 school year. The Summer 2026 term is part of the 2025-26 school year.
  • The school or college then documents enrollment in an eligible category on the form and submits it to Student Financial Services as early as possible.
  • Students must enroll in at least 6 credits which must be documented on the Non-Degree Student Verification Form.
  • Students completing prerequisites have a maximum of 12 consecutive months of eligibility.

Second-degree students, students pursuing a teaching certification, and non-degree students who are eligible for financial aid, will only be offered Federal Direct Loan assistance.

Non-Degree Students without a bachelor’s degree are NOT eligible for financial aid

Eligible Certificate Programs

Students enrolled in these certificate programs may be eligible for Title IV Federal Student Financial Aid (Loans) if they meet other eligibility requirements. A non-degree enrollment verification form is not required for students in these programs

Undergraduate Level

  • Therapeutic Recreation
  • School Librarianship (this is eligible due to students earning initial licensure in school librarianship)

Graduate Level

  • Geographic Information Systems
  • Nonprofit Management
  • Rhetorical Leadership