Scholarships

Scholarships are a type of gift aid and do not have to be repaid. Students can be awarded on the basis of academic merit or other criteria such as talent, leadership, community involvement, and financial need.

Here at UWM, there are several scholarship opportunities, ranging from University-Wide scholarships to School/College specific scholarships. Some may require an application. To keep on top of all the scholarship opportunities, be sure to keep checking this page for updates and also like our Facebook page.

For Incoming New Freshmen

Incoming New Freshmen

Merit-Based Scholarship

In recognition of outstanding academic achievement, UW-Milwaukee awards merit-based scholarships to incoming students each year through a competitive scholarship awarding process. Scholarships range from $1,500 to $5,000. Some may be renewable.

What is the Merit-Based Scholarship Process?

Incoming freshmen students who are admitted by December 1st for the upcoming 2018-19 academic year will be considered for incoming freshmen merit-based scholarships. There is no separate application to apply.

What is considered in the scholarship process?

Awarding decisions take into consideration: ACT/SAT test scores, class rank, grade point average, and the college application statement.

When will I hear if I’ve been awarded a merit based scholarship?

Scholarship award notices will be mailed starting mid-December and continue through spring.

Are DACA students eligible for these and other scholarships?

Yes! DACA students are eligible for these and can also apply for other UWM scholarships, including those that require demonstrated financial need. An alternative need form can be completed and submitted with the application. The only scholarships that DACA students may not apply for are the ones that indicate it’s not open to international or foreign national students. If you are unsure, contact the Scholarship Coordinator for more information.

Additional Scholarships for New Freshmen

For New Transfer Students

New Transfer Students

New transfer students at UWM may be automatically considered for University-Wide scholarships based on their academic profile, admission application essays, extra-curricular and leadership/service activities. New transfer students should also consider filling out applications for scholarship monies that are awarded independently of University-Wide awards. Scholarships range up to $5,000. For more details, please see the transfer scholarship brochure.

For Non-Traditional Students

Non-Traditional Students

Non-Traditional students typically include students who are returning adults looking to complete their education, students with children and/or dependents, and active members of the military or veterans.

  • Osher Reentry Scholarship Deadline: July 21, 2017
    Up to $500 award for 10 to 15 adult returning students. To qualify you must be 25 years of age or older, and returning to school after a cumulative gap in your education of at least five years. Candidates include adults entering undergraduate studies for the first time, and those with some university credit. All candidates must meet federal requirements for students in need of financial aid. Applicants must have undergraduate status (graduate students are not eligible). PDF Application.
For Out of State Students

Out of State Students

UWM is a good value and an even better investment because we’re competitively priced and students qualify for special discount programs that bring your costs close to Wisconsin resident rates—and far below the price tags of private colleges.

For Current Students

Current Students

University-Wide Scholarships available for current UWM students to apply for

  • Currently there are no scholarship listings available for the 2017-18 school year. Please check back or review our Private Scholarship Page.
For Graduate Students

Graduate Students

Most scholarship opportunities for graduate students come in the form of Fellowships, Assistantships, and Tuition Waivers and are offered by departments within the School or College. Please visit the Graduate School for more information.

Fellowships, as well as some tuition remissions or waivers, can affect your financial aid package. Teaching, Research, and Project Assistantships (TAs/RAs/PAs) no longer affect your eligibility for federal aid. Although TAs and PAs are no longer considered a financial aid resource, the earnings should be listed as untaxed income on your FAFSA. If you are receiving a tuition waiver or fellowship from the university, and it does not appear in your PAWS financial aid award, please notify our office immediately at schlrshp@uwm.edu.

If your other financial aid funds are disbursed prior to your remission/waiver, these will automatically be applied to your tuition account balance.  You may not receive any expected refund check until after your tuition remission/waiver has been processed.

Please note that graduate students are automatically assigned a Cost of Attendance that assumes in-state tuition and enrollment in eight or more credits. If you are an out-of-state resident and you do not receive a non-resident tuition remission, you may contact our office to request a review of your financial aid package for a possible revision.

Additional UWM Scholarship Opportunities
Private Scholarships

Private Scholarships

These are scholarships given by donors & organizations not affiliated with UWM. Be sure to notify the Financial Aid Department of the private scholarships you’ve been awarded.

Looking for other scholarships? Check out these private scholarships. Please note that these scholarships are not offered by UWM but rather by an outside source. UWM does not endorse any of these sites, companies, missions, scholarship applications or processes that require students to pay a fee or try to sell a product or service. Questions should be addressed to the contact listed directly.

Private Scholarships

Tips

Tips

Most scholarships are awarded solely on the application submitted, without the opportunity of a personal interview.

It is important to present a professional, positive, and accurate application. Be sure to apply only if you are eligible. The following suggestions are offered to assist you with the application process:

  1. Be thorough and accurate. Incomplete applications do not best represent you and may affect your eligibility.
  2. Tell your story. This can often be the most important part of the entire application process. This is your only opportunity to share who you are and your unique circumstances. This can help illustrate your financial need and why you deserve the scholarship.
  3. Recommendation Letters. These can really help boost your application. Be sure to ask those who can positively attest to your character and commitment.
  4. Meet Deadlines. Be sure your application gets submitted on-time.
  5. Ask questions. Work directly with the scholarship coordinator for questions or clarity.
Additional Resources

Additional Scholarship Resources

We encourage you to check these search engines for even more scholarship opportunities!

Also, just a reminder that you should never pay for scholarship opportunities and be aware of scams.