The University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee (UWM) has specific financial requirements for both undergraduate and graduate students. These requirements encompass tuition, fees, and potential expenses like housing, food, and books. Understanding these financial obligations is crucial for students to plan and manage their educational finances effectively.
Tuition and Fees: Tuition rates at UWM vary depending on residency status (Wisconsin resident, non-resident, or international student), academic program, and the number of credits taken. Wisconsin residents generally enjoy lower tuition rates compared to non-residents and international students. Specific tuition rates are published annually on the UWM Student Financial Services website. In addition to tuition, students are also required to pay segregated fees, which support student services, activities, and facilities like the UWM Union, recreation center, and student government. The amount of segregated fees varies each semester.
Payment Options: UWM offers several payment options to accommodate different financial situations. These include:
- Online Payment: Students can pay their tuition and fees online through PAWS (Panther Access to Web Services) using credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express) or electronic checks.
- Payment Plan: UWM offers a payment plan that allows students to pay their tuition and fees in installments over a set period. This can ease the burden of a large lump-sum payment at the beginning of each semester.
- Financial Aid: UWM participates in federal and state financial aid programs, including Pell Grants, Stafford Loans, and Wisconsin Grant programs. Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Scholarships: UWM offers numerous scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, or specific program affiliation. Students can explore scholarship opportunities through the UWM Scholarship Portal.
- Third-Party Payments: Students whose tuition is being paid by a third party, such as an employer or a sponsoring organization, must provide documentation to the UWM Student Financial Services office.
Financial Aid Requirements: Students receiving financial aid must maintain satisfactory academic progress (SAP) to remain eligible. SAP standards include maintaining a minimum GPA and completing a certain percentage of attempted credit hours. Failure to meet SAP requirements can result in the loss of financial aid eligibility.
Other Expenses: Beyond tuition and fees, students need to budget for other expenses, including housing (on-campus or off-campus), food, books and supplies, transportation, and personal expenses. The estimated cost of attendance published by UWM includes these expenses and can be helpful for budgeting purposes. International students may also have additional expenses, such as health insurance and visa fees.
Late Fees and Penalties: Students are responsible for paying their tuition and fees by the published deadlines. Late payment fees are assessed on accounts with outstanding balances after the due date. Failure to pay tuition and fees can also result in registration holds, preventing students from registering for future courses or obtaining transcripts.
Student Financial Services: UWM’s Student Financial Services office provides assistance to students with all aspects of financial planning, including financial aid advising, scholarship information, payment options, and budget counseling. Students are encouraged to contact the Student Financial Services office with any questions or concerns regarding their financial obligations.