Top 5 Tuition-Free Online Colleges in Wisconsin

Getting a college degree can be challenging, considering the high costs of tuition and associated fees that come with it.

But individuals living in Wisconsin, especially those attending schools within the University of Wisconsin System, are given ample opportunities to reduce the burden of paying for college.

Qualified residents can receive free college in Wisconsin through several leading universities and have many choices to obtain financial support, as outlined below.

Online Colleges and Universities with Free Courses

The following programs from accredited institutions offer free college in Wisconsin and other ways to alleviate the high costs of getting a degree.

1. University of Wisconsin System

The University of Wisconsin (UW) System provides up to four years of tuition for undergraduates needing financial support with the Wisconsin Tuition Program.

First-time associate or bachelor's degree-seeking students who live in Wisconsin and earn less than $62,000 per year are eligible.

This tuition waiver offering free college in Wisconsin assists students enrolled in one of the 12 public UW universities, except for UW�Madison, which does not participate.

It applies to several online programs available throughout the UW System.

2. University of Wisconsin, Parkside

The University of Wisconsin in Parkside delivers an online Bachelor of Science in business administration through the UW Flexible Options program.

This self-paced degree program offers a flat tuition rate structured around a student's progress rather than the time spent in class.

Students pay per subscription period and complete as many courses as possible within that time. This fixed-rate tuition model gives individuals control of college costs, making it more affordable.

3. University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee

The University of Wisconsin in Milwaukee delivers many degrees through the convenience of the UW Flexible Options program at a flat tuition rate.

Working students can complete an online degree on their schedule with the program's affordable and flexible offerings.

This program has the following degrees available through distance learning:

• Associate of Arts and Science
• Bachelor of Science in biomedical sciences
• Bachelor of Science in information science and technology
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing, RN to BSN

4. University of Wisconsin, Madison

The University of Wisconsin in Madison covers the total cost of tuition with the Badger Promise for student transfers from UW Branch campuses and certain other colleges.

It is a last-dollar award where eligible individuals receive up to two semesters of in-state tuition costs and fees, which applies to multiple online programs.

They also allow students to attend college for free in Wisconsin via distance learning through several Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) options, with topics such as data visualization and SQL fundamentals.

5. Lakeland University

Lakeland University in Plymouth is highly committed to helping students get a quality education for free with its Lakeland Promise.

Eligible individuals living in Wisconsin can attend up to four years for free without paying tuition or fees, with many degrees available through online education. Transfer students receive up to three years of free tuition.

They are the first private university in Wisconsin to provide a tuition-free promise program for students meeting specific requirements. It is supported by federal, state, and university-funded programs.

How To Make College Free

If you are interested in going to college for free in Wisconsin, you can apply for grants and scholarships, get tuition reimbursement from your employer, and get a tuition waiver.

Below, you'll see details about each opportunity that might reduce the cost of tuition.

Apply for Grants

Reducing the costs for tuition and other education-related fees can be done by applying for grants, a form of financial aid usually not expected to be paid back.

Examples of grants that can help with free college in Wisconsin include:

• Bucky's Tuition Promise, which guarantees both grants and scholarships to help pay for tuition for students with less than $60,000 adjusted household income
• The Elks National Foundation Scholarship and Grants, which are available in various forms, such as freedom grants for veterans and military members
• Hispanic Heritage Youth Awards, which aids in funding the costs of a college education with a one-time grant award

Apply for Scholarships

Another type of financial support that usually does not require repayment comes in the form of scholarships. Several are available for aspiring college students in Wisconsin.

The first step for all students in determining their eligibility for financial aid, grants, and scholarships, is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which they can do online.

Examples of available scholarships in Wisconsin include:

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Scholarships to assist students getting technical degrees in STEM disciplines
• High School Heisman Scholarship for student athletes
• Marine Credit Union Scholarship which offers $1,000 to members and their children

Get Tuition Reimbursement from an Employer

Many companies encourage and support employees to get a college education by compensating their tuition costs. This excellent employee benefit is sometimes integrated into a benefits package.

Employee tuition reimbursement programs usually require working students to pay upfront for their courses. When they complete their degree, the company reimburses the necessary fees.

Look Into Tuition and Fee Waivers

Students should investigate options for tuition and fee waivers available through several Wisconsin institutions and contact their schools of choice to learn about ones they may be eligible for.

For instance, the University of Wisconsin in Superior offers a non-resident tuition waiver based on academic merit and level of financial need.

It provides a 95% reduction in tuition costs for individuals who live outside of Wisconsin or Minnesota.

Find a Free or Low-Cost Degree in Wisconsin Today

Free college education in Wisconsin is possible with many universities providing tuition waivers and financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, and promise programs.

This list describes the best ones to find the right fit today.