Knowledgebase: Tuition and financial assistance
Are there any additional fees besides tuition?
UW–Madison Online students have a different fee structure and do not have to pay segregated fees. Some additional fees to be aware of are:
- Official document fee (one-time fee on your first tuition bill)
- New student fees (one-time fee on your first tuition bill)
- eTextbook fees (Varies with each session, depending on textbooks required for your courses)
Online students should also be aware of the late-initial-enrollment fee and excess credit policy (>165) fee to avoid circumstances in which these fees would be charged.
Are there any payment plan options?
Yes! BadgerPay allows you to pay your account balance in regularly scheduled payments. Note that BadgerPay is available for fall and spring sessions but not for the summer term.
How do I apply for financial aid?
You are welcome to apply for financial aid by filling out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to be considered for federal, state and institutional financial aid. Learn more about how to apply for financial aid.
How do I pay tuition?
The Bursar’s Office at UW–Madison accepts a variety of payment methods. Note that the Bursar’s Office does not accept cash payments. Learn more about payment options.
How does financial aid work if I am enrolled in an 8-week session?
You must be enrolled in 6 credits to be considered for financial aid, and you must complete 6 credits each session for continued eligibility and consideration for financial aid.
How much will my tuition be?
Tuition is $500 per credit hour. Tuition is the same for all UW–Madison Online students, whether you live in or outside of Wisconsin.
What if I want to use military benefits?
Connecting with the University Veteran Services team at UW–Madison is your best first step. University Veteran Services offers guidance on eligibility and how to apply, and can provide additional support throughout your journey as a student at UW–Madison.
What scholarships can I apply for?
We recommend filling out a FAFSA to be considered for state/federal aid as well as institutional scholarships and/or other financial aid.
You can also use the Wisconsin Scholarship Hub (WiSH) to search for UW–Madison scholarships as well as local, regional and national scholarships offered by other external resources.