Financial Aid

Tuition &
Fees

Billing &
Payments

On Campus
Living

Financing graduate studies

Tuition Surcharge

Financial Aid Office
Paul Watson, Interim Director
Room 106, Student Services Center
Phone: 715-346-4771
Email: finaid@uwsp.edu
Web: www.uwsp.edu/finance

How to Apply for Financial Aid

• Request a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) from the UWSP Student Financial Aid Office.  Complete and mail the form according to the instructions provided on it.

• Or apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

If you are a continuing student, normally a renewal reminder will be e-mailed to you by the U.S. Department of Education in January or February if you applied for aid the previous year. Complete and return the form according to the instructions provided on it. If you previously completed a FAFSA using the government’s Internet site, you must reapply using that same method (requires the use of a personal identification number).

Financial Aid Eligibility
The Financial Aid Office administers UW-Stevens Point's various federal and state financial assistance programs that help students pay their college expenses. They award you funds from need-based programs based on your family's income and assets, the size of your family, the number of family members in college, and other information which you provide on your application form.

To be eligible for most types of assistance, you must:

• Demonstrate a financial need,

• Be admitted to a UW-Stevens Point degree program,

• Not be in default on a student loan,

• Not have been convicted of selling or possessing illegal drugs while receiving federal student aid,

• Not owe a repayment on a student grant, and

• Be enrolled at least half time.

If you enroll less than full time, your financial aid may be reduced. Also, if you fail to make satisfactory academic progress, you will NOT be eligible to receive financial aid even though you may continue enrollment. Note that audited courses do NOT count toward credit load for financial aid eligibility.

You may be eligible for some types of aid (loans, jobs, scholarships) whether or not you can demonstrate need. However, since earnings from "regular" jobs may affect future aid eligibility, you should always consult the Financial Aid Office BEFORE seeking other work.

Financial Aid
When you apply for financial aid, you are considered for all programs listed below that are based upon need. You may also apply for other forms of assistance.

Grants and Waivers-Need-Based
Academic Competitiveness Grant: Awarded based on high school courses or AP credits. Must be U.S. citizen receiving a Pell Grant, enrolled full time as a first or second year student. Second year students must have 3.0 GPA at the conclusion of their first year.

Indian Student Assistance: State awards up to $1,100, that are usually matched with a tribal grant, to Wisconsin Indian students who show financial need.

Lawton Retention Grant: Awarded to Wisconsin and Minnesota undergraduate diversity students with sophomore standing and a minimum 2.00 GPA.

National Smart Grant:  For third or fourth year students majoring in mathematics, science, technology, engineering, or a critical foreign language. Awarded to U.S. citizens, receiving a Pell Grant, enrolled full time and maintaining a 3.0 GPA.

Nonresident Tuition Waiver: A partial waiver of the nonresident fee for full time students, based on need, debt, class level, and eligibility for other grants.

Pell Grant: Awards up to $4,050 to undergraduates, determined by the Pell Grant Administration, based on need and the cost of room, board, and tuition.

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant: Awards up to $1,000 to exceptionally needy undergraduate students.

Wisconsin Handicapped Grant: Awards up to $1,800 to legally deaf or blind students.

Wisconsin Higher Education Grant: Awards based on need up to $2,600 per academic year as determined by the Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board.

Wisconsin Talent Incentive Program: Awards between $1,200-$1,800 to disadvantaged Wisconsin residents.

Loans, Need-Based
Perkins Loan: Loans up to $2,000 annually, with a maximum total of $15,000 for all undergraduate years. The graduate student cumulative maximum is $30,000 which includes any amount borrowed for undergraduate study.

Subsidized Stafford Loan: $3,500 the first year, $4,500 the second, and up to $5,500 in subsequent years, to an undergraduate maximum of $23,000. Graduate students may borrow further, up to a cumulative total of $65,500.

Loans, NOT Need-Based
Unsubsidized Stafford Loan: Loans up to full educational cost less all other financial aid (including need-based Stafford Loans). The maximum amount that you may borrow is governed by the same limits as the need-based Subsidized Stafford loan (except that the limits are higher for independent students: + $4,000 for freshmen and sophomores; + $5,000 for juniors and seniors; + $10,000 for graduates).

PLUS Loan: Loans of up to the cost of education less all other aid. These loans will be provided only by special request.

Alternative Loans: Loans from commercial lenders to help meet unmet financial need or cover assessed family contribution. These are last resort loans, which should only be considered if needed after receiving regular financial assistance.

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Jobs for Students
Need a job? The Student Involvement and Employment Office (SIEO), located at 119 Nelson Hall during fall semester 07-08, and then moving back to 011 University Center starting spring semester 07-08, 715-346-2174, works to connect students and employers. The SIEO lists jobs online at www.uwsp.edu/centers/sieo are viewable only by current UWSP students.  The SIEO can assist you with the following employment programs:

• Federal Work Study Program: Eligibility is based on financial need. Jobs range from on-campus lab assistants, office staff, and intramural officials to off-campus positions in the Stevens Point School District, Parks and Recreation Department, and St. Michael's Hospital.  You can view open positions at the SIEO Web Site. 
• Non-work Study Jobs: Over half of the on-campus positions are NOT work study, with many more opportunities off campus.  Visit the SIEO Web site for listings of current positions.
• Job Lists: If you are not able to commit to regularly scheduled jobs, but are still interested in earning some extra money, you can sign up for any of the six job lists (child care, computer expert, tutor, waitstaff/bartending, one-time job and on-campus) and be emailed about job openings in each category.  Sign up for any of the lists at the SIEO Web site.
• Honors Intern Program: In this program you are involved in part-time or full-time work which complements an academic major or career goals.  Contact the Career Services Office, Room 134, Main Building, (715) 346-3226 for more information.

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Scholarships
Miscellaneous Scholarships or Awards: There are several places you can go to get information about scholarships:

• The Admissions Office has information about scholarships for incoming freshman.
• Check with curricular department offices for awards available for majors in specific courses of study.
• See the UWSP Foundation Web page http://www.uwsp.edu/foundation/scholarships.shtm for information about general scholarships for sophomore, junior, senior, and nontraditional students.

Military Scholarships:
Army ROTC Scholarship:  Army ROTC offers you several opportunities for scholarships at UW-Stevens Point. The scholarships pay full tuition and major fees, $900 per year book allowance (tax free), and $350-500 (tax free, amount increases yearly) per school month for living expenses. High school students may compete for a four-year scholarship. On-campus students may apply for Campus Based two- and three-year scholarships. All ROTC cadets receive the $450-500 monthly allowance during their two years in the advanced courses, plus pay for all summer training. For more information contact the Military Science Department, Room 204 Student Services Center, phone 715-346-3821, e-mail rotc@uwsp.edu, or visit our Web site at www.uwsp.edu/rotc.

Simultaneous Member Program (SMP):  This program allows you to participate in ROTC and the Army Reserve or National Guard as “officer trainees” to gain even more experience and financial support. Currently, non-scholarship cadets belonging to the Wisconsin Army National Guard or the Army Reserve receive up to 100 percent of their college tuition for eight semesters. In addition to the monthly allowance, SMP cadets may be eligible for MGIB “kickers” and increases in drill pay as additional financial incentives. For more information contact the Military Science and Leadership Department, Room 204 Student Services Center, phone 715-346-3821, e-mail rotc@uwsp.edu, or visit our Web site at www.uwsp.edu/rotc.

Leader Training Course: This obligation free, 28-day summer camp is held in Fort Knox, Kentucky. It is a “catch-up” program for students who have not taken the first two years of ROTC classes. Upon completion of the camp, you receive $600 and 8 GDR elective credits, as well as an opportunity to earn a two-year scholarship. For more information contact the Military Science Department, Room 204 Student Services Center, phone 715-346-3821, e-mail  rotc@uwsp.edu, or visit our Web site at www.uwsp.edu/rotc.

Special Fee Remission Consideration
There are a limited number of partial and full tuition fee remissions available for outstanding new non-resident students annually. To qualify, applicants must (1) be nominated by a university faculty or staff member and show evidence of academic excellence as reflected in a high school class rank in the top 20 percent or better; OR (2) present at least a 3.50 high school grade point average, or an ACT score of 25 or better and demonstrate evidence of outstanding co-curricular and extracurricular leadership, or artistic, dramatic, or musical special talent. This type of fee remission is not need based and may be renewed. Special consideration will be given to students reflecting potential contributions to university cultural diversity leadership. For full consideration, send nominations and applications each year by January 1 to the University Special Fee Remission Committee, Room 134, Old Main Building.

Return to Wisconsin Tuition Discount
Children and grandchildren of UWSP alumni may be eligible for a discount of 25 percent off the regular nonresident tuition rate.  This pilot program, approved by the UW System Board of Regents, will continue for fall 2007 and possibly subsequent semesters. Contact the Admissions Office, 715-346-2441, for more information.

Military Service Benefits
A variety of financial aid programs helps veterans and students in active reserve or in the National Guard. Full information on these programs is available at County Veterans Services Offices. In Stevens Point, the phone number is 715-346-1310. Assistance is also available in the Registration and Records Office, Room 101, Student Services Center, 715-346-4301.

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Tuition and Fees
This is what students paid per semester when they enrolled for the 2007-08 school year. The costs will change during the life of this catalog. To find out the most current costs, visit the Accounts Receivable Office, Room 003, Student Services Center, or call 715-346-4796.

NOTE: To receive the Minnesota rate, apply for reciprocity at the appropriate Minnesota agency. Your high school counselor can give you information.

*The total cost includes tuition (also called the incidental fee) and seven segregated fees: University Center fee for the UW-Stevens Point campus centers, student activity fee for recreational services, text rental fee (undergraduates only), student health fee for medical care, municipal service fee for various utilities, Health Enhancement Center fee, and United Council fee for student government. For a more complete breakdown, call the Accounts Receivable Office, Room 003, Student Services Center, 715-346-4796.

Tuition Surcharge
If you are a resident student working toward your first degree and accumulate 165 credits (or 30 credits more than required by your degree program, whichever is greater), you will be assessed a surcharge equal to 100% of the regular resident tuition on all credits beyond 165.

1. Only credits earned at UW-Stevens Point or transferred from a UW System or Wisconsin Technical College institution count toward the 165 credits.

2. Advanced placement (AP), credit-by-exam, retroactive credit, remedial credit, and other nontraditional credits do NOT count toward the 165 credits.
3. The surcharge begins in the term following the one in which you reach 165 credits.
4. To appeal, contact your dean's office or Registration and Records at 715-346-4301.

Wisconsin Residency Requirements
Section 36.27(2) of the Wisconsin State Statutes (below) lists all the requirements for Wisconsin residency. It is your responsibility to register correctly as a resident or nonresident. Contact the Admissions Office, Room 102, Student Services Center, 715-346-2441, for interpretation and further information about your proper residency classification. If you wish to request a change in your residency classification, contact the Admissions Office or your high school counselor for the proper forms.

Minnesota Residents:  If you meet Minnesota residency requirements at a public institution in Minnesota, you may be eligible to pay the established reciprocity fee for coursework taken at UWSP.  Contact the UWSP Admissions Office, Room 102, Student Services Center, for more information or go to http://www.mheso.state.mn.us.

Wisconsin Statutes Section 36.27(2):
(a) Students qualifying under any of the following categories, while they continue to be residents of this state, are entitled to exemption from nonresident tuition but not from incidental or other fees:

Adult students: Any adult student who has been a bona fide resident of the state for 12 months next preceding the beginning of any semester or session for which such student registers at an institution, OR any adult student who is a dependent of his or her parents under 26 USC 152(a) if one or both of the student’s parents have been bona fide residents of this state for at least 12 months next preceding the beginning of any semester or session for which the student registers at an institution.

Minors:  Any minor student, if one or both of the student’s parents have been bona fide residents of this state for at least 12 months next preceding the beginning of any semester or session for which the student registers at an institution; OR any minor student who has resided substantially in this state during the years of minority and at least 12 months next preceding the beginning of any semester or session for which such student registers at an institution.

Minors under guardianship:  Any minor student under guardianship in this state pursuant to ch. 48 or 880 whose legal guardian has been a bona fide resident of this state for at least 12 months next preceding the beginning of any semester or session for which such student registers at an institution.

Migrant workers: Any adult student who has been employed as a migrant worker for at least two months each year for three of the five years next preceding the beginning of any semester or session for which the student registers at an institution, or for at least three months each year for two of the five years next preceding the beginning of any semester or session for which the student registers at an institution; any adult student whose parent or legal guardian has been so employed while the student was a minor; and any minor student whose parent or legal guardian has been so employed. In this subdivision, "migrant worker" has the meaning specified in 103.90(5).

Refugees: (am) Any person who is a refugee, as defined under 8 USC 1101(a)(42), who moved to this state immediately upon arrival in the United States and who has resided in this state continuously since then is entitled to the exemption under par. (a) if he or she demonstrates an intent to establish and maintain a permanent home in Wisconsin according to the criteria under par. (e).

Armed forces, nonresident: (b) Nonresident members of the armed forces and persons engaged in alternative service who are stationed in this state on active duty and their spouses and children are entitled to the exemption under par. (a) during the period that such persons are stationed in this state.

Armed forces, resident: (b) Members of the armed forces who reside in this state and are stationed at a federal military installation located within 90 miles of the borders of this state, and their spouses and children, are entitled to the exemption under par. (a).  

Veterans: Nonresident persons who served in active duty in the U.S. armed forces for at least 10 years, who were honorably discharged from such service within four years before registering at an institution, and who filed state income taxes for at least 8 of the last 10 years of active duty in the U.S. armed forces, and their spouses and children are entitled to exemption under par. (a). A person who was a resident of this state at the time of entry into active duty, who is a resident of and living in this state at the time of registering at an institution, and who is a veteran, as defined in s. 45.01(12), is entitled to the exemption under par. (a).

Graduates of Wisconsin high schools: (c) Any student who is a graduate of a Wisconsin high school and whose parents are bona fide residents of this state for 12 months next preceding the beginning of any semester or session for which the student registers at an institution or whose last surviving parent was a bona fide resident of this state for the 12 months preceding death is entitled to the exemption under par. (a).

Relocate for employment purposes: (cm) Any person continuously employed full time in this state, who was relocated to this state by his or her current employer or who moved to this state for employment purposes and accepted his or her current employment before applying for admission to an institution or center and before moving, and the spouse and dependents of any such person, are entitled to the exemption under par. (a) if the student demonstrates an intent to establish and maintain a permanent home in Wisconsin according to the criteria under par. (e). In this paragraph, "dependents" has the meaning given in 26 USC 152(a).

General residency information: (d) Any person who has not been a bona fide resident of the state for 12 months next preceding the beginning of any semester or session for which such person registers at an institution, except as provided in this subsection, is not exempt from the payment of the nonresident tuition.

Determining eligibility to pay resident fees: (e) In determining bona fide residence at the time of the beginning of any semester or session and for the preceding 12 months, the intent of the person to establish and maintain a permanent home in Wisconsin is determinative. In addition to representations by the student, intent may be demonstrated or disproved by factors including, but not limited to, timely filing of a Wisconsin income tax return of a type that only full-year Wisconsin residents may file, voter registration in Wisconsin, motor vehicle registration in Wisconsin, possession of a Wisconsin driver’s license, place of employment, self-support, involvement in community activities in Wisconsin, physical presence in Wisconsin for at least 12 months preceding the beginning of the semester or session for which the student registers, and, if the student is not a U.S. citizen, possession of a visa that permits indefinite residence in the United States.  Notwithstanding par. (a), a student who enters and remains in this state principally to obtain an education is presumed to continue to reside outside this state and such presumption continues in effect until rebutted by clear and convincing evidence of bona fide residence.

Appeals: (2m) APPEALS. Any body designated by the board to hear appeals regarding nonresident tuition exemptions under sub. (2) may require a student who has been granted such an exemption to submit information from which the body may determine the student's continuing eligibility for the exemption, the student's eligibility for a different exemption, or the student's residency status.

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Billing and Payment of Tuition and Fees
You may pay for your tuition and fees in either of two ways:

1. Full Payment Plan: All students are required to pay a $100 registration deposit prior to registration. Then, full payment must be received by the Bursar’s Office by the first day of classes to avoid finance charges which will be assessed from the first day of each term.
2. Partial Payment Plan: The university offers a partial payment plan which provides for payments to be made in two equal installments following the initial $100 registration deposit. The charges may include academic and segregated fees, room, board, special course fees and miscellaneous charges. You will be assessed a finance charge for each billing period in which you have not paid the balance in full by the billing due date.

Please note that if you withdraw from school before paying in full, you must still pay whatever amount is due for the semester. See the Refund Schedule below for information on how much you pay, depending on the point in the semester when you withdraw from UW-Stevens Point.

Finance Charges
Finance charges begin on the first day of classes. We calculate them on your previous balance (exclusive of previous finance charges) reduced by the payments you have made and credits we have applied during the billing period. We calculate the finance charge at the rate of .041095 percent per day (1.25 percent per month or 15 percent per year) on the portion of your balance that is $500 or less. We calculate it at the rate of .032877 percent per day, (1 percent per month or 12 percent per year) on the portion of your balance that is over $500.

If you are an undergraduate special student, graduate special student or graduate student, you will be billed according to the course level credits for which you enroll. Courses numbered 100 to 499 are undergraduate courses; courses numbered 500 to 999 are graduate courses.

To avoid or reduce your finance charges, you may pay more than your required minimum payment at any time. You may also pay your remaining balance completely at any time.

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Billing Under the Partial Payment Plan

1. First statement: For information only. Your $100 registration deposit has already been received and there is no required payment due at this time. However, finance charges will be assessed on any unpaid balance as of the first day of each term.

2. Second statement: Created at the end of the second week of classes, this statement requires a minimum payment of 50% of the balance plus finance charges.

3. Third statement: Created during the sixth week of the semester, 100% of any remaining balance plus finance charges will be due.

4. Fourth statement: Pay any further charges plus all finance charges at about the tenth week of classes.

We continue to add finance charges until you pay your balance in full. Until you pay you receive no transcripts or diplomas. You also are unable to enroll for future courses under the partial payment plan until you have paid in full.

E-Billing
UWSP electronic billing is the official means of generating tuition bills for all students. You will receive a notice in your university e-mail account when your UWSP E-Bill is ready to be viewed online. A UWSP logon and password are required to access the billing statement which details the amount due (tuition, fees, housing, and other campus charges) and the payment due date. Paper billing statements are no longer sent to enrolled students.

Credit Agreement
Every student must sign a credit agreement card upon registration at UWSP. You only need to sign this card once during your enrollment period. Billing details are listed in each timetable and in your registration materials.

If you make delayed payments from financial aid, loans, grants, scholarships or vocational rehabilitation awards, also sign the credit agreement application card. You are responsible for finance charges on your unpaid balance.

Billing Errors
If you think your bill is wrong, write us a note about the error within 60 days of receiving your billing statement. Be sure to include your name, your student ID number, the amount of the error, and a brief explanation of why your bill is wrong. Mail the note to: Accounts Receivable, Room 003, Student Services Center, UW-Stevens Point, Stevens Point, WI 54481-3897. If only part of your bill is wrong, then pay the correct portion of the bill by the due date.

Refund Schedule for Tuition and Fees
You must send written notification to the Registrar’s Office as soon as you decide to cancel your enrollment at UW-Stevens Point. There is no fee assessed if you cancel your registration prior to the first day of the semester.

See the section of this catalog entitled Withdrawing from UW-Stevens Point for further information on this subject. The table below tells what percentage of your tuition and fees we reduce when you completely withdraw from UW-Stevens Point after the first day of classes.

Fees for withdrawing are:

•          $50 for withdrawals effective the first week of classes.

•          $100 for withdrawals effective the second week of classes.

We use this same reduction schedule to determine how much money to refund if, when you drop one or more courses, you are less than a full-time student. If you both add and drop courses, we determine your reduced or additional tuition and fees on the basis of the total of your adds and drops. We never charge more than full-time tuition and fees except for the 165+ credit tuition surcharge.

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On-Campus Living (Room and Board)
At UW-Stevens Point, most students are required to live in residence halls until they have completed four semesters of college work. This is a UW System Board of Regents policy. If you are married, a veteran, living with your parents, or receive a special exemption because you have been out of high school two years or more, you need not comply with this requirement.

We estimate that for fall 2007, students will pay $1472 each semester for a double room and $2085 each semester for a single room in a residence hall.

As a hall resident, for a proposed cost of $944 per semester in 2007-2008, you may select a meal plan which provides 20 meals per week plus 10 food dollars; 14 meals per week plus 50 food dollars; 10 meals plus 100 food dollars; seven meals plus 135 food dollars; or the All Dollars Plan.  ("Food Dollars" may be used at university dining locations only.  On the All Food Dollars plan, you will receive $600 to spend, and the remainder is applied as an overhead fee.)

Refunds for Room and Board
If you want to receive a refund of $100 of your room prepayment on an academic year contract, request it before July 1. If you want to receive a refund of your prepayment on a second semester contract, request it before December 15. If you are a junior or senior using the one-semester option, you must request a refund of your deposit by December 15 to receive refund in February.

If you get married, student teach, or participate in curricular programs which require off-campus living, you may request release from your residence hall agreement. To do this, go to the Residential Living Office in the 601 Division Street Building.

If you withdraw from UW-Stevens Point, you must also terminate your residence hall agreement. We prorate all room and board refunds for room and board from the Sunday after you terminate your contract.

For more information, see Residential Living.

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