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WCTC’s Financial Aid Office can help you secure financial aid so you can focus on your studies instead of worrying about how to pay for school. But it’s essential that you first fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or you could miss out on free money. We encourage you to file your FAFSA by the priority date of April 1 to maximize your grant opportunities.

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WCTC Financial Aid Office

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Financial Aid Eligibility

Students need to meet several criteria related to enrollment, program acceptance, and other criteria to receive financial aid. To qualify for most federal and state financial aid programs, you must:

  • Be admitted to an associate degree or technical diploma program.
  • Be registered for at least six credits per semester, though Pell Grants may be available to high-need students enrolled less than half time.
  • Be registered for classes that are required for your degree program.
  • Be a U.S. citizen, national or permanent resident.
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress toward completion of your degree or diploma.
  • Not be in default on a student loan.
  • Not owe a repayment fee on any federal grant or loan.
  • Be registered with the Selective Service, if you are a male.
  • Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate.
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Programs Offering Only Limited Financial Aid

For the following programs, financial aid only covers courses. Loans and other aid will be prorated:

  • Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair
  • CNC Setup Technician
  • Customer Service Specialist
  • Dental Assistant
  • Diesel Maintenance Technician
  • Digital Marketing Promotions
  • Early Childhood Education - Preschool
  • Human Resource Professional
  • IT - Software Development Specialist
  • Lean/Six Sigma
  • Medical Interpreter for Healthcare
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Phlebotomy Technician
  • Property Management Associate
  • Welding Technician
Programs Not Eligible for Financial Aid

WCTC certificates and apprenticeships are not eligible for financial aid. In general, all associate degrees and technical diplomas are eligible for aid, except:

  • Advanced EMT
  • Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Academy
  • Emergency Medical Technician
  • Import/Export Specialist
  • Nursing Assistant
  • Sterile Processing Technician
  • Truck Driving (CDL Class A)

Types of Financial Aid

Loans

If grants, scholarships and savings aren’t enough to help you cover tuition, loans can help.

Learn More

Scholarships

Take the time to apply for scholarships, and your efforts could be richly rewarded.

Learn More

Grants

Many state and federal grants are available to help reduce the cost of your education.

Learn More

Work-Study

This need-based program allows you to earn a paycheck working part-time.

Learn More

Employer Tuition Benefits

Many employers offer programs to help you continue your education.

Learn More

How to Apply for Financial Aid

Before you begin applying for financial aid, you will need a couple of things—First, WCTC's school code - 005294, and second, your federal tax return documents. If you have questions about filling out the application for financial aid, please call 262.691.5578 or stop in during office hours.

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Step 1: Complete the FAFSA

Complete the FAFSA online. When filing, list WCTC's school code: 005294.

  • File the FAFSA beginning October 1 of the year prior to the year you plan to enroll, and complete the application by the priority date April 1 to maximize your aid.
  • The earlier you can apply, the better. Nearly 1,000 WCTC students do not receive up to $1,200 in Wisconsin Higher Education Grants every year because they apply for financial aid after these funds are spent.
  • If you are under age 24, the FAFSA requires income and asset information from you and both parents if they are married. This is how the U.S. Department of Education calculates your expected family contribution (EFC). Within a few days, the U.S. Department of Education will process your FAFSA and email you. Thoroughly review this message to ensure all information is correct.
Step 2: Apply for Admission to WCTC

Apply for admission to WCTC.

To be considered for financial aid, you must be admitted to an eligible program and be registered for classes that are required for your program.

Step 3: Complete Verification (If Selected)

Some families may be asked to submit additional documentation.

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Step 4: Track Your Financial Aid Status

Once you have completed the FAFSA, WCTC will determine your eligibility for federal and state grants and loans. If additional documentation is required, you will be notified via a letter and a posting on your myWCTC account. You can view your status by selecting “Student Services,” then selecting “Financial Aid.”

Step 5: View Awards and Accept Student Loans

You will receive an email at your WCTC address when your award offer is ready for reviewing on MyWCTC. You are not required to borrow, and you may borrow less than the offer.

If you’ve completed the Direct Loan Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note (MPN), use MyWCTC to accept, decline or reduce your Direct Loan:

  • Start with “My Overall Status of Financial Aid.”
  • Then select “You Have Been Awarded.”
  • Then select “Accept Award Offer” to review your loan options.
Step 6: Apply for Scholarships

The WCTC Foundation offers many scholarships that can help you pay for tuition, books and supplies. You can apply online using your WCTC login.

Using Your Financial Aid Funds

Financial Aid Budgets

WCTC delivers an incredible value, with tuition and fees priced thousands below most public and private colleges in the state. See a sample budget for a full-time student:

Student Base Budgets for Full-time Students
Nine-Month Academic Year 2024-2025

ESTIMATED EXPENSE CATEGORY LIVING WITH PARENTS NOT LIVING WITH PARENTS
Tuition and Fees $4,872 $4,872
Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment $1,464 $1,464
Living Expenses $3,008 $9,148
Miscellaneous Personal Expenses $3,608 $3,608
Transportation $4,016 $4,016
Loan Fees $86 $86
Total* $17,054 $23,194

* Specific program tool costs, child care costs, loan fees, additional transportation costs and other adjustments within reasonable limits can be added with appropriate documentation. When financial aid is awarded, income is measured against your expenses related to attendance at WCTC. These expenses are reflected in the above Base Budget, which are selected to best fit your living arrangements. The figures used are standards developed by the Wisconsin Technical College System.

Direct Deposit

Any financial aid funds you receive that are in excess of your bookstore and tuition costs are mailed or directly deposited to student bank accounts. First-time users should login to MyWCTC and set up their direct deposit as soon as possible.

Guide to Setting Up Direct Deposit
 

Electronic Book Vouchers

If you receive Federal/State Grants or have Accepted your student loans (Complete Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling), you may use your WCTC ID or MyCard to purchase textbooks in the WCTC Bookstore. Visit the Service Desk located near the Library to get your MyCard. Book funds are available the week prior to each semester through the second Friday (three weeks). When financial aid is released, these funds will pay your WCTC Bookstore bill and unpaid tuition. Any remaining funds will be mailed or directly deposited into your bank account.
 

Net Price Calculator

This calculator is intended to provide estimated net price information. The estimated cost of attendance - including tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, and other related expenses) to current and prospective students and their families based on what similar students paid in a previous year.

Use Calculator

Special Circumstances

The WCTC Financial Aid Office understands that students may have extenuating circumstances that affect their financial situation. If you believe the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) does not reflect your (or your parents) accurate financial picture, you may request a Special Circumstances Appeal to have your FAFSA application reviewed. Examples of Special Circumstances may include loss of employment, reduction in yearly income, divorce or separation, recent death of a parent or spouse, excessive medical or dental expenses, elementary and secondary school costs or childcare and dependent care costs.

Meet with a Financial Aid Advisor to discuss your situation and get a Special Circumstance Appeal form.

Unusual Circumstances

Federal law allows some students with unusual circumstances who would otherwise be considered a Dependent student to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) without parental information. If you are unable to provide parental information, you can request an Unusual Circumstances Appeal which is intended for students who can prove and fully document extenuating circumstances. Examples of Unusual Circumstances may include removal or relocation from a parent’s home, an abusive (emotionally or physically) unhealthy or unsafe home environment, abandonment of the student by parent(s), incarceration of a parent or other unusual circumstances you may want us to review. 

Meet with a Financial Aid Advisor to discuss your situation and get an Unusual Circumstance Appeal form.

GradReady | Financial Wellness

WCTC students and alumni can take advantage of free online financial wellness resources through GradReady! Sign up to gain access to resources in topics including:

  • Paying for college: Explore funding options and create a plan to finance your education.
  • Money management: Gain skills to create a budget and plan for financial success after graduation.
  • Real-world finance: Find guidance on student loan repayment, housing, benefits and more.

Sign Up

Questions About Your Financial Aid?

Have questions about the financial aid system? Our team can help answer your questions and guide you from the application process to repayment.

Schedule an Appointment