Financial Technology
Cost to attend and financial aid
Cost per credit
Financial assistance for graduate students
Application Fee Assistance for McNair Scholars
UWL will pay the graduate school application fee for McNair Scholars. To receive this benefit, request an application fee waiver form from your undergraduate McNair Scholars office, or download a copy. Have the form signed by your McNair Program Director and email your completed form directly to admissions@uwlax.edu or mail it to the address below.
Then, when completing the UW System application, simply skip the application fee payment section. Once we receive your form, your application will be updated in our system to confirm the payment requirement has been completed.
Graduate Admissions Office
1725 State Street
La Crosse, WI 54601
Advanced Opportunity Program (AOP)
AOP Grants recognize strong academic achievement and potential among newly admitted or continuing students who show financial need. These grants provide graduate tuition support for eligible Wisconsin residents for tuition purposes from traditionally underrepresented minority and non-minority groups (African American, American Indian, Latinx, designated Southeast Asian) and/or economically disadvantaged students in advanced degree programs. Award recipients must be US citizens or permanent residents. Finally, AOP awards are competitive and need-based (FAFSA required).
Receiving an AOP award will require Wisconsin residency for tuition purposes, so please be sure to answer the eApp questions related to residency very carefully if you intend to apply for AOP.
AOP applications will be accepted starting in October of each academic year and evaluated in March; notifications of awards will typically be sent by late March, although any delays in the FAFSA system will delay this timeline. Contact Graduate & Extended Learning for more information.
Scholarships
You can explore scholarship resources linked below. You must complete the FAFSA to be considered some of these scholarships.
Veteran Benefits
Student veterans and students who are the dependents of veterans (child or spouse) may be eligible for veteran educational benefits. These can provide significant financial assistance towards educational expenses. The UWL Veteran Services office can help you with educational benefits, as well as with other aspects of the transition from military to university life.
Some veteran educational benefits require Wisconsin residency for tuition purposes, so be sure to answer eApp questions related to residency very carefully if you intend to use veteran benefits to help fund your graduate studies.
Federal Education Loans
Graduate students may be eligible to borrow under the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan and/or the Federal Graduate PLUS Loan programs to assist with the cost of their attendance. Both programs require a completed FAFSA. Students who anticipate working in health, education, public service and/or non-profit fields should also understand options for Student Loan Forgiveness.
While UWL encourages students to borrow only ‘what they need,’ loans can ease the burden of paying for graduate education and may be a worthwhile investment. Connect with the Financial Aid Office to learn more.
Note that federal loan eligibility at UWL requires enrollment in 5+ credits. Initially, only one 3-credit class will be offered per term for each certificate. A student enrolled in the classes offered in both certificate programs (i.e. 6 credits) could qualify for federal loans.
Private Student Loans
Students who need additional funds for education, beyond what was awarded on their financial aid award letter, might consider a private student loan. These loans are private educational loans from a lender and are not guaranteed by the federal government. Approval of a private student loan is based on creditworthiness. Most students will require a co-signer.
Employee Educational Assistance Program
UWL employees should inquire about the possibility of the Employee Educational Assistance Program covering parts of tuition. Employees must be in at least 0.50 FTE positions. Graduate assistants are not covered by this policy.
Emergency Resources
The Office of Student Life has compiled a wide range of resources related to supporting students facing financial difficulties and other challenges. Many of these apply most directly to on-campus students. There are also emergency funds available to support students impacted by COVID-19, whether they are enrolled in on-campus, online, or hybrid programs.
Do you want to pursue two Financial Technology Certificates at the same time?
We can help you do that! You will only need to submit one application for a single certificate.
Upon submitting your application, reach out to the Financial Technology Program Director, Kenny Hunt to notify him about your interest in taking classes to earn both certificates at once. If you are admitted, he will provide information about how to declare your enrollment in the second certificate.
