Student Affairs Administration
Cost to attend and financial aid
Cost per credit
Cost of attendance
Tuition and fees are subject to change every year. Please check the UWL Cost to attend page for updates. The best source of information is Financial Aid, as they prepare an SAA-specific Know Your Cost to Attend.
- Online and blended (at UWL or online) students all pay the same online tuition rates (does not include segregated fees)
- The current per credit rate for tuition is $597 for M.S.Ed. and $732 for Ed.D. (Note: The same rates apply for all students regardless of their residency for tuition purposes)
- Students are also responsible for the cost of textbooks, access to a computer, and steady Internet access. We make books available for free via our library wherever possible to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
- The SAA contact for financial aid is Christina Hayes.
- See Federal Student Aid for information about deferring undergraduate loans while enrolled in the SAA program. (Students qualify if enrolled at least half-time).
FASFA completion requirement
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Our financial aid institutional code is 003919. Complete by February 1, or as soon as possible, for full consideration for need-based grants from the department.
- To be eligible for Financial Aid, students must enroll in at least 5 credits per term.
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.
Graduate Assistantships - Student Affairs Administration
Visit our Graduate Assistantships page for information.
Scholarships
You can explore scholarship resources linked below. You must complete the FAFSA to be considered for some of these scholarships.
SAA Program specific funding sources
SAA Need-based Grants (incoming students)
When we have the resources to do so, SAA offers need-based grants to incoming M.S.Ed. and Ed.D. students. Individual awards are for one year only, and have ranged from $250-3,000.
Incoming students should file their FAFSA with UWL (code: 003919) by February 1. Awards are made in March, and we try to include awards in admissions offer letters for incoming students. Priority in awarding grants is given to those with significant unmet need.
Grants will be awarded to continuing students only if resources are still available after awards are made to incoming students. Grants are made in accordance with UWL Financial Aid policies. Please view the policies on UWL Financial Aid for more information.
SAA-specific UWL Foundation Scholarships (continuing students)
Continuing students can apply for specific SAA scholarships through the UWL Foundation Scholarship Site. Enter "SAA" in the search field and hit enter. Awards range in amount up to $1,000. The deadline is February 1.
Additional Resources
- Wisconsin residents from traditionally underrepresented minority and non-minority groups (African American, American Indian, Latinx, designated Southeast Asian) and/or economically disadvantaged students are encouraged to apply for AOP Grants.
- SAA also sponsors travel grants of up to $200, available each fall.
- Students who are already working in higher education or student affairs (online students) are encouraged to check into tuition reimbursement programs through their employers.
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.
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.
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.
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.