Frequently asked questions

The first step in applying for financial aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. Be sure to include UWL’s school code (003919) on the FAFSA. Once UWL receives the FAFSA, the Financial Aid Office will send the student an e-mail as to whether our office may need additional documentation.

Yes, students must reapply each year. The FAFSA is available every October 1 for the upcoming year.

The priority date for applications for the fall semester is February 1. This is not a deadline since applications are accepted throughout the academic year. 

In your WINGS Student Center, under the Finances section, choose “View Financial Aid.” Select the relevant aid year (e.g. “2026” for the 2025-2026 aid year) to review your financial aid offer.  You may need to update your local address and/or agree to the electronic consent to proceed. Review each offered financial aid item and corresponding award message. Accept or decline each financial aid item offered. 

Read more about receiving a financial aid refund here. Additional questions or concerns should be directed to the Cashier's Office.

Tutorial Video: Setting Up Your Refund Preference

The student's financial aid does not transfer when they come to UWL, but as long as UWL's federal school code (003919) is added to the FAFSA, our office will determine the student's eligibility. Please note that the student's financial aid offer at UWL may vary from what they were offered at their prior institution.

The student's financial aid offer is based on their enrollment status. Students who are enrolled less than full-time (12+ undergraduate credits, or 9+ graduate credits) will have their financial aid reduced accordingly. Certain aid types/sources will have varying rules regarding enrollment level. Please reach out to the Financial Aid Office with any specific questions.

Depending on the date of the student's withdrawal, all or a portion of the student's financial aid that was accepted and disbursed on behalf of the student may need to be returned to the financial aid programs.

Read our return of financial aid funds policy

Federal Direct Subsidized Loans are subsidized by the Federal government. The government is paying the interest on the loan while the student is enrolled in school at least half-time (six credits for undergraduate students, five credits for graduate students). Eligibility for subsidized loans is based on financial need.
 
Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans are not subsidized by the Federal government. As such, the student is responsible for the interest while enrolled. Interest is not capitalized until the 6-month grace period (after graduation or dropping before half-time enrollment) concludes, though interest continues to accrue during periods of deferment. Unsubsidized loans are not need-based.

Read more about interest rates and fees for federal student loans

In addition to completing the FAFSA, students must complete the Application for Financial Aid - Summer (for the appropriate year). This application will appear on a student's To-Do List in Wings once the student registers for summer classes AND we have their FAFSA for the relevant award year on file. Please note that direct Loan amounts borrowed in the summer may affect the student's loan eligibility for the upcoming academic year due to the annual federal loan limit.

They may. If it is necessary to reduce other financial aid as a result of a scholarship, assistantship, and/or a residence assistant (RA) position, financial aid would be reduced in the following order: loans, Federal Work-Study, and grants. Report any scholarships or other resources you're receiving via the 2024-25 Scholarship & Other Resources Notification Form or report them using the WINGS Student Center online “Report Other Financial Aid” link.

Tutorial Video: How to Report Scholarships

There is the possibility of increased loan eligibility for students who decide to participate in an education abroad program. There is also a small need-based grant available to Wisconsin residents who qualify that will be offered by the Financial Aid Office. Please review the Education Abroad page for more information. 

Financial aid offers may need to be adjusted for students who receive some state military benefits, such as the WI G.I. Bill tuition remission and National Guard Tuition Reimbursement. If the student's financial aid offer has already been issued when the WI G.I. Bill or National Guard Tuition Reimbursement is added, the financial aid offer will need to be reassessed to reflect the new tuition resources. As a result, loans, grants and Federal Work-Study may need to be reduced. Financial aid reassessments may occur throughout the semester and are required by federal law whenever a student's financial need changes as a result of receiving additional loans, grants, remissions or other resources.

Report changes to the UWL Veteran Educational Benefit Coordinator. They will make any necessary changes and direct the student to any additional steps.

It is important to report changes as soon as possible to avoid any issues with the financial aid awarding process or the student's refund. 

Contact the UWL Financial Aid Office to inform them of these changes. If necessary, documentation will be requested and in some cases an adjustment to the student's financial aid offer can be made.