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Financial support can make college possible, but getting students to the campus is only part of the equation. At UW-Superior, the Wisconsin Tuition Promise and Fund for Wisconsin Scholars help reduce financial barriers while offering connection and support on the ground throughout students’ college experience.
Wisconsin Tuition Promise is a “last-dollar” approach to financial aid for eligible Wisconsin residents. Students complete the FAFSA and have federal and state financial aid applied first. If that aid does not fully cover tuition, WTP through the Universities of Wisconsin helps cover the remaining cost.
Separately, Fund for Wisconsin Scholars, a private, not-for-profit funder, provides grants of up to $4,500 per year. Each year, 20 eligible UW-Superior students are randomly selected to receive funding after completing the FAFSA and applying other financial aid. The funding can follow students if they transfer to another eligible Wisconsin college or university. Some UW-Superior students receive support through both programs.
At UW-Superior, the support doesn’t stop with financial assistance.
The Educational Success Center provides ongoing outreach and support to WTP and FFWS students, working with campus partners to connect students with resources when they need them, such as tutoring, study sessions — and even social events such as game nights in order to foster those important connections.
In 2026, the Educational Success Center hired a student mentor specifically for the students in these programs. As a current FFWS Scholar, this year’s mentor brings firsthand experience to the role.
“The mentor can really help students navigate questions, find resources and feel more connected to campus as a peer, ” said Megan Torkildson, director of the Educational Success Center at UW-Superior.
These programs and the staff uplifting them help open the door to higher education, as well provide academic support and belonging to UW-Superior’s scholars.