University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee Scholarships (2025–2026)
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- Tuition, housing, and what families actually pay on average
- Automatic merit scholarships and GPA bands that matter
- Hidden gems in the Panther Scholarship Portal
- Regional reciprocity savings for Minnesota and Midwest families
Paying for college doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. At UWM, families can piece together help from Wisconsin grants, automatic scholarships, and departmental awards. If you’re from Wisconsin, check our state aid guide alongside this page. And if you’re comparing schools across the country, don’t miss the full College Scholarships Hub that brings everything into one place.
💰 Cost of Attendance at University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
| Expense | WI Resident | Non-Resident |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition & Fees (12–18 credits) | $10,398 | $22,398 |
| Housing | $7,004 | $7,004 |
| Meals | $4,680 | $4,680 |
| Books & Supplies | $800 | $800 |
| Transportation | $1,676 | $1,676 |
| Personal Expenses | $2,000 | $2,000 |
| Total (before aid) | $26,558 | $38,558 |
Average Net Price: According to College Board, families actually paid about $16,551 per year after grants and scholarships—no loans included (latest data, 2023–24). This reflects what Wisconsin families really spent on average.
Reciprocity & Midwest Exchange: UWM participates in regional tuition programs that cut costs for nearby families:
- Minnesota Reciprocity: Minnesota residents pay $16,034 tuition instead of $22,398.
- Midwest Student Exchange Program (MSEP): Residents of IL, IN, IA, KS, MI, MO, NE, ND, OH, and SD pay $16,374 tuition—about $6,000 less than standard nonresident.
- Milwaukee Advantage: An additional $1,000 discount for Midwest and out-of-state students.
Real Savings Example: A Minnesota student pays about $27,518 vs. the full $38,558 nonresident COA—saving families over $11,000 per year automatically.
Reciprocity & Exchange FAQ
Who qualifies? Residents of Minnesota and designated Midwest states, with verified residency status.
How much can we save? Between $6,000–$11,000 annually depending on residency and program.
Is it automatic? Yes—reciprocity and Midwest rates are applied once residency is confirmed. No extra application is required.
✅ Automatic Merit Scholarships
UWM’s main automatic award for freshmen is the Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship. Awards are guaranteed based on high school GPA tiers once your final transcript is received. Additional smaller admission-based awards may be offered through the Panther Scholarship Portal, but those require a short application. Here’s what families can count on right at admission:
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chancellor’s Merit Scholarship | $500–$1,500/yr (up to $6,000 over 4 years) |
Incoming freshmen, GPA ≥ 3.40 WI residents and nonresidents; transcript must be submitted by Aug 1 |
No | Yes — maintain full-time status | Tiered: GPA 3.40–3.74 → $500/yr; GPA 3.75–3.99 → $1,000/yr; GPA 4.0 → $1,500/yr |
| Admission Scholarships (via Panther Portal) |
$500–$5,000 | Incoming freshmen; merit considered on GPA, optional test scores, and portal app | Yes — portal app required | Varies | Students who complete the portal app early; stronger academics and service leadership get priority |
Note: Award amounts are fixed by GPA tiers. The Panther Scholarship Portal includes additional opportunities, but those are not guaranteed automatic awards.
Automatic Merit FAQ
Do I need to apply? The Chancellor’s Merit is automatic—no extra application needed. Portal-based awards require a short app.
Is UWM test-optional? Yes. GPA drives the automatic scholarship. Test scores can still be submitted but are not required.
Can these stack with MSEP/reciprocity? Yes. Merit scholarships reduce the bill even further, but total aid cannot exceed cost of attendance.
🏆 Competitive Scholarships
UWM does not currently publish any large, freshman-only competitive scholarships that require extra essays, portfolios, or interviews. Most university-level funding for new students is either guaranteed (Chancellor’s Merit) or handled through the Panther Scholarship Portal, where departments and donor funds review applicants individually. These smaller awards may ask for essays, recommendations, or evidence of service, but they are not university-wide “flagship” competitions.
| Scholarship | Award Amount | Why It’s Competitive | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| No freshman-only competitive scholarships listed | — | — | — | — | New students should complete their profile in the Panther Scholarship Portal to be considered for departmental donor awards that may require essays or recommendations. |
Competitive Scholarship FAQ
Does UWM have flagship full-ride competitions? No. Unlike some Big Ten peers, UWM does not run a university-wide competition for a handful of top students.
Where should I look for essay-based scholarships? In the Panther Scholarship Portal. Many departmental awards require a short essay or recommendation.
Can outside awards be combined? Yes—outside scholarships often stack with UWM merit and reciprocity, up to the full cost of attendance.
⭐ College Specialty
UWM is an R1 Research University, meaning it’s recognized nationally for “very high research activity.” What makes it stand out isn’t just the scale of its research—it’s the unique programs you can’t find anywhere else in Wisconsin. For parents, that means your student has access to specialized labs, industry partnerships in Milwaukee, and nationally respected programs that open doors well beyond the state.
Program Spotlight: UWM’s School of Freshwater Sciences is the only graduate school of freshwater science in the nation. Students study and protect the Great Lakes with hands-on access to Lake Michigan—an opportunity unmatched elsewhere in the U.S.
Other areas where UWM is known statewide and nationally:
- Public Health: Wisconsin’s only accredited dedicated School of Public Health, shaping health policy and community programs across the state.
- Architecture: The only accredited School of Architecture in Wisconsin, with strong placement into regional firms and urban design projects.
- Business (Lubar College): AACSB-accredited, with nationally ranked programs in Supply Chain Management and Risk Management & Insurance.
- Film, Video, Animation & New Genres: Consistently ranked among the top film programs in the Midwest (Hollywood Reporter, 2023).
- Engineering & Computer Science: Known for strong regional partnerships with Milwaukee’s industry; students benefit from paid co-ops and research opportunities.
🎖️ Honors College
UWM runs a dedicated Honors College that admits around 700 undergraduates each year. It’s not just for “straight-A” students—many first-gen and transfer students find their home here. Honors is about close faculty mentoring, small seminar classes, and turning a big urban campus into a supportive, tight-knit community.
What a Typical UWM Honors Student Looks Like: GPA in the 3.5+ range*, strong writing and critical-thinking skills, curiosity across disciplines, and a record of leadership or service. Many are first-generation or commuting students who want the feel of a small college within UWM.
Perks that Matter: Small discussion seminars, priority registration, close faculty mentorship, early access to research, and guidance toward national fellowships (Fulbright, Truman). Honors students also receive dedicated advising and community events that make a large campus feel personal.
| Program | Award / Benefit | Eligibility | Separate App? | Renewable? | Who Actually Wins? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UWM Honors College Admission | Access to seminars, advising, research, and fellowship prep | Incoming freshmen, transfers, and current students with GPA ~3.5+* | Yes — apply separately to Honors College | Continues with GPA & course progress | Students who want smaller classes and faculty mentorship, often with leadership/service backgrounds. |
| Honors College Scholarships | $500–$2,000/yr | Enrolled Honors students; based on GPA, essays, or financial need | Yes (via Panther Scholarship Portal) | Varies | Active Honors students who combine academics with campus/community involvement. |
| Departmental Honors | Notation on transcript; some $500–$1,000 stipends | Upper-division majors with GPA ≥ 3.3 and a thesis/capstone project | Yes (apply to department) | One-time recognition | Students in majors like Engineering, Business, or Arts who complete a senior thesis/project. |
Honors FAQ
Is admission automatic? No—you need to apply separately to the Honors College after your UWM admission.
Does Honors add time to a degree? No. Honors seminars replace electives, so most students graduate in four years.
Are there extra scholarships? Yes—the Honors College awards its own small scholarships in addition to departmental opportunities.
When should students apply? Ideally as a high school senior (priority deadlines in spring), but current UWM students can apply to join later.
🔗 Official Links
🎓 Final Thoughts
For many families, UWM is a hidden gem in Wisconsin’s public system. The combination of lower in-state tuition, regional reciprocity savings, automatic merit, and need-based programs means the sticker price is rarely what families actually pay. Add in strong first-gen supports, Honors opportunities, and one-of-a-kind specialties like the School of Freshwater Sciences, and UWM gives students both affordability and unique programs to build a bright future.
✅ Last updated: August 26, 2025