Strategic Targeted Achievement Recognition (STAR) Scholarship

The portfolio of Strategic Targeted Achievement Recognition (STAR) Scholarships support the College of Engineering’s efforts to attract the top students, both in-state and out-of-state, to the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The STAR Scholarship Program provides undergraduate students directly admitted to the College of Engineering with a renewable scholarship for up to eight semesters, with award amounts varying from $2,250 to $13,500 on an annual basis. In addition to the financial award, students will be offered access to research opportunities, connections to civic engagement opportunities, team-building, opportunities for leadership and professional development, along with a peer support network of exceptionally motivated students. Approximately 40 incoming students are selected for a STAR Scholarship each Fall.

To be considered for the STAR Scholars Program, you must complete a UW-Madison admissions application. Selection is based on students’ UW admissions application materials; no additional application is required. Students are strongly encouraged to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) to UW-Madison no later than the UW-Madison priority deadline of December 1, 2022, but it is not required. For more information on the FAFSA submission process and deadlines, refer to the Office of Student Financial Aid website. Evaluation criteria include academic merit, extracurricular activities, essay responses, and letters of recommendation.

STAR Scholarship notifications will be communicated to admitted students by no later than early-March, for Early Action applicants or mid-April, for Regular Decision applicants.

The STAR Scholarship Program was established through the Grainger Foundation and is comprised of scholarship funds supported by the generosity of many individual and corporate donors. The donors for these scholarship funds are dedicated to providing financial support to high-achieving students majoring in an engineering program.

Learn more about the STAR Scholarship program HERE).