Scholarships for Nontraditional, Adult, & Single Parent Students

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are pleased to offer scholarships for nontraditional, adult, and single-parent students. This year, there are 15 scholarships available through this opportunity! Last year alone, Adult Career and Special Student Services awarded over $185,000 to 46 students!

To qualify, applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree program at UW-Madison and have experienced a significant cumulative break in their education. Additionally, all applicants must demonstrate financial need and be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or eligible non-citizens as defined by FAFSA. Each scholarship has a minimum enrollment requirement, which varies by award. (Note: The Single Parent Scholarship does not require a break in education for eligibility.) For more information on how to apply, visit our TIPS page for Nontraditional, Adult, & Single Parent scholarships!

Visit the Adult Career and Special Student Services website to learn more!

Award
Varies
Organizations
Division of Continuing Studies
Deadline
02/10/2025
Supplemental Questions
  1. Preface

    Thanks to the generosity of our donors, we are pleased to offer scholarships for nontraditional, adult, and single-parent students. This year, there are 15 scholarships available through this opportunity! Last year alone, Adult Career and Special Student Services awarded over $185,000 to 46 students.

    To qualify, applicants must be enrolled in an undergraduate, graduate, or professional degree program at UW-Madison and have experienced a significant cumulative break in their education. (Note: The Single Parent Scholarship does not require a break in education for eligibility.) Additionally, all applicants must demonstrate financial need and be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or eligible non-citizens as defined by FAFSA. Each scholarship has a minimum enrollment requirement, which varies by award.

    Applicants must be admitted to the University of Wisconsin-Madison by the stated scholarship application deadline in order to be considered. (Undergraduate admission is not required of Badger Ready applicants.)

    Scholarship consideration is based on both the specific eligibility criteria for each award and the following factors: financial need, academic achievement and potential, educational and career goals, dedication to educational pursuits, and community involvement or aspirations.

    See the ACSSS Tips webpage for assistance in filling out this application! (https://kb.wisc.edu/acsss/78353)
    • Previous Education
      • 1. What year did you graduate from high school or complete a high school equivalency (GED/HSED)?
      • 2. What is the highest level of education that you have successfully completed thus far?
      • 3. Are you a first-generation college student (neither parent/guardian completed a four-year degree)?
      • 4. Please list all schools of higher education in which you have attended including UW-Madison. Include each school's name, years of attendance, major/program, degree(s) earned, graduation date(s) and respective cumulative GPA. (If at any time, your GPA was under 2.5, please briefly explain here.)
      • 5. What is the cumulative number of years in which you experienced breaks in your pursuit of higher education? (Please include the cumulative/total number of years which can include multiple breaks.)
      • 6. Briefly indicate the dates/years of your educational break(s) and reason(s) for each break.
      • 7. Please briefly describe your readiness to continue your education.
    • Educational Plans
      • 10. When do you anticipate graduating from the degree program that you will be starting/continuing the Fall? (Term & Year)
      • 11. Will you be an UNDERGRADUATE student in the COLLEGE OF LETTERS & SCIENCE in the Fall?
      • 12. How many degree credits do you intend to take in Fall 2025?
      • 13. How many degree credits do you intend to take in Spring 2026?
      • 8. Will you be pursuing a UW-Madison online degree program?
      • 9. What degree will you be pursuing in the 2025/2026 academic year?
    • Family
      • 14. What is your current marital status?
      • 15. How many dependent children do you have? (Please also include their age(s))
      • 16. Do you anticipate a change in your marital status and/or dependents in the next year?
      • 17. If 'Yes', briefly explain: (If 'No', please enter "N/A")
      • 18. Are you the sole head of household (as defined by the IRS)?
      • 19. Are you a single parent? (i.e. have sole responsibility of a minor child or children)
    • Financial Information

      Please ensure that all financial details provided in your application are accurate at the time of submission. If you are married, be sure to include your spouse's income as well.

      Should your financial situation change after submitting your scholarship application, promptly notify the Scholarship Coordinator at anne.niendorf@wisc.edu. Additionally, if you are currently unemployed, please describe your current living situation in the section addressing your financial circumstances.
      • 20. Have you submitted your FAFSA for the 2025-2026 academic year? (Submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required by February 10th for consideration.))
      • 21. Have you ever received one of the Division of Continuing Studies' Returning Adult/Single Parent Scholarships OR Continuing Education Grants?
      • 22. What sources of educational funding do you have THIS YEAR? Check all that apply.
      • 23. Please explain these sources of funding including the name of each, the amount awarded and how long the benefit will last. ADDITIONALLY, do you anticipate a change in your education funding next year?
      • 24. What was your Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) in 2024? (Combined family income AFTER taxes.)
      • 25. What is your estimated Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) in 2025? (Combined family income AFTER taxes.)
      • 26. Briefly explain any additional forms of non-taxable support/income you are receiving such as child support, AFDC, TANF, SSI/SSDI, etc.
      • 27. What is your household's current total cash and savings?
      • 28. Please indicate any investments not included in your cash/savings such as stocks, bonds, assets, etc.
      • 29. What is the sum amount of your household's average MONTHLY expenses? Including food, housing, transportation, healthcare, childcare, education, etc.
      • 30. Please explain your financial circumstances leading to your request for assistance with educational expenses.
    • Personal Statement
      • 31. IMPORTANT! Write an essay of at least three paragraphs. Describe your educational and career goals and explain how this scholarship will help support you in achieving them. List challenges that have impacted your past educational efforts, and what has motivated you to persevere as a returning adult student. Highlight your academic success or potential, commitment to your education, and your involvement in or aspirations for contributing to the community.
      • 32. Please write a short (100-120 word) biographical statement using your pronoun. See examples from last year at: https://acsss.wisc.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/47/2024/04/Program-Booket_final-compressed.pdf, under 'Student Stories'. (Note that the statements are to be written in third person.)
    • Referral
      • 33. May we share your name and contact information if another UW-Madison unit or recognized philanthropic organization contacts us for candidates who might be eligible for their scholarships/grants?
      • 34 (Part 2). Please explain:
      • 34. How did you hear about this scholarship opportunity?
      • 35. Would you be interested in receiving information from UW-Madison's Office of Child Care and Family Recourses? (https://occfr.wisc.edu/about/)
    • Show 2 more