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Paying for College

Most MPS students qualify for some form of financial aid to pay for education after high school. Going through the financial aid process will make the cost of college more affordable.
 

Finding Your "Best Fit" College

There are many ways to discover a college that you will love and where you will grow. You can talk with your family and friends about their experiences, research schools on Xello, or even participate in a precollege program. These are all excellent ways to gain knowledge and inform your big decision.

To provide additional information, below is a list of online resources that focus on helping each of you find the best college. Click on the links to start your journey.

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  Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander–Serving Institutions (AANAPISI)

AANAPISI provides information to students who are seeking colleges and institutions that serve Asian Americans and Native American Pacific Islanders. Students can also locate scholarships, internships, and conferences. Find more information at the AANAPISI website.

  Common Black College Application

The Common Black College Application serves 67 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). Talk to your school counselor for an application code starting October 17, 2022. Find more information at the Common Black College Application website.

  Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

FAFSA is a form that a student and parent need to complete to have access to grants, work-study, and loans. Additionally, some scholarships require the FAFSA form. Complete the FAFSA online.

  Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU)

HACU provides information to students who are seeking Hispanic-serving colleges and universities. Students can also locate scholarships, internships, and conferences. Find more information at the HACU website.

  National Association for College Admission Counseling

The National Association for College Admission Counseling provides a current list of colleges and universities that have admissions, financial aid, and housing available for the upcoming fall term. Review openings on the association's College Openings Update site.

  National Center for College Students with Disabilities (NCCSD)

NCCSD is a federally funded center that provides information and resources to college students with disabilities. The DREAM List shows national and campus organizations that support and advocate for college students with disabilities.

  Scholarship Information

MPS scholarship information is contained in an MPS Scholarship Google Folder. The folder holds event flyers, scholarship application materials, and the 2023–2024 Milwaukee Public Schools Scholarships & College and Career Opportunity List. All the materials can be viewed, downloaded, and printed. Consult with your school counselor or College and Career Center advisor for one-on-one help.

  University of Wisconsin System

There are 13 universities in the University of Wisconsin System that include two-year and four-year campuses. To learn more about each campus, visit the UW Help Campus Profiles page.

  Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS)

There are 16 colleges that make up the Wisconsin Technical College System. To explore each of the Wisconsin technical colleges, visit the WTCS Colleges page. Speak with your school counselor to see whether you qualify for a fee waiver.

  YouVisit

YouVisit is an online portal that has interactive college tours. Use the searchable database to gain valuable information about hundreds of colleges. Take virtual tours at YouVisit.

2024–25 FAFSA Coming in December 2023

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is one of the most important steps in the financial aid process. All seniors, whether pursuing a two-year technical program or a four-year degree, should complete the FAFSA. The FAFSA allows you to qualify for federal and state grants and low-cost loans to help fund your education. Many need-based scholarships will also ask you for a copy of your completed FAFSA.

Completing the FAFSA is now an MPS graduation requirement.

Parents and students may have FAFSA questions. Your school counselor or College and Career Center advisor is always able to answer questions and assist with the online FAFSA application.

What is the FAFSA?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, commonly referred to as the FAFSA, is a form that allows U.S. citizens and eligible noncitizens to apply for federal loans, grants, and work-study programs. After you complete the FAFSA, the colleges and universities that you are interested in attending will receive your FAFSA Submission Summary. Your FAFSA Submission Summary helps the college and university financial aid offices determine whether you are eligible for scholarships, grants, and loans. Some scholarship applications also require this report to determine your financial need.

How do I complete the FAFSA?

The FAFSA can be submitted online. It takes most people about 30 minutes to complete the FAFSA. You will need several documents to complete your FAFSA:

  • An account username and password – FAFSA ID
  • Your Social Security number
  • Your Alien Registration Number (if you are not a U.S. citizen)
  • Your federal income tax returns, W-2s, and other records of money earned
  • Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
  • Records of untaxed income (if applicable)

Do you need assistance with completing the FAFSA?

Many students can complete the FAFSA quickly and easily. If you have questions or need additional assistance, your school counselor and CACC advisor are always here to help. To sign up for one-on-one assistance with your CACC advisor, visit the CACC web page.

Additional online resources

Overview of the better FAFSA

What happens after you complete the FAFSA

Financial aid for undocumented students

College Goal Wisconsin
FAFSA Completion Events
In-Person Help

Thursday, January 11, 2024
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Milwaukee School of Languages
College and Career Center
Coordinator: Brittany Beene
English and Spanish

Wednesday, January 17, 2024
6:00–8:00 p.m.
South Division High School
College and Career Center
Coordinator: Carly Weckwerth
English and Spanish

Tuesday, January 30, 2024
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Riverside University High School
College and Career Center
Coordinator: Lloyd Willson

Contacts

Scholarship Coordinator:
Karolyn Taylor
Department of College and Career Readiness

Email: henderkt@milwaukee.k12.wi.us

© Milwaukee Public Schools 2024
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