Tribal Relations
A view of the front facade of Bascom Hall taken from a drone. On a sunny day, a few people walk across the brick and concrete path in front of the building. The four panels of the Seed by Seed banner hangs between tall, white columns above the building's main entrance. The banner has been printed with a texture resembling beadwork and contains symbols and colors representing traditions of the Ho-Chunk Nation. Four green rings represent the four lakes of Teejop, the name the Ho-Chunk give the land now occupied by UW–Madison. Inside each ring, square patches in light blue, dark blue yellow and red represent the reflections of light on the water at different times of day. Two large pink triangles on either side of the banner represent flowers, with green stems and triangular leaves leading to the center panel. On the center panel, a large diamond made of small blue triangles frames a blue thunderbird, which is flanked by two red, abstract W's, representing UW–Madison. Below the thunderbird are two green water spirits, which resemble four-legged animals with very long tails. Below the water spirits are six light blue triangles representing water. Above and below the large diamond frame are bursts of yellow beading, representing the sun. Along the bottom border of the banners are stylized animal symbols of the twelve clans of the Ho-Chunk Nation, and beneath each animal is a traditional Ho-Chunk flower motif in blue and green.

Your Pathway to Success: The Wisconsin Tribal Educational Promise

Wisconsin Tribal Educational Promise

Covering the Full Cost of Attendance at UW–Madison

UW–Madison’s Wisconsin Tribal Educational Promise Program is a commitment to Wisconsin residents who are enrolled members of federally recognized Wisconsin American Indian tribes.

The program guarantees scholarships and grants to meet the full in-state cost of attendance for Wisconsin Native Nations students who are pursuing their first undergraduate degree.

Apply by January 16!*

*Transfer students can apply through March 1

Learn How Affordable a UW-Madison Degree Can Be

Tuition and Fees Covered

  • The program provides four years of support for students who enter as freshmen and two years of support for students who enter as transfer students.

Housing, Meals & More

  • The program also covers the housing costs, meals, books and other educational expenses.
  • Learn more about the estimated cost of attendance – and how much is covered under the program.

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On-Campus Support

  • Once on campus, students have access to a full-range of student support services and opportunities for connection, including advising, student life, clubs, events, coursework and more.

“The creation of this program marks a significant step in the partnership between the American Indian tribes in Wisconsin and the University of Wisconsin–Madison. While several other states have programs with similar goals, we are not aware of another effort that goes this far financially to help Native students afford higher education."

Shannon Holsey, president of the Stockbridge-Munsee Band of Mohican Indians and chairwoman of the Great Lakes Inter-Tribal Council.

Eligibility Requirements and FAQs

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Who Is eligible?

Students must qualify as a Wisconsin resident for tuition purposes, be pursuing their first undergraduate degree, and be verified as an enrolled member of any one of the eleven federally recognized American Indian Tribes in Wisconsin to be eligible for the Wisconsin Tribal Educational Promise.

The eleven federally recognized American Indian Tribes in Wisconsin eligible for the Wisconsin Tribal Educational Promise Program include:

When can Native Nations students begin to receive the Wisconsin Tribal Educational Promise?

  • The program will be offered to all eligible Native Nations students (incoming and current) who enroll for an on-campus program for Fall 2024 and on.
  • It is not retroactive for current Native Nations students or alumni for this or previous academic years.

How long can a Native Nations student participate in this program?

The program will provide eight consecutive semesters (four years) of support for Native Nations students who enter as incoming first-year students and continue to make satisfactory progress, or four consecutive semesters (two years) of support for Native Nations students who enter as new transfer students.

Current students will receive their semesters of eligibility based on their term of admission.

But we understand that students may have interruptions in their academic career. We’re committed to provide dedicated guidance and assistance for each Native Nations student about withdrawing and re-entry. Re-entered students will remain eligible to receive the program funding.

What costs are covered?

The Wisconsin Tribal Educational Promise Program provides additional financial support to fund the difference between any previous financial aid received and the full in-state cost of attendance, regardless of financial need. 

For 2023-24, our undergraduate tuition is $11,216 and our full expected in-state cost of attendance (COA) is $28,916. We would therefore fund in full the difference between any other scholarships and grants from all sources given to a student and $28,916 (or whatever the estimated COA is for a given year).

Are there different deadlines or requirements to apply to the university through this program?

All applicants must meet the existing deadlines and requirements for admission to the university.

Do Native Nations students needs to apply for this program?

  • Besides submitting the FAFSA®, Native Nation students will need to submit official documentation from a Tribal Enrollment Department to certify they are a member of one of the 11 federally recognized Wisconsin American Indian tribes to the Office of Student Financial Aid. Each Wisconsin American Indian Tribe has their own formal process to enroll members.
  • Beginning on February 1st, 2024, students can submit official documentation via the ‘WI Tribal Educational Promise‘ eForm in their Student Center. Once in the Student Center, students should select the Student eForms tile and then click on the Financial Aid folder.

Does the Wisconsin Tribal Educational Promise Program apply to graduate/professional programs?

There is a 5-year pilot of the Wisconsin Tribal Educational Promise Program for Law (J.D.) and Medical (M.D.) Native Nation students. Learn More.

Is the FAFSA required?

Yes. All Native Nations students eligible for the Wisconsin Tribal Educational Promise Program are required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) and are required to do so on an annual basis. 

How do Native Nations students know if they are a Wisconsin resident?

To be considered a Wisconsin resident, Native Nations students must be bona fide residents of Wisconsin for a full calendar year prior to their enrollment at UW-Madison. Residence status for tuition purposes is reviewed and determined by the Office of the Registrar. Students can review their residence status (if it has been determined) through their My UW Student Center under Profile. In most cases, students living in a different state are not eligible to be considered Wisconsin residents for tuition purposes and therefore are not eligible for the Wisconsin Tribal Educational Promise. The residency team within the Office of the Registrar can answer any other residency questions: ResidenceForTuition@registrar.wisc.edu.

Earn a Debt-Free Degree

The Wisconsin Tribal Educational Promise is paid for entirely though private donations and institutional resources. Taxpayer funds are not used to fund the program.