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Financial Aid
We're Here to Help
WCTC’s Financial Aid Office can help you secure financial aid so you can focus on your studies instead of worrying about how to pay for school. But it’s essential that you first fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or you could miss out on free money. We encourage you to file your FAFSA by the priority date of April 1 to maximize your grant opportunities.
WCTC Financial Aid Office
money@wctc.edu
262.691.5578
FAFSA Code 005294
College Center, Room C-019
Financial Aid Eligibility
Students need to meet several criteria related to enrollment, program acceptance, and other criteria to receive financial aid. To qualify for most federal and state financial aid programs, you must:
- Be admitted to an associate degree or technical diploma program.
- Be registered for at least six credits per semester, though Pell Grants may be available to high-need students enrolled less than half time.
- Be registered for classes that are required for your degree program.
- Be a U.S. citizen, national or permanent resident.
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress toward completion of your degree or diploma.
- Not be in default on a student loan.
- Not owe a repayment fee on any federal grant or loan.
- Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate.
Programs Offering Only Limited Financial Aid
For the following programs, financial aid only covers courses. Loans and other aid will be prorated:
- Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair
- CNC Setup Technician
- Customer Service Specialist
- Dental Assistant
- Diesel Maintenance Technician
- Digital Marketing Promotions
- Early Childhood Education - Preschool
- Human Resource Professional
- IT - Software Development Specialist
- Lean/Six Sigma
- Medical Interpreter for Healthcare
- Organizational Leadership
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Property Management Associate
- Welding Technician
Programs Not Eligible for Financial Aid
WCTC certificates and apprenticeships are not eligible for financial aid. In general, all associate degrees and technical diplomas are eligible for aid, except:
- Advanced EMT
- Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement Academy
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Import/Export Specialist
- Nursing Assistant
- Sterile Processing Technician
- Truck Driving (CDL Class A)
Loans
If grants, scholarships and savings aren’t enough to help you cover tuition, loans can help.
Scholarships
Take the time to apply for scholarships, and your efforts could be richly rewarded.
Grants
Many state and federal grants are available to help reduce the cost of your education.
Employer Tuition Benefits
Many employers offer programs to help you continue your education.
How to Apply for Financial Aid
Before you begin applying for financial aid, you will need a couple of things—First, WCTC's school code - 005294, and second, your federal tax return documents. If you have questions about filling out the application for financial aid, please call 262.691.5578 or stop in during office hours.
Step 1: Complete the FAFSA
Complete the FAFSA online. When filing, list WCTC's school code: 005294.
- File the FAFSA beginning October 1 of the year prior to the year you plan to enroll, and complete the application by the priority date April 1 to maximize your aid.
- If you are under age 24, the FAFSA requires income and asset information from you and both parents if they are married. This is how the U.S. Department of Education calculates your expected family contribution (EFC). Within a few days, the U.S. Department of Education will process your FAFSA and email you. Thoroughly review this message to ensure all information is correct.
Step 2: Apply for Admission to WCTC
Apply for admission to WCTC.
To be considered for financial aid, you must be admitted to an eligible program and be registered for classes that are required for your program.
Step 3: Complete Additional Requirements (if needed)
Additional documentation may be required for some students. Students will be notified of these requirements via their myWCTC email and a posting on their myWCTC account.
Step 4: Track Your Financial Aid Status
Once you have completed the FAFSA, WCTC will determine your eligibility for federal and state grants and loans. If additional documentation is required, you will be notified via your WCTC email and a posting on your myWCTC account. You can view your status from your Financial Aid card in the myWCTC student portal.
Step 5: View Offer and Accept Student Loans
Once you have completed the FAFSA (and submitted additional documents, if needed), WCTC will use this information to determine your eligibility for student aid (federal and state grants and loans). It may take two weeks to process your financial aid offer. We will send a notification to your WCTC email when your financial aid offer is listed on your myWCTCaccount.
If you choose to accept a student loan, you must complete Loan Entrance Counseling and sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN). These steps are completed through Federal Student Aid by logging in with your FSA ID and password.
Step 6: Apply for Scholarships
The WCTC Foundation offers many scholarships that can help you pay for tuition, books and supplies. You can apply online using your WCTC login.
Using Your Financial Aid Funds
Financial Aid Budgets
WCTC delivers an incredible value, with tuition and fees priced thousands below most public and private colleges in the state. See a sample budget for a full-time student:
Student Base Budgets for Full-time Students
Nine-Month Academic Year 2025-2026
| ESTIMATED EXPENSE CATEGORY | LIVING WITH PARENTS | NOT LIVING WITH PARENTS |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition and Fees | $4,952 | $4,952 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies, and Equipment | $1,464 | $1,464 |
| Living Expenses | $3,184 | $10,308 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Expenses | $3,064 | $3,064 |
| Transportation | $4,104 | $4,104 |
| Loan Fees | $86 | $86 |
| Total* | $16,854 | $23,978 |
* Specific program tool costs, child care costs, loan fees, additional transportation costs and other adjustments within reasonable limits can be added with appropriate documentation. When financial aid is awarded, income is measured against your expenses related to attendance at WCTC. These expenses are reflected in the above Base Budget, which are selected to best fit your living arrangements. The figures used are standards developed by the Wisconsin Technical College System.
Direct Deposit
Any financial aid funds you receive that are in excess of your bookstore and tuition costs are mailed or directly deposited to student bank accounts. First-time users should login to MyWCTC and set up their direct deposit as soon as possible.
Guide to Setting Up Direct Deposit
Electronic Book Vouchers
If you receive federal/state grants or have accepted your student loans (completed Master Promissory Note and Loan Entrance Counseling), you may use your WCTC ID to purchase textbooks in the WCTC Bookstore. Visit the WCTC Library (B-110) to get your WCTC ID. Book funds are available two weeks prior to the beginning of each semester. All Bookstore charges will be added to your student bill. When financial aid is disbursed, your accepted aid will apply toward any Bookstore charges and unpaid tuition.
Net Price Calculator
This calculator is intended to provide estimated net price information. The estimated cost of attendance - including tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, and other related expenses) to current and prospective students and their families based on what similar students paid in a previous year.
Special Circumstances
The WCTC Financial Aid Office understands that students may have extenuating circumstances that affect their financial situation. If you believe the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) does not reflect your (or your parents) accurate financial picture, you may request a Special Circumstances Appeal to have your FAFSA application reviewed. Examples of Special Circumstances may include loss of employment, reduction in yearly income, divorce or separation, recent death of a parent or spouse, excessive medical or dental expenses, elementary and secondary school costs or childcare and dependent care costs.
Meet with a Financial Aid Advisor to discuss your situation and get a Special Circumstance Appeal form.
Unusual Circumstances
Federal law allows some students with unusual circumstances who would otherwise be considered a Dependent student to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) without parental information. If you are unable to provide parental information, you can request an Unusual Circumstances Appeal which is intended for students who can prove and fully document extenuating circumstances. Examples of Unusual Circumstances may include removal or relocation from a parent’s home, an abusive (emotionally or physically) unhealthy or unsafe home environment, abandonment of the student by parent(s), incarceration of a parent or other unusual circumstances you may want us to review.
Meet with a Financial Aid Advisor to discuss your situation and get an Unusual Circumstance Appeal form.
GradReady | Financial Wellness
WCTC students and alumni can take advantage of free online financial wellness resources through GradReady! Sign up to gain access to resources in topics including:
- Paying for college: Explore funding options and create a plan to finance your education.
- Money management: Gain skills to create a budget and plan for financial success after graduation.
- Real-world finance: Find guidance on student loan repayment, housing, benefits and more.
Questions About Your Financial Aid?
Have questions about the financial aid system? Our team can help answer your questions and guide you from the application process to repayment.