WISCONSIN — Students in the fall 2025 cohort whose families earn $55,000 or less annually will be able to attend 11 schools within the Universities of Wisconsin free of charge, Jay Rothman, Universities of Wisconsin president, announced Friday. 

The Wisconsin Tuition Promise includes UW-Superior, UW-River Falls, UW-Stout, UW-Eau Claire, UW-Green Bay, UW-Stevens Point, UW Oshkosh, UW-La Crosse, UW-Whitewater, UW-Parkside and UW-Platteville. UW-Madison and UW-Milwaukee operate their own tuition promise programs.

Students who enroll in spring 2026 will also be eligible for the program. Online students are also eligible for the program.

“We’re pleased to once again offer Wisconsin resident students of modest means an opportunity to attend a UW tuition-free,” Rothman said. “We know that for a number of students cost is a barrier to enrollment and removing that barrier is critical.”

The Universities of Wisconsin estimated 1,300 students will qualify for the program.

The announcement comes as Wisconsin high school seniors receive admission letters to 10 of the 13 UWs this week through the Direct Admit Wisconsin program. Through this program, students are offered admission to universities without filling out an application based on coursework and grades completed through their junior year of high school.

“We want students who are receiving notice of admission to know that the Wisconsin Tuition Promise is available if they meet the income requirements,” Rothman said.

The Tuition Promise program pays for any remaining tuition and fees once a student has exhausted federal, state and private financial aid options. The program does not cover housing, food, books or book rental fees, additional course fees or any other charges.

Learn more about the 2025 Wisconsin Tuition Promise, here.