Frequently Asked Questions

Admissions Application Tuition / Financial Aid

1. Does the School of Business offer need-based financial assistance?
No. All assistance offered through the School of Business is based on merit. U.S. citizens and permanent residents whose personal and family resources are not adequate to cover tuition and living expenses are eligible for loans through the U.S. government. See Financial Aid - Loans and Work-Study for more information.
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2. What kind of financial aid is available for domestic and international students?
Merit-based financial aid is available to domestic and international applicants in the form of scholarships, fellowships, project assistantships and teaching assistantships. All candidates who apply to the program will be considered for scholarships and fellowships. Awards are made on the merits of the candidate and their application materials. Candidates who wish to be considered for assistantships will be required to complete the Merit-based Financial Assistance Form, which is included in the on-line application.
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3. What percentage of students receive financial aid?
Over 50 percent of all students receive some merit-based aid in the form of scholarships, fellowships or assistantships.
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4. What percentage of international students receive merit-based aid?
Approximately 50 percent of all international students receive merit-based aid.
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5. How do I apply for merit-based financial aid?
Complete the Application for Merit-Based Financial Assistance (included in the Application for Admission).
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6. When will I receive a decision regarding merit-based aid?
Applicants will receive decisions about most scholarships, fellowships and assistantships with their letter of admission. However, since project assistantships and teaching assistantships are based on the changing needs of the various departments, these appointments may be offered throughout the year.
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7. How do I apply for a student loan?
U.S. citizens or permanent residents who indicate on their Application for Admission that they are interested in applying for loans or work study will automatically receive loan application materials through the university's Office of Student Financial Services. Applicants must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to a federal processor and submit a university Financial Aid Application and a copy of your most recent tax return to the Office of Student Financial Aid. These government loans are not available to international applicants. See the Office of Student Financial Services for more information.

International students are not eligible for U.S. government loans and work-study. International students should look at loan options in their home country to help assist with school costs.
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8. Will the School of Business co-sign a private loan?
No. Neither the School of Business nor the University of Wisconsin-Madison will co-sign a private loan.
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9. Do many students receive a teaching assistantship during their first year?
Very few incoming MBA students are awarded teaching assistantships. TA positions at the School of Business are typically filled by doctoral candidates or second-year MBA students who have demonstrated competency in the course in question.
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10. Will I receive in-state tuition during my second year?
No. Residency for tuition purposes is determined upon admission and remains constant throughout your program.
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11. How much can I expect to pay for tuition and living expenses?
For the 2006-2007 academic year, in-state tuition per semester is $5,320.16 and out-of-state tuition per semester is $13,039.20. Living expense estimates for the 2006-2007 academic year are as follows: Food and housing (12 months) $9,893, incidentals (clothing, transportation, personal items) $3,413, books and supplies $890, and health insurance $1,644. Please visit http://www.bus.wisc.edu/mba/tuition/tuition.asp for more information. Tuition for the 2007-2008 academic year has not yet been established.
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