How many college & education resources are in Wisconsin?

Women's Corner tracks 19 college & education resources for women in Wisconsin.

Are college & education resources in Wisconsin free?

14 of the 19 listed college & education resources in Wisconsin are explicitly free or low-cost.

Which cities in Wisconsin have college & education resources?

Listings span cities including Madison, Milwaukee.

What are some examples of college & education resources in Wisconsin?

Featured entries include Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB), University of Wisconsin System, Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS), FAFSA — Federal Student Aid, Wisconsin Grant Program.

Do these listings include phone numbers?

9 of 19 Wisconsin college & education listings include phone numbers.

How do I pay for college as a single mom?

Start with FAFSA at studentaid.gov — single moms typically qualify for the maximum Pell Grant (up to $7,395/year, not repaid). Add state grants, Federal Work-Study, and scholarships specifically for single mothers (Patsy Takemoto Mink Foundation, Soroptimist Live Your Dream, Jeannette Rankin Foundation). Many community colleges have Single Parent Programs with childcare, books, and emergency funds.

Can I go to college while on welfare?

Yes — TANF rules now count post-secondary education toward work requirements in most states, especially CTE/vocational programs. The CCAMPIS program funds free on-campus childcare at hundreds of colleges. SNAP students with kids under 12 qualify for SNAP E&T benefits. Tell your TANF caseworker you're enrolling — they often have hidden funds for books, transportation, and uniforms.

GED classes are free at adult education centers, community colleges, libraries, and online through GED.com and Khan Academy. The exam costs $36–$144 depending on state, and many states waive fees for low-income test-takers. Call 211 or search 'adult education' + your state. Most centers offer free childcare during classes.

Are there scholarships specifically for women?

Yes — AAUW, P.E.O. International, Jeannette Rankin Foundation (women 35+), Society of Women Engineers, Live Your Dream Awards, and hundreds of state-specific awards target women, especially returning students and mothers. Search Fastweb and Scholarships.com filtered for 'women' and your major. Apply to many small scholarships — they're less competitive than big ones.

Best College & Education in Wisconsin — 19 resources

About College & Education for Women

Education resources for women include FAFSA-based federal aid (Pell Grants up to ~$7,000/year), the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), Title IX protections against sex discrimination on campus, and dedicated single-mother scholarships through the Jeannette Rankin Foundation, Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards, and Patsy Takemoto Mink Education Foundation. Community colleges offer low-cost two-year degrees and trade certificates, often with CCAMPIS-grant subsidized on-campus childcare. AAUW funds career development grants and fellowships for women. GED and HiSET programs run through state adult education offices, usually free. This directory covers FAFSA offices, community colleges, adult education, and women's scholarships.

College & Education in Wisconsin

Wisconsin circuit courts hear family matters in each of its 72 counties, with Family Court Counseling services providing mediation and custody studies. The Bureau of Child Support operates under DCF. Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, and Kenosha are the largest cities. Legal Action of Wisconsin, Judicare, the Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee, and End Domestic Abuse Wisconsin serve women.

19 Resources

1. Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB) — Free

State financial aid and grant programs for women pursuing higher education in Madison. Services include financial aid guidance, scholarships, tutoring, and reentry advising. Application deadlines and eligibility vary; check the website or call for current information. Open Mon-Fri 7:45am-4:30pm.

608-267-2206 · 4822 Madison Yards Way Floor 5, Madison, WI 53705 · Mon-Fri 7:45am-4:30pm · Visit Website

2. University of Wisconsin System

Public university system with 13 universities and dozens of campuses statewide for women returning to or starting college. Services include financial aid guidance, scholarships, tutoring, and reentry advising. Application deadlines and eligibility vary; check the website or call for current information. Open Varies by campus.

608-263-2400 · 1220 Linden Dr, Madison, WI 53706 · Varies by campus · Visit Website

3. Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS)

16 technical colleges offering affordable career training and associate degrees for women returning to or starting college in Madison. Services include financial aid guidance, scholarships, tutoring, and reentry advising. Application deadlines and eligibility vary; check the website or call for current information. Open Varies by campus.

608-266-1207 · 4622 University Ave, Madison, WI 53705 · Varies by campus · Visit Website

4. FAFSA — Federal Student Aid — Free

Free Application for Federal Student Aid for grants, loans, and work-study for women returning to or starting college in Wisconsin. Services include financial aid guidance, scholarships, tutoring, and reentry advising. Application deadlines and eligibility vary; check the website or call for current information. Available online 24/7.

800-433-3243 · Online Application · Online 24/7 · Visit Website

5. Wisconsin Grant Program — Free

Need-based financial aid for undergraduate women attending Wisconsin colleges. Services include financial aid guidance, scholarships, tutoring, and reentry advising. Application deadlines and eligibility vary; check the website or call for current information. Open Mon-Fri 7:45am-4:30pm.

608-267-2206 · 4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, WI 53705 · Mon-Fri 7:45am-4:30pm · Visit Website

6. UW-Madison Women's and Gender Studies

Academic programs and resources in women's studies at the state flagship in Madison. Services include financial aid guidance, scholarships, tutoring, and reentry advising. Application deadlines and eligibility vary; check the website or call for current information. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

608-263-2053 · 3214 Sewell Social Science, Madison, WI 53706 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

7. Wisconsin Literacy — Free

Free adult literacy and GED preparation programs across the state for women returning to or starting college. Services include financial aid guidance, scholarships, tutoring, and reentry advising. Application deadlines and eligibility vary; check the website or call for current information. Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm.

608-257-1655 · 211 S Paterson St Suite 170, Madison, WI 53703 · Mon-Fri 9am-5pm · Visit Website

8. Alverno College — Milwaukee

Women's college offering undergraduate degrees and adult learning programs in Milwaukee. Services include financial aid guidance, scholarships, tutoring, and reentry advising. Application deadlines and eligibility vary; check the website or call for current information. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

414-382-6100 · 3400 S 43rd St, Milwaukee, WI 53234 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

9. Milwaukee Area Technical College — Women's Programs

Affordable career training and continuing education with women's support services in Milwaukee. Services include financial aid guidance, scholarships, tutoring, and reentry advising. Application deadlines and eligibility vary; check the website or call for current information. Open Mon-Fri 8am-5pm.

414-297-6370 · 700 W State St, Milwaukee, WI 53233 · Mon-Fri 8am-5pm · Visit Website

10. FAFSA — studentaid.gov — Free

Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Apply for Pell Grants, federal loans, and work-study for women returning to or starting college. Services include financial aid guidance, scholarships, tutoring, and reentry advising. Available online 24/7 at studentaid.gov with no registration required.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

11. Federal Pell Grant — Free

Need-based grant of up to $7,395/year for undergraduate students. Does not need to be repaid for women returning to or starting college. Services include financial aid guidance, scholarships, tutoring, and reentry advising. Available online 24/7 at studentaid.gov with no registration required.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

12. AAUW Educational Funding — Free

American Association of University Women advances equity through education, advocacy, and research. Women can join a local branch, apply for fellowships, and access free salary negotiation training at aauw.org.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

13. P.E.O. International — Women's Education — Free

Multiple scholarship and loan programs supporting women pursuing higher education. Services include financial aid guidance, scholarships, tutoring, and reentry advising. Available online 24/7 at peointernational.org with no registration required.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

14. Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards — Free

Global volunteer organization of business and professional women that improves lives of women and girls through Live Your Dream Awards and local service projects.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

15. Jeannette Rankin Foundation — Free

Scholarships for low-income women age 35+ pursuing technical/vocational training or undergraduate degrees. Services include financial aid guidance, scholarships, tutoring, and reentry advising. Available online 24/7 at rankinfoundation.org with no registration required.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

16. Patsy Mink Education Foundation — Free

Education support and scholarships for low-income mothers pursuing post-secondary education. Services include financial aid guidance, scholarships, tutoring, and reentry advising. Available online 24/7 at patsyminkfoundation.org with no registration required.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

17. Scholarships.com — Free

Free national scholarship search engine with millions of scholarships for women, minorities, and adult learners. Services include financial aid guidance, scholarships, tutoring, and reentry advising. Available online 24/7 at scholarships.com with no registration required.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

18. College Board — BigFuture — Free

Free college planning, scholarship search, and SAT prep from the College Board for women returning to or starting college. Services include financial aid guidance, scholarships, tutoring, and reentry advising. Available online 24/7 at bigfuture.collegeboard.org with no registration required.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

19. Khan Academy — Free SAT Prep — Free

Free official SAT practice in partnership with the College Board for women returning to or starting college. Services include financial aid guidance, scholarships, tutoring, and reentry advising. Available online 24/7 at khanacademy.org with no registration required.

Nationwide · Online · Visit Website

Frequently Asked

How many college & education resources are in Wisconsin?: Women's Corner tracks 19 college & education resources for women in Wisconsin.
Are college & education resources in Wisconsin free?: 14 of the 19 listed college & education resources in Wisconsin are explicitly free or low-cost.
Which cities in Wisconsin have college & education resources?: Listings span cities including Madison, Milwaukee.
What are some examples of college & education resources in Wisconsin?: Featured entries include Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board (HEAB), University of Wisconsin System, Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS), FAFSA — Federal Student Aid, Wisconsin Grant Program.
Do these listings include phone numbers?: 9 of 19 Wisconsin college & education listings include phone numbers.
How do I pay for college as a single mom?: Start with FAFSA at studentaid.gov — single moms typically qualify for the maximum Pell Grant (up to $7,395/year, not repaid). Add state grants, Federal Work-Study, and scholarships specifically for single mothers (Patsy Takemoto Mink Foundation, Soroptimist Live Your Dream, Jeannette Rankin Foundation). Many community colleges have Single Parent Programs with childcare, books, and emergency funds.
Can I go to college while on welfare?: Yes — TANF rules now count post-secondary education toward work requirements in most states, especially CTE/vocational programs. The CCAMPIS program funds free on-campus childcare at hundreds of colleges. SNAP students with kids under 12 qualify for SNAP E&T benefits. Tell your TANF caseworker you're enrolling — they often have hidden funds for books, transportation, and uniforms.
How do I get a GED?: GED classes are free at adult education centers, community colleges, libraries, and online through GED.com and Khan Academy. The exam costs