Scholars of Promise open graph


Don't let financial barriers keep you from going to college!

Scholars of Promise empowers income-eligible students to start their higher education journey with strong programs and financial support to reach their academic dreams.

Scholars of Promise Program Benefits

Tuition Assistance

We cover tuition and fee costs for program classes not covered by grants and scholarships for up to six consecutive semesters - summers excluded.

Financial Aid Application Assistance

We can help you apply for financial aid via Financial Aid Workshops, Smart Start sessions and other events.  

Promise to Promise

Scholars of Promise (SoP) students who are admitted to the University of Wisconsin–Madison are guaranteed to have their tuition and fees covered by a financial aid promise program while they continue on to complete a bachelor's degree at UW–Madison.

The Office of Admissions and Recruitment and the Office of Student Financial Aid at the University of Wisconsin–Madison offer additional support and resources for Madison College Scholars of Promise students who are interested in transferring to UW–Madison.

Retention Initiatives and Student Engagement (RISE)

Scholars of Promise partners with the RISE office to provide the following support services:

  • Dedicated Advisor and Success Coach
  • Access to tutoring, mentoring, and workshops to help students grow personally, professionally, and financially
  • Retention tools that include Personal Education Plan and Progress Reports
  • Celebration of achievements and completion

Learn More About RISE Programs at Madison College

RISE Programs
iframe added here via JS.
72%
Students of Color in Scholars of Promise
109
Graduated and Transferred Students
$3,279
Average amount of support provided per student

Eligibility

  • Must be a current graduating high school senior (including students seeking asylum or refugee)

AND

  • Attending high school in the Madison College district or attending online school with a home address in the Madison College district* (includes students participating in the Madison College Gateway to College program)

*Check eligibility: https://www.wtcsystem.edu/detailed-college-map/

Scholars of Promise Visit

We can come to your community event or organization to share program information.

Email us at scholarsofpromise@madisoncollege.edu or call 608.246.6036 to request a visit.

Our 2025-26 application is now closed.

Acceptance decisions will be made in early summer.

Application Information

  1. Apply to a financial aid eligible Madison College program.
    • Financial Aid eligible program list.
    • Madison College program application.
    • If you have a social security number, please include it on the application.
  2. Activate your student account.
  3. Complete the Scholars of Promise application.
    • After submitting the application, you will automatically be directed to complete the RISE Interest Form. Please do that as well.
  4. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
    • Madison College school code = 004007.
    • You must be eligible for federal Pell grants.
    • If you are unable to complete the FAFSA, submit your SoP application anyway. We can discuss alternative options with you.
  5. Submit your ACT or ACCUPLACER test scores.
    • Madison College ACT Code: 4615
    • ACCUPLACER Fee Waiver Code: MC-SOP
  6. Submit a high school transcript showing a cumulative 2.25 GPA or higher after your junior year.

Tips for Applying

 

Take your time with the Madison College Program Application & Scholars of Promise Application. 

Make sure application information such as your phone number, address, personal email, social security number, name, and date of birth are correct.  

Write down your Madison College email and password.

Check your Madison College email daily for updates.

If you are admitted to Scholars of Promise, you will need to use your Madison College credentials to formally accept or decline your Scholars of Promise offer.

Donate to Scholars of Promise

By removing financial barriers, Scholars of Promise is making Madison College accessible to all students who meet program standards and are willing to commit to the program’s requirements. You can join us in our mission to support our most promising population of students and help them achieve their academic dreams. 

Learn more

 

"I wouldn't be here without the Promise program."

Madison College SoP Student Peter Velazquez-Castellanos
iframe added here via JS.