Eligibility

Complete By April 1:

1. Graduate from a Madison College district high school
2. Complete an online interest form
3. Apply to a Madison College financial aid eligible program
4. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
   • Have a Pell Grant eligible Expected Family Contribution* (EFC)
   • FAFSA applications can be submitted each year starting on October 1
   • Attend a Madison College FAFSA workshop for assistance
5. Submit ACT or Accuplacer test results 
6. Complete your junior year with a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher by submitting an in-progress high school transcript

Acceptance letters are sent April 15. 

Complete By June 30:

1. Enroll as a full-time (12 credits or more) student
   • Attend an advising and registration session to enroll in classes (Invitations for sign-up will be sent after students have been accepted)
   • Enroll in the Madison College Hybrid Learning to Learn Camp (College Success) course offered Monday - Friday 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
   • Regional Campus attendees: enroll in the three-credit College Success course
2. Attend Scholars of Promise Welcome Session (Invitations for sign-up will be sent after students have been accepted)
3. Submit final high school transcripts as proof of graduation

*Your EFC is an index number that helps determine how much financial aid you may receive. It is not the amount you will have to pay for college, nor is it the amount of federal student aid you will receive.

Expectations

To maintain your status as a Scholars of Promise Scholar:

• Begin classes within nine months of high school graduation/completion
   
• Maintain continuous full-time enrollment status (12 credits or more) each semester
  • Not including summers
     
• Achieve a 2.0 (or higher) semester GPA each term
  • Meet financial aid satisfactory academic progress standards 
  • The U.S. Department of Education requires that you meet certain academic standards to qualify for federal financial aid at Madison College
     
• Turn in two progress reports each semester 
   
• New Scholars meet with assigned Scholars of Promise mentor or peer mentor twice a semester for the first year
  • In your second year, agree to peer mentor an incoming Scholars of Promise student, meeting with them monthly to support and encourage their progress
     
• Volunteer eight hours each semester
   
• Attend two workshops each semester
   
• Complete the Free Financial Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  • FAFSA applications can be submitted each year starting on October 1
  • Attend a Madison College FAFSA workshop for assistance 

FAQ

When are students notified of their Acceptance?

Once all criteria has been reviewed, you will receive a hard-copy letter via U.S. mail as well as an email notification. Those letters will be mailed April 15.

What does the Scholars of Promise program pay for? 

The Scholars of Promise program will pay the difference between your tuition and any grants that you receive. You must enroll in a financial aid eligible program. Books are not covered by Scholars of Promise program funds. 

What is the definition of a Scholars of Promise scholar? 

A scholar is a student that receives Scholars of Promise services and qualifies for funding assistance. 

What are some other advantages of the Scholars of Promise program? 

Scholars of Promise students are provided a mentor and are guided through their first year process to ensure that they can achieve success. Students will have access to campus services that include academic tutoring and academic workshops. 

If I am awarded Scholars of Promise funds, how do i remain eligible? 

While enrolled at Madison College, you will need to be a full-time student (12 or more credits), maintain a 2.0 GPA, meet with your mentor twice a semester, turn in two progress reports, volunteer eight hours and participate in two workshops per semester. 

What does 9 months to enroll mean?

If you have met all program criteria and have been accepted into the program by April 15, you may start classes either that fall or the following spring semester. You must notify Scholars of Promise staff if you wish to start in the spring.

what If I have financial aid award questions?

You can contact the Financial Aid office at (608) 246-6210 or you can visit the financial aid office at any Madison College campus.

what if I am not eligible for grant funds or Scholars of Promise funds?

Madison College offers scholarships and additional support services programs that can assist in funding. Federal student loans are also available to those who qualify. 

Is there a parent organization for Scholars of Promise students?

There is not a parent organization for Promise.

who do I contact if I have additional questions?

Contact the Madison College Scholars of Promise office at (608) 246-6036 or email us at scholarsofpromise@madisoncollege.edu.