PROMISE FAQ
Questions about ... the program
What is a Promise Program?
Promise Program students are guaranteed an additional promise grant grant if their financial aid package (state and federal grants and work study) does not cover the cost of tuition and segregated fees.
Students who qualify for the Parkside Promise Plus will participate in our SSS Project Success program and will have access to one-on-one coaching and support from other successful UW-Parkside students.
Students who qualify for the Wisconsin Tuition Promise will be assiged a Success Coach for the their first year.
Who is eligible?
Eligible varies by program. To be considered for the Parkside Promise Plus program, new freshman need to ..
- Be a new freshman admitted to UW-Parkside by July 1
- Submit the FAFSA by July 1
- Have an estimated student aid index (SAI) between -1500 and 2000.
- Be a Wisconsin resident for tuition purposes
- Have a high school cumulative GPA of 2.20 or above at time of admission to Parkside
- Sign the Promise Pledge
- Enroll as a full-time student the fall following high school graduation
The Wisconsin Tuition Promise program is open to both new freshman and transfer students who are residents of Wisconsin and have an Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) of ≤ $55,000 on the FAFSA.
When does the program begin?
Each fall, we start a new cohort of Promise students. Recruitment for the Promise programs begin in early fall. To be considered for either program, you must be admitted to UWP and complete your FAFSA.
Students interested in starting in Spring 2026 can be considered for the Wisconsin Tuition Promise program.
How do I apply?
To be considered for a Promise program, all you need to do is complete the admissions process and submit your FAFSA to UW-Parkside (00515).
Questions about ... costs
How will the Promise show on my bill?
If your tuition and segregation fees are not covered by federal and state grants, you will be awarded a Promise grant to cover the difference.
Does the program cover the cost of summer or winterim?
The Promise program does not cover the costs of winterim. Other financing options may be available.
Students may be eligible for additional support to cover summer courses if needed to meet credit requirements.
The program is limited to tuition and segregated fees for full-time enrollment for four consecutive years (excludes summer and winterim).
What if I don’t have the money for the application fee?
For the upcoming year, the UW Parkside is waiving application fees.
Does the program cover the cost of housing?
Housing or dining fees are not covered by the Promise..
*Although these costs are not included as part of the program, you may be offered additional aid in the form of grants and loans to assist with these costs
Does the program cover the cost of books?
No, the promise program does not cover the cost of books.
*Although these costs are not included as part of the program, you may be offered additional aid in the form of grants and loans to assist with these costs.
Does the program cover the cost of study abroad?
No, however, other financing options may be available. Consult with the office of International Student Services.
Questions about ... eligibility
What if I live in a state other than Wisconsin?
Unfortunately, you are not eligible for the Promise program. However, you may be eligible for one of our Out-of-State Scholarship programs.
To qualify for the program, you must be a resident of Wisconsin for tuition purposes.
What if I can’t or don’t want to attend full time?
Students attending less than full time may still qualify for federal and state aid; however, they will not qualify for any additional funding through the either Parkside Promise Plus or Wisconsin Tuition promise if tuition and fees are not covered by federal and state programs.
What if i will not graduate from high school until after 2024?
While your eligibility can not be guaranteed until you actually are able to enroll at Parkside, fill out the Interest Form, and we will keep in touch with you.
What if i graduated from HS before 2024?
If you graduated high school prior to 2024 and are just enrolling in college, you are not eligible for the Parkside Promise Plus.
Visit the Financial Aid website to explore other options for financing your education.
Questions about ... FAFSA, EFC, and verification
Do I have to complete the FAFSA?
Yes. The program requires students to apply for and use federal and state grants. You must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and be a citizen, national or permanent resident of the United States students. (NOTE: Students who do not fall into one of these categories cannot receive financial aid.)
Promise Program support is calculated after the federal and state grants are applied, but before loans and work-study and non-tuition scholarships.
What is an SAI (Student Aid Index)
The Student Aid Index (SAI) is a measure of your family’s financial strength and is calculated according to a formula established by law. The information you report on your FAFSA is used to calculate your SAI. We use the SAI to determine your federal student aid eligibility and financial aid award.
Note: Your SAI is not the amount of money your family will have to pay for college nor is it the amount of federal student aid you will receive.
What if I receive a scholarship?
If your scholarship must be used for tuition, it will be applied prior to any Promise grant. If it can be used for something other than tuition and fees, it will be applied after any Promise fund.
What does it mean if I’m selected for verification?
We need to review documentation that you provide to the Financial Aid Office to confirm information your provided on your FAFSA. This is typically tax information, and a form that you can download from our website.
When do I need to complete my verification to be included in the Parkside Promise Plus program?
For the Parkside Promise Plus program, you must turn in your documentation to the Financial Aid office by the July 15th.
Questions about ... renewal
What are the renewal requirements?
For the Parkside Promise Plus program, you need to:
- Reapply for Financial Aid each year by April 1 and remain eligible for the Federal Pell Grant
- Attend full-time for fall and spring semester for four consecutive years
- Complete 30 credits each academic year and maintain at least a 2.5 cumulative GPA
- Maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress
For the Wisconsin Tuition promise, you need to:
- Reapply for Financial Aid each year
- Attend full-time for fall and spring semester and/or complete 24 credits
- Be continuously enrolled each academic year
- Maintain Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress
What if I need more time to finish my degree?
Promise programs are for four years of consecutive full-time enrollment. Additional funding is not guaranteed, however, we will review your aid package for any additional funding options.
What do I need to do to continue in the program?
In addition to maintaining a 2.5 cumulative GPA and eligibility for a federal Pell grant, Parkside Promise Plus students must also complete the activities outlined in their Parkside Promise Plus pledge.
For WI tuition Promise students, there is no specific academic eligibility requirements however they must meet Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic progress requirements.
How will I know that I am still Pell Grant eligible?
When you complete the FAFSA by April 1, you will receive a confirmation page, which indicates if you qualify for the Federal Pell grant.
To remain in the Parkside Promise Plus program, you must remain Pell eligible. If you do not maintain Pell eligibility, our team of Financial Aid Counselors will be happy to discuss options to keep school affordable.
Do you have a different question?
Let us know at promise@uwp.edu or 262-595-2355