Financial Aid

Financial Aid Information for SLIS Applicants

Most of the students attending this school finance their education from personal resources followed by student loans and student employment. The most abundant sources of financial support are WORKSTUDY and regular student hourly employment opportunities in campus, state agency, and Madison area libraries. (Student employment may not be available to international students as their visa status strictly limits their work opportunities.) The pay range for student jobs is appropriately $5.75 - $9.00 per hour. Some positions require previous library work experience and some do not. For: @Work Where the Info Is send a preaddressed, stamped envelope to: SLIS, 600 N. Park St., Room 4217, Madison, WI 53706.

There are a limited number of project or teaching assistantship positions associated with the SLIS instructional programs. These appointments are normally filled by doctoral students. In addition to these positions, approximately five other campus libraries consistently post project assistant appointments of one-third to one-half time which are open to both doctoral and masters student applicants. These positions normally require previous U.S. library work experience. Appointments of one-third time or above provide: full tuition, health insurance, and pay a monthly salary. The openings are posted throughout the year and application is made directly to the employing units. The libraries that have posted openings in the past are: the Astronomy Library; the Journalism Reading Room; the School of Education CIMC; the Limnology Laboratory Library; and the University News and Publications Office. Prior cataloging and technical services experience, online searching or electronic library systems skills are especially helpful in capturing one of these appointments.

Fellowships and Minority Programs

SLIS may nominate students to various fellowship programs administered through the Graduate School. Each program has strict stipulations that must be met by the candidate, and the department can nominate a very limited number (1-3) of candidates in each category. Three programs especially helpful to SLIS students are: Advanced Opportunity; Vilas; and Vilas Special. Submit your application materials to the SLIS office by December 15 for full consideration of Fellowship nominations.

Scholarships

SLIS has some funds administered by the School with which to make scholarship awards. Normally these funds are used to support master's students. The amount of funds available from these accounts varies from year to year and is normally limited to the interest generated from the principle ($500 - $5,000; 10-15 awards per year paid in two installments). Some of these funds have specific directives for applicant career goals and some funds are reserved for second year students. See UW-SLIS Scholarship Funds for complete descriptions, and use this form to apply

Other Sources of Funding

UW-Madison Graduate School - Fellowships Guidebook 2008-2009
http://info.gradsch.wisc.edu/admin/gradcoordinators/fellowships/2008/index.html

UW-Madison Graduate School - Funding Resources for Graduate Students:
http://info.gradsch.wisc.edu/education/funding/index.html

Because of the limited nature of the Financial Aid available (especially for non-resident students), the school encourages applicants to investigate other professional organizations, which offer support for library science students. Some of these sources are found in:

Financial Assistance for Library Education (see especially part 2), request from SCOLE, American Library Association, 50 E. Huron St., Chicago, IL 60611; $4.00 to cover postage and handling.
ALA Web site: http://www.ala.org

Reference Service Press, Los Angeles, CA publishes a series by Gail Ann Schlachter, a graduate of the master's program: Directory of Financial Aids for Women; Financial Aid for Disabled and Their Families; and Financial Aid for Veterans, Military Personnel, and Their Dependents.

The Annual Register of Grant Support. The Register is one of the largest collections of funding sources. It is available on most college campuses and in some public libraries. On the UW-Madison campus the Register and other directories are available in the Grants Information Center, Room 262, in the Memorial Library, (608) 262-3242, and in the Graduate School's Office of Fellowships and Minority Programs, 217 Bascom Hall, 500 Lincoln Dr., Madison, WI 53706-1380. (608) 262-2433.

MINNESOTA-WISCONSIN TUITION RECIPROCITY AGREEMENT

Minnesota residents may qualify for in-state Minnesota tuition rates. For certification information contact: Minnesota Higher Education Services Office, Suite 350, 1450 Energy Park Dr, St. Paul, MN 55108-5227, Telephone (651) 642-0567 or 1-800-657-3866.

See also UW-Madison, Office of the Registrar tuition (no living expenses) by semester:
http://registrar.wisc.edu/students/fees_tuition/tuition.php?term=