Tuition and Aid

On-campus programs: Tuition and cost of living change annually. Distance masters program: Tuition estimates and program information

Most SLIS students fund their education through a combination of:

Employment

Most SLIS students work one or more part-time LIS jobs on campus or in the community. In addition to gaining experience and new skills, you will learn from and make connections with professionals who can serve as a resource and a reference when you search for a position after graduation.

SLIS informs students of job openings by sending messages to the SLIS student listserv. You are also encouraged to search for jobs by signing up for the Graduate Student Collaborative's weekly e-newsletter, GradConnections, which lists funding opportunities, and by searching the UW Job Center's database. Campus libraries typically hire students a month before each semester begins. If you are interested in a career focused on technology, submit an application to the Division of Information Technology (DoIT). Most jobs pay by the hour and do not include benefits.

UW-Madison offers a limited number of graduate assistantships. Graduate assistants receive tuition remission, so long as they hold at least a 33% appointment. Most assistantships also include a stipend and affordable health insurance. Graduate assistantships come in the form of Project Assistantships (PAs), Teaching Assistantships (TAs) and Research Assistantships (RA).

SLIS has a limited number of PA and TA positions, which are typically offered to doctoral students. Some campus libraries offer assistantships; position openings will be posted to the SLIS student listserv. Some SLIS students accept graduate assistantships that are not directly related to LIS because of the financial benefits.

Scholarships

SLIS provides a limited number of scholarships to incoming master's students who demonstrate both merit and need. Awards are made for the first year of study and typically range from $1000 to $6000. To apply for a SLIS scholarship, submit the Scholarship Consideration Form with the general SLIS application materials.

UW-Madison offers a variety of scholarships and funding sources. Some scholarships are general, while others are geared to specific populations or situations (childcare assistance, students of color, students with disabilities, returning adult students, etc.) Resources include:

  • Student Financial Services lists UW scholarships. While some are open only to undergraduates, a number are open to graduate students.
  • The Division of Continuing Studies maintains an excellent list of scholarships and financial assistance available at UW-Madison. While the website is geared toward returning adult students, many of the resources are applicable to a wider audience.
  • The Graduate Student Collaborative sends a weekly e-newsletter, GradConnections, to anyone who subscribes. GradConnections includes a comprehensive list of funding sources geared toward graduate students (assistantships, scholarships, grants, etc.).

Scholarships are available through other organizations, foundations and agencies. Many professional associations, such as the American Library Association and the Wisconsin Library Association, offer scholarships. Also explore scholarships granted by your undergraduate institution or organizations in your hometown. The Grants Information Collection at the UW-Madison Memorial Library offers a wealth of online and print resources to help you research ways to fund your education. Non-UW students can obtain a day pass to use the collection.