Financial Information

As you consider becoming a graduate student in our program, it is important that you inform yourself about the cost of graduate school and a financial plan to make this work. As you may already know, graduate credits are more expensive than undergraduate credits. Even though a master's degree program typically takes only two years, the expense of obtaining a graduate degree should be an important factor as you consider graduate school. In addition to the instructions below, make sure to look at our "cost" information for both the Online and On-Campus programs. In general, the majority of our students finance their education through loans and personal financial resources. Please note that graduate students must be enrolled at least half-time (5 credits per semester) to receive financial aid. The process is as follows:

  • Complete and mail the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the processor listed on the FAFSA or complete the FAFSA on-line at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov . Our financial aid school code is 003919. Do this as soon as you can after you accept the offer to join the SAA program.

  • Determine how many credits you are going to take. To be eligible for Financial Aid, you must take at least 5 credits per semester or 5 credits over summer session.

  • Starting approximately April 15, financial aid awards will be mailed and students will have three weeks to return the Award form if they wish to decline their awards Spring and summer financial aid applications for Online students are processed as they are received. For more information about financial aid, visit UW-La Crosse's Financial Aid website. 

  • Students can apply for UW-L Foundation Scholarships and those can be found below. The deadline is March 1st.

  • On-Campus students can apply for graduate assistantships.

  • Students are also encouraged to check into Tuition Reimbursement programs through their employers.

    There may be questions that you need assistance with so feel free to call the Financial Aid Office staff at 608-785-8604 or send an e-mail to finaid@uwlax.edu. In general, graduate students will receive the majority of their financial assistance from student loans.

2008 "Cost" Comparison

Category On-campus Online
Number of credits 38-40 36-39
Cost per credit $403  $550
Total program cost $15,315 - $16,120 $19,800 - $21,450
Salary Grad Asst - $10,124 Your current salary
Living Relocate to La Crosse area Can live anywhere with Internet access
Driving To campus None
Parking Possible fee Not applicable
Class dress Must be presentable Don’t care what you wear
Computer Probably must have one Must have one
Books for classes Must purchase Must purchase
Summers No classes - get work experience Classes do meet