Other Funding Resources

Budget carefully. Students may be able to reduce personal expenses and manage on less than the budgeted amount. Use our Best Budgeting Practices worksheet (PDF).

Enrolling for as many credits per semester as reasonably possible helps students ensure they will graduate on time.  Students need to complete an average of at least 15 credits per semester to graduate in four years.

Some students discover it is more economical to attend Winterim or Summer session if additional classes allow them to graduate earlier.

Did you know that tuition is the same price between 12 -18 credits? If you can manage a higher course load each semester, you will save money. But ensure that you don't overload yourself as you want to be successful in your classes! 

By using the bus system, many students save on transportation costs.  Students may ride the bus for free anywhere in the city by showing their UWEC ID card.

For most students, not bringing a car on campus is a significant money saver.

Part-time jobs are available on campus and in the Eau Claire community.  Many students successfully work part-time while attending school, although it is strongly recommended that students do not work more than 15-20 hours per week while they are in school. UW-Eau Claire offers Blugolds the opportunity to find jobs through the convenience of an online portal called Handshake. Handshake is a tool that makes it easy to find work-study jobs and part-time jobs on campus, or internships and full-time opportunities out in the real world with available listings all in one place. 

Summer employment is an opportunity for many students to save for the next year’s educational expenses.

For some students, additional dollars are available through the unsubsidized loan program.  Students can check with the Financial Aid office to determine the amount of additional loan for which they are eligible.

Parents of dependent students may borrow a Parent PLUS Loan. 

Students may apply for Private/Alternative loan funds through a private lender. 

The Minnesota SELF Loan is available to Minnesota residents. 

Degree seeking Graduate students enrolled at least half time may be eligible to borrow a Graduate PLUS Loan.

If students or their parents have experienced a significant change in their financial circumstances within the last year, they should let our office know of those changes in writing by submitting an appeal. 

If students have unusual expenses not included in the average cost of attendance, they are encouraged to explain their circumstances in writing by filing an appeal or discuss their situation with a financial aid counselor.

Search for scholarship opportunities outside of UW-Eau Claire through our Scholarship Resource Center.