UW-River Falls will continue Scholarship Guarantee program

August 19, 2016-- In an effort to help students access excellent, high-quality education at an affordable price, the University of Wisconsin-River Falls will continue its Scholarship Guarantee program to new incoming students for the 2017-18 academic year. The program, aimed at providing financial support for qualified incoming freshmen regardless of financial need, offers a guaranteed scholarship to students who meet specific academic achievement criteria.

The Scholarship Guarantee program, announced in October 2015, automatically awards scholarship funds to incoming freshmen with high academic potential to assist with their UWRF educational expenses. Students with a 22-24 ACT score who rank in the top 40 percent of their class (or 3.0 GPA if high school does not rank) are guaranteed a $1,000 scholarship their first year. Students with a 25 ACT score or better who rank in the top 25 percent of their class (or 3.25 GPA if high school does not rank) are awarded $2,000. This award can be renewed for a second year, totaling $4,000 in scholarship assistance, when a 3.0 GPA and progress toward a degree is maintained.

UW-River Falls already boasts one of the lowest tuition rates in the UW System and is committed to keeping expenses for students, many of whom are first-generation college students, as low as possible while still offering in-demand academic programs, hands-on learning, engaged faculty and small class sizes. Combined with cost-saving features already in place, including textbook rentals, the Scholarship Guarantee program is making UW-River Falls an affordable choice for students and their families. This investment in scholarships lessens the financial burden on students who attend UWRF while maximizing their lifetime career potential.

"We have already seen the impact this bold new scholarship program is having on hundreds of students and their families who will begin their UWRF journey this fall. The guaranteed scholarships are a strategic investment in the future of our students, as well as a demonstration of our commitment to providing a high-quality education at a great value," said UW-River Falls Chancellor Dean Van Galen.

Financial need is not a criteria for the Scholarship Guarantee program and all scholarships awarded will be automatically applied toward a students' tuition once  admitted to the university. Details about the program can be found at https://www.uwrf.edu/Admissions/Scholarship-Guarantee.cfm.

UW-River Falls will award more than $1 million in scholarship funds during the 2016-17 academic year. The Scholarship Guarantee joins existing successful scholarship programs including Falcon Scholars, which awards $6,000 over four years to 80 qualifying freshmen. These programs highlight the university's commitment to student success, particularly for students who have shown academic promise during their high school careers. Additional need-based and merit-based scholarships will continue to be available to current and incoming students. Information about scholarships requiring application can be found at https://www.uwrf.edu/Admissions/scholarships.cfm.

For more information about the Scholarship Guarantee program, email sarah.r.egerstrom@uwrf.edu or call 715-425-3500.