Before College
Know the Costs & The benefits
College tuition costs are on the rise and student loan debt is in the news. Do you know how to make an informed decision about whether college makes sense for you?
Higher Earnings
On average, workers with college degrees earn more per week and over the course of their careers. Workers with higher levels of education are less likely to become unemployed.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Current Population Survey
Graduates of the Universities of Wisconsin are borrowing less than a decade ago
In 2022-23, 59.1% of bachelor’s degree recipients borrowed money to pay for their college degrees. The average amount they borrowed was $24,144.
Does the Work You Want to Do Require a College Degree?
Most of Wisconsin’s new jobs will not need a college degree. However, most of Wisconsin’s new jobs that pay more than $50,000 a year will require a college degree.
Source: The Value of Higher Education, Wisconsin Policy Forum, February 2024. https://wispolicyforum.org/research/the-value-of-higher-education/
THESE FREE RESOURCES WILL HELP YOU MAKE AN INFORMED, FINANCIALLY-SOLID CHOICE BEFORE COMMITTING TO COLLEGE
FAFSA unlocks money for college
The FAFSA is the Free Application For Federal Student Aid. Everyone applying to two or four-year college programs should complete the FAFSA form. We provide free completion help for Wisconsin residents. The FAFSA website also provides helpful tips and information on how to complete the form.
Look Forward to Your future
“Look Forward to Your Future,” an undertaking of the Wisconsin Department of Financial Institutions (DFI), is a resource for students and parents who are facing questions and decisions about college and student debt.
College Navigator
College Navigator is a free consumer information tool from the U.S. Department of Education that is designed to help students, parents, high school counselors, and others get information about over 7000 postsecondary institutions in the United States and other areas.