Budgeting for Success Scholarship

Application Deadline: April 30, 2026

Win a College Scholarship

Empowering Students to Achieve their Futures

The DebtSmarts “Budgeting for Success” Scholarship is for students who are currently enrolled in a Wisconsin two-year, four-year or Registered Apprenticeship Program and are taking practical, strategic steps towards successfully completing their degrees or career credentials affordably. This $1,000 scholarship recognizes and supports students who are learning to balance short-term needs and long-term goals—skills that will serve them well beyond graduation.

About the Scholarship

The “Budgeting for Success” Scholarship recognizes that ongoing and rising expenses can complicate and sometimes block the path towards completing a degree or credential. This scholarship encourages continuing college students to reflect on how financial planning, resourcefulness, and perseverance help them stay on track toward a degree or credential.

Beginning in 2026 , three to four $1,000 scholarships will be awarded to students enrolled in two- or four-year colleges or universities or in a Registered Apprenticeship Program. The award may be used for tuition, textbooks, required supplies, housing, transportation, or other educational expenses during the academic year. Scholarships are one-time, non-renewable awards.

Eligibility Requirements

For the inaugural year of this scholarship program, only past Money Smart winners will be invited to apply.

Applicants must:

• Be currently enrolled in a two- or four-year college or university or in a Registered Apprenticeship Program in Wisconsin.
  
  

• Plan to continue enrollment through the upcoming academic year.
  
  

• Be pursuing a degree or credential in any field.
  
  

• Submit a video (2–3 minutes) or written essay (400–600 words) in response to the application prompt below.
  
  

Applicants must be making Satisfactory Academic Progress but there is not a minimum GPA requirement—the selection committee values creativity, authenticity, and practical insight into financial planning and budgeting strategies.

Application Prompt

“Describe how you budget for both short-term needs and long-term goals to get through your degree or credential. What strategies or tools have helped you most?”

Applicants are encouraged to share specific examples from their own experience—whether it’s managing part-time work and classes, making smart financial tradeoffs, or planning ahead for post-graduation goals. Videos may include interviews, storytelling, or creative visual elements.

Selection Criteria

Submissions will be evaluated based on:

• Clarity and originality of response
  
  

• Practicality and creativity in budgeting strategies
  
  

• Personal reflection and authenticity
  
  

• Quality of presentation (for videos) or writing (for essays)
  
  

How to Apply

Applications will open by March 1, 2026 at DebtSmarts.org/scholarship
To apply, students must:

1. Complete a brief online form with contact and enrollment information.

2. Confirm that they have filed their 2026-27 FAFSA
   
   

3. Upload their written essay or video link (YouTube or Google Drive).
   
   

4. Submit the application by April 30, 2026.
   
   

Award recipients will be announced by June 15, 2026 and recognized on the DebtSmarts.org website and social media channels.

Additional Benefits

Scholarship recipients will serve as student members of the Wisconsin Coalition on Student Debt, a statewide coalition of student advocates, and provide valuable insights on the financial landscape that current college students must navigate. Student members will be expected to attend quarterly meetings (either as in-person or virtual attendees) and actively contribute to the organization’s mission.

 Thank you to our Money Smart Wisconsin 2026 Sponsors:

2025 Money Smart Scholarship Winners

Fifteen Wisconsin high school seniors were awarded $1,000 each for their winning essays on how they plan to finance their college education and career training.