Building Financial Confidence Across the Badger Community

More than 800 students, families, and prospective Badgers engaged with the Promise team in the month of October through financial education workshops, FAFSA completion support, evening drop-in advising hours, and campus partnerships designed to promote financial well-being and college affordability.

The month began with a housing workshop featuring the Tenant Resource Center and Off-Campus Housing resources. Nearly 100 students attended to learn how they can use their financial aid for off-campus housing, understanding leases, and navigating the rental process.

The team also kicked off the FAFSA Frenzy season, one of the Promise Program’s hallmark financial aid initiatives. The first three events attracted more than 400 students, including 155 attendees at the most recent FAFSA Frenzy event in CALS, demonstrating the continued demand for personalized financial aid support. Students received hands-on FAFSA assistance and guidance on financial aid, loans, study abroad funding, and budgeting questions. The team also supported 31 students through evening Chadbourne drop-in advising hours, offering convenient, personalized financial aid assistance to students living in University Housing, including those participating in the Chadbourne Pathway Community.

An advisor sits next to a student completing the FAFSA on her laptop.
FAFSA Frenzy written on a white board.
Students gather at OSFA for FAFSA Frenzy

The team continues its partnership with UW Credit Union through its monthly Money Hour program, engaging 148 students this month in an interactive session designed to build financial confidence and equip them with practical tools for budgeting, managing expenses, and making informed financial decisions.

Beyond these efforts, the team hosts financial aid information sessions throughout the year for prospective students and their families, including presentations during Wisconsin Open House. This year, those sessions reached approximately 200 prospective students and family members, helping them better understand college costs, financial aid, and strategies for paying for college.

These initiatives reflect the ongoing commitment of the Office of Student Financial Aid and the Division of Enrollment Management to advancing college access, affordability, and student success by connecting students and families with the knowledge, resources, and support needed to navigate the financial realities of higher education and represent another opportunity to empower students with the knowledge, resources, and confidence needed to thrive in college and beyond.