College financial aid is available to help eligible students pay for college expenses. College financial aid comes in many forms such as loans, grants, scholarships, and student work study. Our goal is to assist you and your family in securing the resources necessary to fund your education, and make sure you understand your rights and responsibilities related to financial aid.
Grants
Grants are monies that under normal circumstances do not need to be repaid. The following grants are awarded at Chippewa Valley Technical College:
Federal Grants
Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students enrolled for a minimum of one (1) credit with high financial need based on the student's Student Aid Index (SAI). The actual awards vary based on the number of enrolled credits.
The Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is awarded to undergraduate students enrolled for a minimum of six (6) credits with exceptional need based on the student's Student Aid Index (SAI).
United Way of Greater Chippewa Valley - Micro Grants
CVTC students enrolled in the following programs related to high-demand fields that pay family sustaining wages are eligible for a grant of up to $900 per semester supported by the United Way of Greater Chippewa Valley:
- Dental Hygienist
- Electrical Power Distribution
- FireMedic
- Gas Utility Construction & Services
- Human Resources
- IT-Network Specialist
- Machine Tool Technics
- Mechanical Design Technology
- Mechatronics Technician
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Nursing-Associate
- Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Paramedic Technician
- Practical Nursing (LPN)
- Radiography
- Respiratory Therapy
- Supply Chain Management
- Truck Driving
- Welding
- Welding Fabrication
Applications for these micro grants are accepted year round. Recipients must be in good academic standing, reside in Chippewa or Eau Claire County, be unable to address financial challenges through other funding sources, and be enrolled in three or more credits in one of the high-demand programs listed above. If you have any questions, please contact the Foundation Office at 715-833-6479 or foundation@cvtc.edu.
Wisconsin State Grants
The Wisconsin Higher Education Grant (WHEG) is available to students who are Wisconsin residents and enrolled at least half-time. The grant is based on financial need.
Native American Grants (WIA, BIA) are available through the Wisconsin Higher Educational Aids Board and the Bureau of Indian Affairs. The grant amount is based on need. In addition to completing a FAFSA, students must also complete a separate Indian Scholarship Application which is obtained from their tribal education office for the purpose of certifying the student's degree of Indian blood.
The Minority Retention Grant Program (MINR) is available to minority students who are Wisconsin residents in the second year of a two-year program, maintain a 2.0 grade point average, and meet the financial need criteria. Minority status is determined by the data on our system and awarded after the school year has started.
The Talent Incentive Program (TIP) is designed for first-time students who are economically and/or academically disadvantaged. Students who feel they may qualify for this additional funding may contact the Eau Claire office of the Wisconsin Educational Opportunity Program for further information.
The Hearing & Visually Handicapped Student Grant is available to Wisconsin residents who are hearing impaired or visually handicapped and who also demonstrate financial need. Applications are available online at www.heab.state.wi.us/programs.html.
Wisconsin Academic Excellence Scholarship recipients are chosen by their high schools as academic scholars. Students must be enrolled full time in associate degree programs and maintain a 3.0 grade point average.
Scholarships
Scholarships are funds that normally do not need to be repaid. Scholarships can be based on merit, financial need, or other criteria.
Once you become a student at CVTC you will have access to two types of scholarships:
CVTC Scholarships
Each year through the CVTC Foundation, Inc., the College awards over 400 scholarships to CVTC students. All accepted incoming and currently enrolled students are eligible to apply for CVTC scholarships. The priority application period is open in January of each year. Students apply for all CVTC scholarships using the online application system.
Private Donor Scholarships
These scholarships are not connected with the College and each scholarship has a unique application process and distinct selection criteria. These scholarships are funded by individuals, businesses, industries, or organizations.
CVTC Scholarships
CVTC Scholarships will be awarded each year to high school students and returning adult students. New & incoming students will complete an online application before the fall semester deadline, which is mid-September; priority deadline is mid-February. A Scholarship Selection Committee will review and award these scholarships.
Criteria for the CVTC Excellence Endowment Scholarship:
- Applicant must be a high school senior or recent graduate
- Applicant must attend CVTC in the fall after graduation and be enrolled in a degree-granting program
- Applicant must have a 2.0 cumulative GPA or higher in high school
- Applicant must be graduating/have graduated from a high school within the CVTC district
Criteria for the CVTC Adult Opportunity Endowment Scholarship:
- Applicant must be enrolled at CVTC in a program or pre-program beginning in the upcoming fall semester
- Applicant must be a returning adult student (at least one year since you last attended school)
- Applicant must complete a personal statement that includes these three traits: initiative, desire, and potential to succeed
- Applicant must submit one letter of recommendation
Work-Study
The Federal Work-Study Program provides jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. On campus positions as well as community service positions are available. Students are eligible to earn up to the amount listed on their award notification and are paid on a bi-weekly basis. This money is earned and paid directly to the student, not applied to their student account.
You will be notified on your financial aid award notification if you are eligible for work study. Once you become a student at CVTC, you can view and apply for work study positions.
