Wisconsin households with low to moderate income may qualify for the Viterbo Tuition Promise. This would mean that after scholarships and grants, the student’s remaining tuition is covered by Viterbo. New first-year students for the 2023-24 academic year can already apply now, seeing that they have the proper requirements. According to the Viterbo website, applicants must be a Wisconsin resident, live in on-campus housing, enroll as a “traditional” first-year student, file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in which they qualify for a need-based Federal Pell Grant, and must be attempting to receive a bachelor’s degree for the first time.  

“The amount you receive,” Viterbo states, “will cover the rest of your remaining Viterbo tuition for fall and spring semesters for up to 4 consecutive years (8 semesters).” However, “The Viterbo Tuition Promise does not cover other common expenses, such as student activity or technology fees, course fees, housing, meals, or textbooks.”  

As previously stated, in order to benefit from this program students must file the FAFSA. “The 2023-24 FAFSA priority deadline for Viterbo University is Feb. 1, 2023,” Viterbo explains. They warn that “funding is limited and may not be available if filing the FAFSA after that date.” For students who are curious about their income and how it may relate to this program, Viterbo says, “On the 2023-24 FAFSA, student and (typically) parent Adjusted Gross Income is reported from tax year 2021. That 2021 household income is the main component of the calculation for Pell eligibility, although assets, number of household members, children in college, and other factors are considered too.” 

Students should know that “Because of these factors, there isn’t a specific income range that designates Pell Grant eligibility.” The Viterbo website goes on to explain that “Traditionally, Pell Grant recipient households have Adjusted Gross Incomes under $75,000, but, even more commonly, under $50,000. AGI can be found on Line 11 of a 2021 tax return form 1040, 1040-SR, or 1040-NR.” 

Once students acquire the help of the Viterbo Tuition Promise, they can maintain it by filing for the FAFSA every year. Even if a student becomes ineligible for the Pell Grant, they are still eligible for Viterbo’s aid. The only other requirements are that they “remain a full-time student in a traditional undergraduate program, and live in campus housing to remain eligible for the Viterbo Tuition Promise funding.” Viterbo goes on to explain that “like other financial aid programs, students need to also remain in good academic standing and maintain satisfactory academic progress.” 

Current students are not able to apply for these awards at this time. However, leadership claims, “Viterbo University is committed to providing an excellent and affordable private college education.”