Class of 2025 -The MATC Promise means free tuition for eligible students
By offering free tuition for eligible students, the MATC Promise for New High School Graduates is unlocking opportunity, making college a reality for students who never thought it was possible.
Eligible students can qualify for free tuition after other scholarships and grants are applied.
What does last dollar mean? Promise only covers tuition charges remaining after other financial aid grants or other scholarships are applied. For example, if your charges are $2,000 and your financial aid is $1,000 - your remaining balance paid by Promise would be $1,000. If your full tuition is covered by financial aid, no Promise funds would be required.
New for the Class of 2025:
- Students in technical diploma programs can receive up to 4 semesters of Promise eligiblity
- Students in associate degree programs can receive up to 7 semesters of Promise eligibility
The cost of books, program fees and equipment are not covered by the Promise program.
View the list of eligible programs (link).
Get connected to an in-demand career in as little as one to two years – or start a four-year degree. Eligible students can continue on to a four-year degree through:
- Promise completion programs at Lakeland University and the University of Wisconsin-Madison’s Bucky’s Tuition Promise
- Guaranteed admission agreements with Marquette University, UW-Madison, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside, and over 30 more four-year partner colleges and universities
To participate, you must:
Meet Academic and Eligibility Requirements
Eligible students:
- Are eligible for federal Pell grants – your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) will determine this.
- Earn a 2.0 GPA or higher – Final deadline applicants can meet it either with their junior year GPA or first semester senior year GPA. (A GPA equivalent is determined for students in nontraditional programs.)
- Graduate as part of the Class of 2025 from a high school in the MATC district or live in the MATC district. (The MATC District includes all of Milwaukee County, most all of Ozaukee County and small parts of Washington and Waukesha counties; see this map of Wisconsin technical college districts)
- NEW: This includes students completing nontraditional options such as a General Educational Development certificate (GED), High School Equivalency Diploma (HSED) or MATC's Adult High School during this same time frame.
The Promise for New High School Graduates offers three start opportunities:
To start in Summer 2025, complete the following by April 30, 2025:
- Complete the Promise interest application
- Apply to MATC at matc.edu/apply. Note: MATC now charges a $2 application processing fee. To request a fee waiver, please contact MATC Admissions.
- Complete a 2024-25 FAFSA®. (MATC’s federal school code is 003866)
- Submit high school transcripts (or GED/HSED certificates) prior to the summer semester start
- Register for 6+ credits for Summer 2025
To start in Fall 2025, complete the following by August 1, 2025:
- Complete the Promise interest application
- Apply to MATC at matc.edu/apply. Note: MATC now charges a $2 application processing fee. To request a fee waiver, please contact MATC Admissions.
- Complete a 2025-26 FAFSA®. (MATC’s federal school code is 003866)
- Submit high school transcripts (or GED/HSED certificates) prior to the August 1 deadline
- Register for 9+ credits for Fall 2025
How Do I Stay in the Program?
- Enroll in at least 9 credits each Fall and Spring semester
- Earn at least a 2.0 semester GPA and complete 67% of credits attempted in the semester
- Complete a FAFSA annually and continue to be eligible for federal Pell grants
Your scholarship or grant may be taxable if used for non-educational expenses like housing, childcare, or food. Tax laws vary, so consult a tax professional to determine your specific situation. It is your responsibility to report taxable income to the IRS.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON HOW TO GET STARTED
Contact the MATC Promise Office:
In Person: S Building - Room S110, Downtown Milwaukee Campus
By Phone or Email: 414-297-6149 or promisesupport@matc.edu
Hours: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday
Voice mailbox and email inbox are checked daily (normal response time is 24-48 hours)
