Madison Reporter

A recent long-term study has found that Bucky’s Tuition Promise, a financial aid program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, is associated with improved retention rates among lower-income students. The initiative covers tuition and segregated fees for in-state students from families earning $65,000 or less annually.

The study examined several years of data to assess the impact of the program on student persistence and degree completion. According to university officials, Bucky’s Tuition Promise aims to remove financial barriers for Wisconsin residents who might otherwise be unable to afford higher education.

"Bucky’s Tuition Promise has helped level the playing field for talented students across our state," said Jennifer Mnookin, Chancellor of UW–Madison. "By reducing financial stress, we are seeing more students stay enrolled and move closer to graduation."

University representatives also noted that increased retention can have positive effects on both individual outcomes and the broader community. The program is part of a larger effort by UW–Madison to support student success through targeted outreach and expanded access to resources.

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