The University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison), an ACE member, is ensuring that low-income undergraduate students can earn a degree without taking out loans—automatically. Through the Bucky’s Pell Pathway program, in-state Pell-eligible students receive enough financial aid to cover their full financial need through a combination of grants, scholarships, and work-study opportunities.Eligible students are seamlessly enrolled in the program once they are admitted to the university and submit their FAFSA. The aid covers the complete cost of college, including tuition, fees, housing, food, and books.
“Bucky’s Pell Pathway makes sure that if Pell-eligible students do the hard work to get accepted here, we will meet their full financial need,” said UW-Madison Chancellor Jennifer Mnookin.
Named after UW-Madison’s mascot, Bucky Badger, the program aims to provide low-income students with a typical college experience. Bucky’s Pell Pathway provides funding for summer courses and study abroad experiences, and students who participate in co-ops receive an additional semester of financial aid eligibility. Students can choose to live together in an on-campus theme community or use their aid for any housing option, whether on or off campus.
Mattie Place, a first-generation college student receiving Bucky’s Pell Pathway, said the aid, which she had not been expecting, has made a big difference.
“When I initially saw it, I was in complete shock. I remember telling my mom, ‘This is huge!’” she said in an interview with UW-Madison. “It allows me to take a deep breath and enjoy my college experience a lot more.”
Beyond financial aid, the program offers a variety of support services. Students have a dedicated financial aid adviser and priority access to success coaching, peer mentoring, and basic needs assistance. Monthly workshops provide free meals while students learn about topics like stress management and funding graduate school.
University leaders want students to be able to focus on their classes and enjoy their time in college without worrying about maintaining eligibility for Bucky’s Pell Pathway. The only requirements to stay in the program are to complete the FAFSA every year, take at least six credits each semester, and maintain a 2.0 GPA. Freshmen receive four years of aid, while transfer students receive aid for two years, and students cannot become ineligible midway through college even if their financial circumstances change.
Since its launch in fall 2023, 3,750 students have benefited from the program. Among them is Nick Kaska, who said it’s fulfilled a lifelong dream.
“Since a young age, I’ve always wanted to go to college,” he told UW-Madison. “I can hardly believe I’m here, and Bucky’s Pell Pathway is a big reason why it happened.”