Wisconsin’s Private Colleges – WAICU, Wisconsin’s Technical Colleges, and the Universities of Wisconsin held a joint press conference May 22 illustrating why proposals to reduce federal financial aid funding would severely limit educational opportunities for Wisconsin students. Wisconsin’s Private Colleges – WAICU President Eric W. Fulcomer, pictured at left, said that now is the time to increase college access to low-income students through the various federal financial aid programs, such as the Pell Grant. Recent Edgewood College grad and Pell Grant recipient Liz S., pictured at right, said, “Thanks to the grant, I was able to dedicate adequate time to my studies allowing me to remain on track to my goals of attending graduate school and helping me on my way to a fulfilling career in mental health care.”

WAICU, Wisconsin’s Technical Colleges, and the Universities of Wisconsin held a joint press conference May 22 to highlight the importance of protecting federal financial aid programs and address the number of unfavorable proposals included in the House version of the Federal Reconciliation bill.

Together, leaders underscored how proposed reductions in funding would significantly limit educational opportunities for Wisconsin students.

WAICU President Eric W. Fulcomer emphasized the importance of expanding and not restricting college access. “Now is the time to increase college access to low-income students through the various federal financial aid programs, such as the Pell Grant,” he said. “In the most recent reporting year, approximately 10,639 Wisconsin Private College students received Pell Grants, making up 29 percent of our undergraduate student population.”

With a unified voice, leaders from all sectors of Wisconsin higher education, joined by student representatives, spoke about the critical role financial aid plays in student success and workforce development across the state.

The message was clear. At a time when Wisconsin urgently needs more skilled professionals—particularly in rural and underserved communities—any measures that raise college costs or limit financial aid access could create new barriers for students. Such challenges risk reducing the ability of colleges and universities to prepare graduates for high-demand careers and meet the state’s increasing need for talent in this knowledge economy.

The joint statement can be found here.

For more information, email WAICU Executive Vice President of External Relations Rebecca Larson.