Wis. Stat. § 39.49 — WI Code / Chapter 39 / Section 39.49
Private institution grants for veterans and dependents.
Status: in_force

(1) Definitions. In this section:

(a) “Deceased or disabled veteran” means an eligible veteran, as defined in s. 36.27 (3n) (a) 1m. , except that, for purposes of this section, the word institution in s. 36.27 (3n) (a) 1m. b. means private institution. In determining a person’s residence at the time of entry into service for purposes of this paragraph, the state from which the person entered service is irrelevant.

(b) “Dependent” means any of the following of a deceased or disabled veteran:

1. A spouse.

2. An unremarried surviving spouse.

3. A child, if the child is at least 17 but not yet 26 years of age.

(c) “Eligible student” means a student who is a veteran or dependent.

(d) “Entry into service” means entry into the U.S. armed forces, in forces incorporated as part of the U.S. armed forces, in the national guard, or in a reserve component of the U.S. armed forces.

(e) “Private institution” means a private nonprofit institution that is a member of the Wisconsin Association of Independent Colleges and Universities.

(f) The definition of “veteran” given in s. 36.27 (3p) (a) 1r. applies in this section as it applies in s. 36.27 (3p) , except that, for purposes of this section, the word institution in s. 36.27 (3p) (a) 1r. (intro.) means private institution. In determining a person’s residence at the time of entry into service for purposes of this paragraph, the state from which the person entered service is irrelevant.

(2) Tuition grants.

(a)

1. Except as provided in subds. 2. and 3. , the board shall make grants from the appropriation under s. 20.235 (1) (a) for the period specified in par. (b) in the amount determined under par. (c) for an eligible student for each semester or session he or she is enrolled in a bachelor’s or graduate degree program of a private institution and maintains a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. The board shall make the grants to the private institution in which the eligible student is enrolled to offset the tuition charged by the private institution.

2. If a deceased veteran was not a resident of this state at the time of entry into service, the board may not make a grant under subd. 1. for an eligible student who is a dependent of the deceased veteran unless the dependent has resided in this state for at least 3 consecutive years immediately preceding his or her enrollment in a private institution.

3. Before the board makes a grant under subd. 1. for an eligible student for a semester or session, the board shall require the eligible student to apply to the payment of tuition for that semester or session all educational assistance to which the eligible student is entitled under 38 USC 3313 , if the eligible student is a veteran, or under 38 USC 3319 , if the eligible student is a dependent.

(b) The board shall make grants under par. (a) 1. for an eligible student for no more than 128 credits or 8 semesters or sessions, whichever is longer, less the number of credits, semesters, or sessions for which the eligible student received remissions under s. 36.27 (3n) or (3p) or 38.24 (7) or (8) .

(c) The amount of a grant under par. (a) 1. for an eligible student for a semester or session shall equal the lesser of the following:

1. Two thousand dollars.

2. Fifty percent of the amount of tuition charged by the private institution in which the eligible student is enrolled less one of the following amounts:

a. If the eligible student is a veteran, the amount of tuition paid under 10 USC 2107 (c), 38 USC 3104 (a) (7) (A), and 38 USC 3313 .

b. If the eligible student is a dependent, the amount of tuition paid under 38 USC 3319 .

(3) Matching amounts required. For each grant made by the board under sub. (2) (a) 1. for an eligible student, the private institution in which the eligible student is enrolled shall match the amount of the grant from institutional funds, gifts, or grants of an equal amount to offset the tuition charged to the eligible student.

History: 2019 a. 149 ; 2021 a. 240 s. 30 ; 2025 a. 155 .