Master’s Degree – Tuition & Funding

Tuition

Online Master’s Program

Online students’ tuition is a flat rate per credit that is not based on residency status; all students in the online program pay the same rate regardless of where they reside. There is more information on residency for tuition from the UW Registrar. During the 2021-22 academic year, online  tuition is $850 per credit for the MA LIS and $1,100 per credit for the MS Information. The rate per credit for online students does not decrease as more credits are taken in a semester.

On Campus Program

Tuition and cost of living change annually. Tuition for the MA LIS is based on residency. Tuition for the MS Information is the same rate regardless of where students reside. Using the Bursar’s tuition and fees table, select the most current term, and under “Student Careers”, choose “Graduate or most Capstone certificates”. The rate per credit for MA LIS on-campus students decreases as more credits are taken. The rate for MS Information on-campus students is $1,100 per credit.

Employment

Most on-campus iSchool students work part-time on campus or in the community. In addition to gaining experience and new skills, you will make connections with professionals who can serve as a resource and a reference when you apply for professional employment.

Most on-campus jobs pay an hourly rate and do not include tuition remission or benefits.  UW-Madison does offer a limited number of graduate assistantships. Graduate assistants in the MA LIS program receive tuition remission, so long as they hold at least a 33.4% appointment. Graduate students in the MS Information program do not receive tution remission. Most assistantships also include a stipend and affordable health insurance. Graduate assistantships come in the form of Project Assistantships (PAs), Teaching Assistantships (TAs) and Research Assistantships (RA).

The iSchool has a limited number of PA and TA positions, which are typically offered to doctoral students. Some campus libraries offer assistantships. Some iSchool students accept graduate assistantships that are not directly related to LIS because of the financial benefits. Although percentages vary year to year, in general,  10 to 15% of iSchool students hold assistantships or fellowships.  See detailed information about iSchool graduate assistant positions at: Funding – The Information School – UW–Madison (wisc.edu)

The department informs student of openings for jobs and assistantships via the UW-iSchool Daily Digest and the Campus Student Jobs site. You are encouraged to search for jobs using these resources:

  • See the Graduate School’s funding webpage which describes the different types of Graduate Assistantship Appointments available, and provides other funding resources.
  • Search the UW Job Center’s database. (Note that campus libraries typically hire students a month before each semester begins.)
  • If you are interested in a career focused on technology, see the different student technology job opportunities available at UW-Madison.

Scholarships for Incoming Students

Through the generosity of its donors, the iSchool is able to provide a limited number of scholarships to incoming on-campus and online master’s students who demonstrate both merit and need. Awards are made for the first year of study and the majority typically range from $1000 to $6000, although larger scholarships are possible.  Approximately 30% of incoming students are awarded an iSchool scholarship.  The application for the master’s program includes a space for you to indicate your interest in being selected for an iSchool scholarship; there is no separate application process.  Contact your program advisor to learn more.

Available Named Scholarships:

  • Charlotte A. Friedman Scholarship
  • Charlotte M. Sawyer Fund for Library and Information Studies Scholarship
  • Ethel M. Brann Scholarship
  • John R. Koch Fund Scholarship
  • Kathryn Eye Bading Scholarship
  • Keun Y. and Sanok P. Kim Graduate Scholarship in Library Studies
  • Library and Information Studies Directors’ Scholarship
  • Leona Gifford Scholarship
  • Maralyn B. and George G. Babcock
  • Marguerite Linda Hasse Library & Information Studies Endowment Scholarship
  • Mary Rose Kobetich Scholarship
  • Olive C. Koch Rowe Memorial Scholarship
  • Olive Dornfeld Busjaeger Centennial Scholarship
  • Rachel K. Schenk Memorial Scholarship
  • Sally Davis Scholarship
  • Signe Ruh Ottersen Fund Scholarship
  • Valmai Fenster Memorial Scholarship
  • Vannita L. Wesely Funds Scholarship
  • William R. Werk Scholarship

Awards for Current / Continuing Students

Scholarships are available through other organizations, foundations and agencies. Many professional associations, such as the American Library AssociationWisconsin Library Association, Midwest Archives ConferenceSociety of American Archivists, and many others offer scholarships. Also explore scholarships granted by your undergraduate institution or organizations in your hometown. The Grants Information Collection at the UW-Madison Memorial Library offers a wealth of online and print resources to help you research ways to fund your education.  Non-UW students can learn how to access the resources by contacting  the Grants Information Collection Librarian.

iSchool’s Awards

The Information School offers some funding and awards for current students as well.

iSchool Student Awards

UW-Madison Awards

UW-Madison offers a variety of scholarships and funding sources. Resources include:

Federal Financial Aid

The Office of Student Financial Aid manages federal financial aid for UW-Madison students, whether they are pursuing a degree on-campus or online.

Office of Student Financial Aid

Research and Travel Funding

Students can apply to the Graduate School for a Conference Presentation Award and a Travel Research Grant.

Student Research Grants Competition

Funding For International Students

The International Student Services Office (ISS) has compiled a resource page of Funding and Scholarships for International Students.

International Student Fund

Conference, Research, and Travel Funding

A van transporting local workers travels along the road leading to the Southern African Large Telescope (SALT) during sunrise on July 18, 2017. The photograph is part of a series of stories highlighting the work of University of Wisconsin-Madison researchers in South Africa as they explore the origins of the universe, the first evidence of life on Earth as preserved in the geological record and the evolution of humankind. (Photo by Jeff Miller / UW-Madison)

iSchool Continuing Education Services Conference Award

Did you know the iSchool also hosts multiple conferences a year? Students can apply to attend one of the iSchool Continue Education Conferences for free. All current students (MA, MS, PhD, and iSci)  are eligible for the award. 

Learn More

During their time in the program, iSchool Master students are eligible for departmental funding to support conference, research travel, and/or other research related expenses.

Students can apply to the Graduate School for a Conference Presentation Award and a Travel Research Grant.

Learn More

Two presenters at the front of a room with audience members looking on and taking notes