FACTS ABOUT DIFFERENTIAL TUITION

What is differential tuition?
Differential tuition is tuition undergraduate engineering students pay in addition to their regular UW-Madison tuition. Unlike general tuition, which is distributed throughout the university, differential tuition for engineers stays within the College of Engineering to directly benefit students' educational experience.

How can I afford to pay more for college?
Through philanthropic gifts made by alumni and corporate partners, the college can offer need-based financial aid so that differential tuition does not deprive an engineering student of the opportunity to pursue a premier engineering education.

Why do I pay differential tuition? What does it do?
Essentially, differential tuition enables the college to do what it does now, only better! We have opened thousands of additional seats in high-demand core courses. Our departments have upgraded several undergraduate laboratories and purchased high-end equipment. We have increased undergraduate enrollment so that we can offer a world-class engineering education to a greater number of top students. We have increased technology use in our courses. We have expanded student services support for engineering students. And more!

Who decides how differential tuition money is used?
Two committees guide the use of differential tuition funding. The Differential Tuition Advisory Committee consists of two students, two staff members and two faculty members, while the Polygon Student Differential Tuition Advisory Committee consists of four students. Each of these committees reviews proposals for allocating differential tuition funding and provides recommendations to the college dean. The Polygon committee also communicates student needs and concerns to the college dean.

How can I get involved?
For starters, attend a Polygon Engineering Student Council meeting! Polygon works with all engineering undergrads though weekly general meetings and aims to establish a strong connection among students, faculty, staff, administration and the Madison community through a variety of events and initiatives.