The University of Wisconsin-River Falls announced on Mar. 16 that it expects to award about $2.5 million in scholarships during the 2026-2027 academic year, supporting more than 1,400 undergraduate students.
The university reports that approximately 65% of its undergraduate students receive some form of financial aid. Cindy Holbrook, executive director of enrollment and student success, said, “The UWRF value means we are committed to delivering an exceptional education that remains truly affordable. We’re proud to support our students with more than 800 merit- and need-based scholarships designed to help make their academic goals attainable.”
Among the available awards are Falcons SOAR guaranteed scholarships for incoming students with a grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.3. First-year students can receive between $1,000 and $2,000 depending on their GPA, while transfer students with a GPA of at least 3.3 are eligible for a $1,000 scholarship. These awards are automatic and not based on financial need.
Students shared how these scholarships have impacted them personally. Hannah Woelfel, a senior double majoring in marketing communications and communication studies from Belle Plaine, Minnesota said: “I received quite a few scholarships from UWRF, including one for pep band, my high school GPA and the Falcons SOAR scholarship. I was able to avoid taking out additional student loans for my first year of school, which was one of my anxieties coming into higher education.” Briseis Rusnacko from Hastings, Minnesota also received both the SOAR scholarship and a Success Scholarship: “That was a huge motivator… The scholarships I achieved made me feel better about the commitment to the school and allowed me to look forward to my future as a Falcon without the stress of money getting [in] the way.”
Many UWRF scholarships come from alumni donations intended to give future generations similar opportunities in higher education. Manley Olson—who graduated in 1959—said: “Had I not had a scholarship as a freshman, I probably would not have gone to college… Now I hear back from students that our scholarships gave them a final lift to attend college or made it a little less stressful.” One such award is named after Ann Olson’s mother and aunt who were teachers: “It was sort of a way to honor all the teachers who came through River Falls,” Olson said.
Corporate donors also play an important role; Nelson-Jameson Inc., which supplies food industry businesses, has pledged two annual $5,000 student scholarships over five years as part of its ongoing partnership with UWRF. Amanda Nelson Sasse said: “We appreciate the opportunity to support UWRF students in their educational journey and consider it a wise and meaningful investment in the preparation of tomorrow’s industry leaders.”
Additionally, UWRF recently introduced the Falcon Tuition Promise program covering all tuition and fees for eligible first-year Wisconsin residents after other grants or aid have been applied.
To qualify for these opportunities or other financial aid at UW-River Falls—including new programs like Falcon Tuition Promise—students must complete their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). More information is available at uwrf.edu/paying-for-college.
