RIPON, WISCONSIN (October 21, 2025) — Ripon College, a vibrant and close-knit liberal arts institution located in Ripon, Wisconsin, introduces its latest financial-aid opportunity for incoming students for the fall of 2026.
New this year, the Ripon Commitment, will match University of Wisconsin-Madison tuition and fees for all students in Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Minnesota — potentially making tuition cheaper than their own in-state flagship university. For Wisconsin residents, students who meet a certain income threshold will also be eligible for free tuition.
“The Ripon Commitment opens doors for students in the Midwest who may have thought higher education at a private school was out of reach,” said Ripon College President Dr Victoria N Folse.
“As a former, first-generation college student myself, I am personally thrilled to announce this offering and to support young people as they work to achieve their full potential and contribute to their communities personally and professionally.”
Midwest Students (Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, and Minnesota)
This year, the Ripon Commitment will match the tuition and fees of University of Wisconsin-Madison ($12,186) for students who are residents of upper midwest states including Illinois, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin.
“This means a Ripon College education could be more affordable than the in-state tuition at their local flagship university,” said Kim Zimmerman, Ripon College VP for Enrollment.
“For example, Ripon tuition will be at least $5,000 less than the University of Illinois. That savings is a real difference.”
Wisconsin Residents Only
Designed with two layers for Wisconsin residents — including one that is income-driven — The Ripon Commitment helps ensure students throughout the state of Wisconsin have access to the higher-education experience provided by Ripon College.
The Ripon Commitment applies to incoming, first-year or transfer students who are Wisconsin residents. Students with a household adjusted gross income (AGI) of $75,000 or less will receive scholarships and grants to completely cover all Ripon College tuition and fees. Incoming, first-year students are eligible for eight consecutive semesters (equivalent to four years) of free tuition and fees; new transfer students can receive four semesters (equivalent to two years) of free tuition and fees.
Similar to last year, Wisconsin students with a household AGI higher than $75,000 will receive enough aid to align Ripon College tuition and fees to those of University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The Ripon Commitment, available for the Fall 2026 semester, aims to empower choice for prospective Wisconsin students by removing financial barriers; to grow the Ripon College community with a fully residential campus; and to continue to increase the diversity and inclusiveness of the Ripon College student population.
About Ripon College
Founded in 1851, Ripon College is a private liberal-arts institution nestled in Ripon, Wisconsin. Ripon College is dedicated to delivering personalized education through a diverse array of undergraduate programs and extracurricular opportunities, ensuring students enjoy a well-rounded college experience.
Ripon College enrolls more than 650 undergraduates with a student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1. The college’s picturesque, historic campus and vibrant community provide a supportive environment where students can thrive academically and personally.
