RIPON, WISCONSIN (August 31, 2026) — Ripon College, a vibrant and close-knit liberal-arts and sciences institution located in Ripon, Wisconsin, is expanding its groundbreaking financial aid program for incoming students and this year, the reach is bigger than ever. The Ripon Commitment now matches University of Wisconsin-Madison's tuition and fees for every incoming student, nationwide, no matter where they call home. Previously limited to a handful of Midwest states, the program has removed that geographic boundary entirely, opening the door for students across the United States to make Ripon College their most affordable option. For students who fall below a certain income threshold, the college is also raising its free-tuition benefit, now covering up to $100,000 in household adjusted gross income.
"What started as a regional promise has become a national one," said Ripon College President Dr Victoria N Folse.
"Every student in this country deserves the opportunity for an affordable and high return on investment college education. As a former first-generation college student myself, I couldn't be more excited to offer a Ripon College experience at a price point within reach for all families."
Ripon Commitment for All Students
Any incoming student entering Ripon College for fall of 2027 as a first-year or transfer student, from any state, qualifies for the Ripon Commitment, which matches Ripon College tuition and fees to those of UW-Madison (currently $12,416). What was once an offer exclusive to students in the Midwest is now available coast to coast.
"This is the moment we've been building toward," said Kim Zimmerman, Ripon College VP for Enrollment.
"Families anywhere in the country can now look at Ripon and see a price point that rivals, or beats, their own state flagship university. That's a game-changer for how students nationwide think about their college search."
Free Tuition Threshold Rises to $100,000
The Ripon Commitment also includes an income-driven layer, and this year that layer grows significantly.
Incoming first-year or transfer students with a household adjusted gross income (AGI) of $100,000 or less, up from $75,000, will receive scholarships and grants covering the full cost of Ripon College tuition and fees. First-year students remain eligible for eight consecutive semesters (four years) of free tuition and fees; transfer students remain eligible for four semesters (two years).
A Bigger Vision
The Ripon Commitment reflects Ripon College's expanding ambition: to empower students nationwide to choose Ripon College by removing financial barriers and to build an increasingly diverse and inclusive residential student population.
For more information visit: ripon.edu/admission/cost-and-financial-aid/the-ripon-commitment/.
