The Office of Student Financial Services assists students whose personal and family resources are not adequate to cover the expenses involved in attending UW-Madison. The office also offers counseling to students to help them with money management, debt management counseling, and information on such other potential sources of financial assistance as departmental and non- University scholarships, and campus employment. The office provides small short-term loans for emergency situations as well.

Financial aid available through the Office of Student Financial Services consists of loans, grants, and work-study assistance. Funds for these aid programs come from the federal government, the state of Wisconsin, and the University.