Budgeting as a student is not for the faint of heart — between tuition, textbooks, and the rising cost of living, finding cost-effective alternatives can make all the difference in a student’s school experience. Before taking a hammer to your piggy bank, take advantage of free healthcare, transportation, and even tax help provided at MATC. These efforts put students’ needs first.

FREE Resources Included in MATC Enrollment

• Short Term Childcare: The Little Stormers Village located at the Downtown Campus in room M172 offers free, drop-in childcare. From Monday through Friday between 9 a.m.- 3 p.m., students can drop off children from the ages of six months to 10-years-old for a maximum of three hours per day. A waiver must be submitted once a semester. More information can be found on the MATC website under Child Care Services.
• Counseling: MATC Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) eliminate the tenuous job of searching for a qualified and affordable counselor. In-person, phone, and virtual appointments can be scheduled by calling 414-297-7582 or emailing [email protected]. Counselors are available from Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m.- 6 p.m. Sessions are free and all information is kept confidential. No student is expected to navigate their challenges alone.
• Tutoring: Taking control of your academic performance can start with seeking guidance from one of MATC’s Academic Success Centers. Here, tutoring sessions are free and program specific. They are available at all four campuses:
  • Downtown Milwaukee Campus:
    • Room C271 for Math and Science
    • Rooms M273 and M241 for Writing and Technology
  • Mequon Campus: Room A282
  • Oak Creek Campus: Room A100D
  • West Allis Campus: Room 222
• Tax Assistance: MATC offers free simple tax return services for students with a household income less than $67,000 per year. Tax forms can be dropped off in the administrative building main lobby at the Oak Creek Campus on Tuesdays between noon-2 p.m. and 4:30-6:30 p.m. Tax forms must be dropped off before March 31, 2026.
• Healthcare: Your school ID is the ticket to free healthcare at FastCare Clinics. These clinics offer treatment for minor injuries and illnesses to all full and part -time MATC students. While not necessary, appointments ensure same day availability. Additional charges may apply for certain vaccines and lab tests. More information, including clinic locations, can be found on the MATC website under FastCare – Free Health Care.
• Transportation: Bypass rising bus fares by setting up an account on the UMO Mobility App. All students taking six or more college level credits during MATC’s Fall and Spring semesters, and three or more college level credits during MATC’s Summer semesters get access to free bus rides through Milwaukee County Transit System. Eligible students receive an email a few weeks before the semesters begin containing the necessary code to set up an account. For those without smartphones, physical WisGo cards are available at Student Life offices at all four campuses.

Discounted Services Available to Both Students and the Public

• Spas and Salons:
  • Skyn — The Spa at MATC Mequon: Students receive a 20% discount on retail products and services including facials, makeup, hand and feet treatments, and hair removal — all under $20 (before the student discount). Appointments are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9-11a.m. and 2-5 p.m. when school is in session. The salon can be found in Room A233 at the Mequon Campus. To schedule an appointment call 262-238-2222.
  • Edge of State — Cosmetology Services at MATC Downtown: Support beauticians in training by receiving low-cost hair styling, nail sets, spa services, free haircuts and more. These services are provided at multiple locations throughout the Downtown Campus:
    • Hair salon services: Room M124, call 414-297-7854 to make an appointment
    • Barbershop services: Room M128, call 414-297-6819 to make an appointment
    • Nail salon services: Room M108, call 414-297-6258 to make an appointment
    • Spa and facial services: Room M110, call 414-297-8182 to make an appointment
• Dental Care: The newly renovated Health Sciences Department at the Downtown Campus offers discounted prices for dental maintenance. New patients pay $40 for an initial consultation, teeth cleaning, and x-rays. Any subsequent teeth cleanings are $15, with discounts for seniors and children. Appointments can be made by calling 414-297-6573 and are available Monday through Friday during MATC’s Fall and Spring semesters.
• Dining Out: Cuisine Restaurant at the Downtown Campus serves upscale, made-from-scratch meals at a fraction of the price of fine dining restaurants. A sample menu on their website includes a cider-braised, pastured pork shoulder for $15 and a grilled hanger steak for $17. Their menu changes weekly depending on available ingredients, but consistently offers a fish, beef, poultry, and vegetarian option. Located in Room M102, Cuisine is open on Wednesdays and Thursdays. Call 414-297-6697 or email [email protected] for details about the menu and to make reservations.

Prioritizing coursework can be a daunting task, but there are plenty of cost-saving resources within reach. So put the credit card back in your wallet and instead reach for your student ID. Saving money can start with exploring the opportunities already included in your enrollment.