Public confidence in technical colleges continues to rise

New statewide survey results released by the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) show growing public confidence in technical colleges - with two-thirds of Wisconsin residents expressing a favorable view, the highest level measured in recent years.

Leaders from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (NWTC) and Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) say the findings point to a broader shift in how families think about college: education must lead clearly to opportunity.

"People want college pathways that lead to meaningful work," said Dr. Kristen Raney, President of NWTC. "Our model is built around supporting students' educational journey and helping them step into roles where they can thrive. That's why families are choosing technical colleges - they see affordable pathways, relevant training, and real job outcomes."

"Our mission is to deliver relevant technical education and training that supports student goals, builds a skilled workforce, and strengthens our communities," said Dr. Chris Matheny, President of FVTC. "This survey shows Wisconsin residents value workforce-ready education and recognize that technical colleges provide an affordable, accessible pathway to a bachelor's degree."

According to the WTCS survey:

• 66% of residents hold a favorable opinion of technical colleges (up from 52% in 2022)
• 76% say the state benefits from the education technical colleges provide
• 76% agree not all students benefit from a four-year college path
• 64% see technical colleges as a strong transfer option
• WTCS earned the highest Net Promoter Score (+30) - a measure of how likely people are to recommend a college - outperforming four-year public, four-year private, and other two-year colleges

"Wisconsin residents clearly recognize the value technical colleges bring to individuals, communities and the state's economy," said WTCS System President Layla Merrifield. "Our colleges provide affordable, flexible pathways to careers and further education, and these survey results affirm that we are meeting the needs of students and employers alike."

The survey highlights affordability, transfer opportunities and strong recommendations from others as key drivers of WTCS's positive reputation. Residents overwhelmingly associate technical colleges with real-world value, job outcomes and affordability.

Local outcomes reflect statewide confidence

Both NWTC and FVTC point to outcomes in Northeast Wisconsin that help explain the confidence reflected in the survey:

Affordable college starts through transfer partnerships:

• Among NWTC students who complete an Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degree, 78% successfully transfer to a four-year institution, most often within the University of Wisconsin System.
• Since launching in 2023, the Associate of Arts and Science transfer degrees have grown into one of FVTC's fastest-expanding academic pathways, with 500+ students actively enrolled.

Access to college is expanding earlier and at lower cost:

• In 2024-25, over 6,000 high school students earned 26,000+ college credits through FVTC dual credit classes - saving families $4.3 million in tuition and accelerating degree completion.
• Dual enrollment participation at NWTC has more than tripled over the past decade - with more than 4,000 students enrolled in Fall 2025 alone and 80% of courses offered at no cost - giving students a head start while reducing future college expenses.

Learning models and training that improve student success:

• Full-time retention at NWTC has increased 19 points to nearly 77% under the college's redesigned 8-week model, strengthening completion and on-time progress.
• FVTC is enhancing labs and technology for real-world learning. Its culinary program, one of the state's largest, will complete a $9.9 million upgrade in 2026, ensuring students enter the workforce with in-demand, job-ready skills.

Impact on the workforce needs across Northeast Wisconsin

• FVTC leads the state in customized training, awarding 80,000+ workforce credits from 2021-2023 to boost employability, productivity and safety in the local workplace.
• NWTC graduates fuel Wisconsin's workforce - 92% are employed within six months of graduation, 81% stay in the state, and 96% report high satisfaction with their training.

Read full press release from WTCS and survey highlights at www.wtcsystem.edu/impact/news/wtcs-earns-strong-public-support-in-latest-statewide-survey/

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About the WTCS Public Perception Survey

The findings come from the Wisconsin Technical College System's Statewide Public Perception Survey, a blind online survey conducted May 22-June 12, 2025, among 2,308 Wisconsin adults. The survey was administered by Flamingo Hill Consulting and provides insight into how residents view WTCS, higher education options, and workforce needs.