Statewide survey results released by the Wisconsin Technical College System show two-thirds of Wisconsin residents have a favorable view of the colleges.
Leaders from Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and Fox Valley Technical College said 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.”
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
“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.”
The survey highlights affordability, transfer opportunities and strong recommendations from others as key drivers of WTCS’s positive reputation.
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.
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.
