Southwest Wisconsin Technical College: Empowering Futures Through Accessible Education

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (Southwest Tech) stands as a beacon of opportunity in a rural setting, dedicated to providing accessible and career-focused education. With a strong commitment to student success and community development, Southwest Tech offers a diverse range of programs designed to equip individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in today's workforce.

General Information

Located in a rural area, Southwest Tech operates on a semester-based academic calendar, fostering a structured learning environment. As of Fall 2023, the college enrolled a total of 2,717 students. The institution maintains a student-faculty ratio of 14-to-1, ensuring personalized attention and support for its students. Southwest Tech's open admissions policy reflects its commitment to providing educational opportunities to all, and the college recognizes prior learning through its credit for life experiences program.

Academic Programs

Southwest Tech offers a comprehensive array of associate degrees and certificates across 45 distinct fields, catering to a wide range of interests and career aspirations. Among the most popular programs are Registered Nursing, Business Administration and Management, and Cytotechnology. The college continually adapts its programs to meet the evolving needs of the regional workforce, ensuring that graduates possess the skills and knowledge sought by employers.

Tuition and Fees

Southwest Tech strives to make education affordable and accessible. For the academic year 2020-2021, in-state tuition and fees were $4,571, while out-of-state tuition and fees were $6,683. Furthermore, there is no application fee, reducing the financial burden on prospective students.

Tuition Costs (2023)

In 2023, the median undergraduate tuition at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College was $4,386. This is significantly lower than the national average for Associate's Colleges, which stands at $8,253.

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Average Net Price (2023)

The average net price, which accounts for grants and loans, was $10,617 in 2023. This figure represents the actual cost of attendance after factoring in financial aid.

Financial Aid and Affordability

Southwest Tech is committed to helping students finance their education. In 2023, 32% of undergraduate students received financial aid through grants, and 18% received aid through loans. The average scholarship or grant award was $4,131, further reducing the financial burden on students.

Financial Aid Statistics (2023)

Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Grants: 32%
Undergraduates Receiving Financial Aid through Loans: 18%

Student Demographics

Southwest Tech boasts a diverse student body, enriching the learning environment and fostering cross-cultural understanding. The college's commitment to inclusivity is reflected in its efforts to attract and support students from all backgrounds.

Enrollment by Race and Ethnicity (2023)

White: 85.2%
Two or More Races: 4.78%
Black or African American: 3.68%
Hispanic or Latino: 3.5%
American Indian or Alaska Native: 1.21%
Asian: 0.81%

Full-Time vs. Part-Time Enrollment (2023)

Full-Time: 18.5%
Part-Time: 81.5%

Student Success and Outcomes

Southwest Tech prioritizes student success, providing comprehensive support services to help students achieve their academic and career goals. The college's commitment to excellence is reflected in its high graduation and retention rates.

Graduation Rate (2023)

In 2023, 54.1% of students graduated from Southwest Tech.

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Retention Rate

The retention rate for full-time undergraduates at Southwest Tech was 72%, exceeding the average retention rate of 64% for similar Associate's Colleges.

Career-Focused Education

Southwest Tech distinguishes itself through its unwavering focus on career preparation. The college actively collaborates with local employers to ensure that its programs align with industry needs, equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge sought by employers.

Applied Learning

Southwest Tech is committed to integrating applied learning experiences into all of its programs. By Fall 2026, the college aims to embed credits of applied, work-based learning in every program, ensuring that students gain practical experience before graduation.

Program Planning

Southwest Tech emphasizes the importance of program planning, ensuring that students make informed career decisions. The college's revamped onboarding process ensures that 100% of entering students engage in career exploration, choose a program path, create a financial plan, and develop a graduation plan.

Strengthening Programs through Teaching

Southwest Tech recognizes the importance of excellent teaching in every course. The college's faculty members regularly assess student learning outcomes and adjust their teaching strategies to ensure that students meet course-based learning goals.

A Commitment to Community

Southwest Tech is deeply rooted in the communities it serves. The college actively partners with local organizations and businesses to address regional needs and promote economic development. By providing accessible and career-focused education, Southwest Tech empowers individuals to contribute to the vitality of their communities.

Financial Strength

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College has an endowment valued at nearly $5.38M, as of the end of the 2023 fiscal year. In 2023, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College had a total salary expenditure of 35.9M.

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