Madison Area Technical College: $4,780 Tuition

$4,780Tuition

9,273Students

26%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$45,413Earnings

Public4-yearNCCAAStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Madison Area Technical College

Madison Area Technical College trains students for the workforce through hands-on programs designed around employer needs. The school enrolls 9,273 students across its Madison campus and focuses on technical education that leads directly to jobs. Founded in 1912, MATC has built strong partnerships with local businesses and industry leaders who help shape curriculum and hire graduates.

Students pay an average net price of $12,392 after financial aid, making this one of Wisconsin's more affordable higher education options. Graduates earn a median of $45,413 ten years after enrollment, while typical student debt sits at just $14,060. The employment rate hits 96.1%, reflecting the school's focus on job-ready skills. Monthly loan payments average $149, manageable given graduate earning potential.

The student body is 56.7% women and draws heavily from Wisconsin, with 97.8% of students coming from in-state. Only 19.1% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting many come from working families seeking career advancement. The Wolfpack compete in 10 varsity sports through the NCCAA. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, classes stay small enough for individualized attention. The school's semester calendar system allows students to complete programs efficiently and enter the workforce quickly.

Academics & Faculty

Madison Area Technical College specializes in workforce training and technical education designed to get students into careers quickly. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio provides hands-on instruction essential for technical fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and IT. However, the 26.30% six-year graduation rate reflects the reality that many students attend part-time while working or leave early when they land jobs. The college maintains strong partnerships with Madison-area employers who actively recruit graduates. Programs in nursing, automotive technology, and skilled trades have particularly strong reputations. With 97.83% of students from Wisconsin, MATC serves as the primary technical training center for the greater Madison region's growing economy.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 40.0%
Graduation Rate (4-year): 24.4%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 26.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,413

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$48,745
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$44,189
Design and Applied Arts.	Associate	$36,134
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Certificate	$28,960
Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies.	Certificate	$28,598
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$26,121

View all 107 programs →

Campus Life

Madison Area Technical College sits in Wisconsin's capital city, where students bundle up for frigid winters that can hit well below zero. The campus serves 9,273 students who are 97.83% from Wisconsin, creating a tight-knit community of locals pursuing technical careers. Most students commute rather than live on campus, reflecting the college's role as a workforce training center for the Madison metro area.

The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means smaller classes where instructors know your name and career goals. Students here are serious about getting job-ready skills quickly. Women make up 56.71% of enrollment, often in growing fields like healthcare and business. The diverse student body includes 15.15% Hispanic students and significant representation across racial groups. With a 96.1% employment rate after graduation, weekends often involve internships or part-time work in local businesses. The Wolfpack competes in 10 NCCAA sports with 178 total athletes, though most students focus on hands-on training labs and preparing for immediate entry into Madison's robust job market.

Setting: City-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available
Founded: 1912

Campus Safety (2023)

6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Stalking	4	0	0	0
Fondling	1	0	0	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	1	0	0	0

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 11°–26°F
July Avg: 61°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 34.5"
Annual Snowfall: 50.9"

Student Demographics

Madison Area Technical College draws working-class students from across Wisconsin who want practical skills training. Nearly 98% come from in-state, reflecting the school's deep roots in local workforce development. Women make up 57% of enrollment, largely due to popular programs in healthcare and business services. The student body is majority white at 59%, with growing Hispanic representation at 15%. Only 19% receive Pell Grants, suggesting many students are older workers seeking career changes or skills upgrades rather than recent high school graduates needing financial aid.

Men: 43.3%
Women: 56.7%
White: 59.5%
Black: 8.3%
Hispanic: 15.2%
Asian: 5.1%
In-State Students: 97.8%
Pell Grant Recipients: 19.1%

Location

Madison sits in south-central Wisconsin, home to the University of Wisconsin flagship campus and the state capital. The city's population exceeds 270,000, making it Wisconsin's second-largest metro area after Milwaukee, which lies 80 miles southeast. Students find themselves in a classic college town atmosphere, with the campus nestled between two scenic lakes, Mendota and Monona. Madison's economy revolves around government, healthcare, and technology, creating abundant internship and job opportunities for technical college graduates. The city consistently ranks among America's most livable places, offering cultural attractions, outdoor recreation, and a active downtown. Students considering colleges in Wisconsin may also compare Madison Area Technical College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Madison, Wisconsin 53704-2599

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $45,413
Median Earnings (5 years): $50,754
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $32,200
Loan Repayment Rate: 46.9%
Monthly Loan Payment: $149/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $14,060

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Madison Area Technical College?

Madison Area Technical College maintains an open admission policy for most programs, welcoming students who have completed high school or earned a GED. The college focuses on workforce training and technical education, making career-ready skills accessible to Wisconsin residents. With 97.83% of students coming from in-state, MATC serves as the primary technical education center for the Madison area.

How much does Madison Area Technical College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $12,392 annually at Madison Area Technical College. In-state tuition starts at just $4,780, making it one of the most affordable pathways to technical training in Wisconsin. Only 19.06% of students receive federal financial aid, reflecting the college's already low base costs.

What academic programs is Madison Area Technical College known for?

Madison Area Technical College specializes in workforce training and technical education with direct connections to local employers. The college maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring hands-on learning in technical fields. Students can choose from programs designed to meet the specific needs of Madison's growing technology and healthcare sectors.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Madison Area Technical College?

Madison Area Technical College graduates achieve an impressive 96.1% employment rate, demonstrating strong demand for technical skills in the region. Median earnings reach $45,413 ten years after graduation, with graduates typically carrying manageable debt loads of $14,060. The college's close ties to local employers create direct pathways from classroom to career.

Where is Madison Area Technical College located and what is campus life like?

The college operates in Madison, Wisconsin, serving 9,273 students across multiple campuses in the large city setting. Student body demographics reflect Wisconsin's diversity, with 59.46% white students, 15.15% Hispanic students, and 8.29% Black students. The Wolfpack compete in 10 varsity sports through the NCCAA, with 178 total student athletes.

How quickly do students complete programs at Madison Area Technical College?

Madison Area Technical College reports a 24.37% four-year graduation rate, though this reflects the college's focus on shorter-term certificate and associate degree programs. Many students complete technical training in one to two years and enter the workforce quickly. The 26.30% six-year rate includes students who pursue additional credentials or transfer to four-year institutions.