Mid-State Technical College: $4,886 Tuition

$4,886Tuition

2,031Students

54%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$42,253Earnings

#7 in WisconsinPublic2-yearData: 2023-24

About Mid-State Technical College

Mid-State Technical College trains students for Wisconsin's manufacturing and healthcare industries through hands-on programs that employers actually want. This technical college serves 2,031 students in Wisconsin Rapids, a paper mill town where practical skills matter more than theory. The school has built strong partnerships with local manufacturers and medical facilities since opening in 1913.

Students pay an average net price of $10,724 after financial aid, making this one of the more affordable paths to a technical career. Graduates earn a median of $42,253 ten years after starting, while typical debt loads stay reasonable at $8,000. The employment rate hits 96.1%, reflecting the school's focus on job-ready training rather than academic exploration. Monthly loan payments average just $85, making the financial burden manageable for working-class families.

The student body reflects central Wisconsin demographics, with 82.5% white students and nearly all (98.3%) coming from in-state. Women make up 56.8% of enrollment, drawn particularly to the nursing and dental hygiene programs. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors know students by name and can provide individual attention in labs and workshops. About half of students complete their programs within six years.

Academics & Faculty

Mid-State Technical College focuses on hands-on career training that gets students into the workforce quickly. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors can provide individualized attention in labs and workshops. With a 54% six-year graduation rate, about half of students complete their programs, which is typical for technical colleges where many students attend part-time while working. The school specializes in manufacturing, healthcare, and business programs that align with central Wisconsin's paper industry and healthcare needs. Students learn practical skills through industry partnerships and modern equipment. The 96.1% employment rate shows employers value the college's job-ready graduates who enter fields like nursing, welding, and business management.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 47.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 54.1%
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,253

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Computer Programming.	Associate	$38,289
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$37,671
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$37,671
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$35,594
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Associate	$32,708
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Certificate	$32,563
Business Administration, Management and Operations.	Associate	$31,673
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Certificate	$25,658
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Campus Life

Wisconsin Rapids sits about 100 miles from Milwaukee and Madison, putting students in classic small-town Wisconsin territory where winter coats are essential from November through March. The town has around 18,000 residents and serves as a regional center for the paper industry. Mid-State's campus reflects its technical focus with modern labs and workshops designed for hands-on learning.

As a commuter school with 98.31% in-state students, campus life centers around class schedules rather than residence halls. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors know students by name and provide direct mentorship. Most students juggle coursework with part-time jobs or family responsibilities. Weekends often involve outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, or snowmobiling, depending on the season. The strong 96.1% employment rate reflects the school's reputation for producing work-ready graduates in fields like manufacturing, healthcare, and automotive technology. Students here are focused on acquiring marketable skills quickly rather than traditional college social experiences. Many complete their programs and transition directly into local careers.

Setting: Town-Distant
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1913

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 7°–24°F
July Avg: 58°–82°F
Annual Precipitation: 93.1"
Annual Snowfall: 64.2"

Student Demographics

Mid-State Technical College draws overwhelmingly from Wisconsin, with 98% of students coming from in-state. This reflects the school's strong reputation for workforce training in central Wisconsin's manufacturing and healthcare sectors. Women make up 57% of enrollment, likely driven by popular nursing and health programs. The student body is primarily white at 83%, mirroring the demographics of rural Wisconsin. Nearly a quarter of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college serves working families seeking affordable career training. The local focus creates tight connections between students, employers, and the broader Wisconsin Rapids community.

Men: 43.2%
Women: 56.8%
White: 82.5%
Black: 1.6%
Hispanic: 5.9%
Asian: 3.2%
In-State Students: 98.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 23.6%

Location

Wisconsin Rapids sits in central Wisconsin, about 100 miles northwest of Madison and 120 miles south of the Twin Cities. The city of 17,000 people serves as a regional center for the surrounding rural communities and small towns. Nearly all students come from within Wisconsin, with 98.31% being in-state residents. The area built its economy around paper manufacturing and forestry, giving Mid-State Technical College strong connections to these traditional industries. The Wisconsin River flows through the city, and the region features dense forests, lakes, and outdoor recreation opportunities typical of north-central Wisconsin. Students considering colleges in Wisconsin may also compare Mid-State Technical College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin 54494

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $42,253
Median Earnings (5 years): $46,675
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $30,700
Loan Repayment Rate: 50.0%
Monthly Loan Payment: $85/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $8,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Mid-State Technical College?

Mid-State Technical College maintains an open-door admission policy typical of Wisconsin's technical college system, with 98.31% of students coming from in-state. The college focuses on preparing students for immediate workforce entry rather than selective admissions. Most programs require a high school diploma or equivalent, with some health and technical programs having additional prerequisites.

How much does Mid-State Technical College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $10,724 annually, though costs vary by family income. Low-income families earning under $30,000 pay around $9,252 after aid, while higher-income families above $110,000 pay $15,269. Only 23.64% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the college's role serving working adults and career changers.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Mid-State Technical College?

The college maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio across its 2,031 enrolled students. This hands-on approach reflects the technical college model emphasizing practical skills training over large lecture halls. Classes focus on industry-specific training in fields like manufacturing, healthcare, and information technology.

What are the job prospects after graduating from Mid-State Technical College?

Graduates achieve a 96.1% employment rate, demonstrating strong workforce connections in central Wisconsin. Ten years after graduation, median earnings reach $42,253, reflecting the college's focus on skilled trades and technical careers. The 54.10% six-year graduation rate aligns with national technical college averages for working adult populations.

Where is Mid-State Technical College located and what is campus life like?

The main campus sits in Wisconsin Rapids, a paper mill town of about 18,000 in central Wisconsin. With 56.82% women and 43.18% men, the student body is predominantly white at 82.52%, reflecting the region's demographics. The college serves as a community center for career training rather than a traditional residential campus experience.

How manageable is student debt at Mid-State Technical College?

Graduates carry a median debt of just $8,000, with monthly loan payments averaging $85. Only 17.49% of students take federal loans, as many attend part-time while working or use employer tuition assistance. The low debt burden reflects both affordable tuition and the college's century-long mission since 1913 of providing accessible technical education.