About Nicolet Area Technical College
Students pay an average net price of $9,290 after aid, making this one of the more affordable pathways to middle-class careers. Graduates earn a median of $38,643 ten years out, with many entering fields like manufacturing, healthcare support, and skilled trades. Monthly loan payments average just $83 for those who borrow. The median debt of $7,837 represents a manageable investment for the earning potential these technical skills provide.
The student body runs 66% female and 98% in-state, reflecting strong local ties to Wisconsin communities. An impressive 97.9% employment rate shows that employers actively recruit Nicolet graduates. Only 25% of students receive Pell grants, suggesting many come from working families seeking practical career advancement rather than traditional college alternatives.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 7:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 43.6%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 45.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,643
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $55,964 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $31,127 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $27,439 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Certificate | $27,397 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Certificate | $20,140 |
Campus Life
The campus draws almost entirely from Wisconsin, with 97.6% of students coming from in-state. Most students commute from surrounding towns rather than living on campus, creating a practical, get-to-work atmosphere. Weekends often involve outdoor activities like fishing, hunting, or snowmobiling in the surrounding forests. The trimester calendar keeps things moving quickly. With a 97.9% employment rate after graduation, students stay focused on hands-on training that leads directly to jobs in northern Wisconsin's tourism, healthcare, and manufacturing industries. The small-town setting means fewer distractions and more time in the lab or workshop.
- Setting
- Rural-Fringe
- Calendar System
- Trimester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1967
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 3°–21°F
- July Avg
- 54°–79°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 125.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 0.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 34.3%
- Women
- 65.7%
- White
- 77.3%
- Black
- 1.7%
- Hispanic
- 5.7%
- Asian
- 0.9%
- In-State Students
- 97.6%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 25.1%
Location
- Address
- Rhinelander, Wisconsin 54501-0518
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $38,643
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $43,734
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $27,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 47.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $83/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $7,837
Frequently Asked Questions
How competitive is admission at Nicolet Area Technical College?
Nicolet Area Technical College serves the Northwoods region with open enrollment policies typical of technical colleges. The school enrolls 706 students with a strong focus on preparing workers for local industries. Most programs require only a high school diploma or equivalent to begin training.
What does Nicolet Area Technical College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $9,290 annually after aid is applied. In-state tuition runs $4,724 while out-of-state students pay $6,917. Graduates typically leave with just $7,837 in debt and manageable monthly loan payments of $83.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Nicolet Area Technical College?
The college maintains a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring hands-on instruction in technical programs. Classes operate on a trimester system to accelerate training timelines. The school specializes in vocational education that directly serves northern Wisconsin's economy.
What are job prospects like after graduating from Nicolet Area Technical College?
An impressive 97.9% of graduates find employment after completing their programs. Median earnings reach $38,643 ten years after graduation, reflecting the demand for skilled technicians in rural Wisconsin. The college's 45.30% six-year graduation rate shows many students successfully complete their technical training.
Where do most Nicolet Area Technical College students come from?
Nearly 98% of students come from Wisconsin, with the vast majority from the surrounding Northwoods region. The student body is 77% white and 66% female, reflecting both regional demographics and the popularity of healthcare and service programs. Only 25% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating a mix of working adults and traditional students.
What makes Nicolet Area Technical College unique in Wisconsin?
Founded in 1967, the college serves as the primary technical education provider for Wisconsin's remote northern counties. Its rural-fringe location in Rhinelander positions it perfectly to train workers for forestry, healthcare, and tourism industries that drive the local economy. The college's trimester system allows students to complete programs faster than traditional academic calendars.
