About Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
Students from low-income families pay just $7,569 after aid, making this one of the most affordable paths to career training in the state. Graduates earn a median of $43,470 ten years after starting, while carrying only $7,500 in debt. The monthly loan payment of $80 is manageable on technical salaries. With 96.8% of graduates finding employment, the return on investment is strong for students who want stable careers without massive debt loads.
The student body is predominantly female at 63%, reflecting the college's strong nursing and healthcare programs. Class sizes stay small with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring hands-on attention in labs and clinical settings. The Chargers compete in five NCCAA sports with 50 total athletes, though athletics take a backseat to career preparation. Only 131 students live on campus, as most commute from surrounding rural communities.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 47.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 54.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,470
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $55,512 |
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,219 |
| Electrical and Power Transmission Installers. | Certificate | $45,341 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $43,426 |
| Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services. | Associate | $40,821 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $40,467 |
| Agricultural Business and Management. | Associate | $37,748 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $37,208 |
| Agricultural Mechanization. | Certificate | $32,925 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $31,851 |
Campus Life
The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates tight-knit classroom environments where instructors know every student's name. Women make up 63% of enrollment, reflecting the college's strong nursing and early childhood education programs. With 89% of students from Wisconsin, most already know the rural lifestyle. The Chargers field five varsity teams with just 50 total athletes competing in NCCAA divisions. Weekends revolve around hunting, fishing, and trips to nearby state parks rather than big city nightlife. Students often gather at local cafes or drive to Platteville for more dining options. The pace stays relaxed, focused on hands-on career training rather than traditional college social scenes.
- Setting
- Rural-Remote
- Housing Capacity
- 131 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
Campus Safety (2023)
5 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Stalking | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fondling | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 10°–28°F
- July Avg
- 61°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 33.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 37.4"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 36.9%
- Women
- 63.1%
- White
- 87.1%
- Black
- 4.9%
- Hispanic
- 3.2%
- Asian
- 0.7%
- In-State Students
- 89.0%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 19.8%
Location
- Address
- Fennimore, Wisconsin 53809-9778
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,470
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $45,740
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,700
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 59.9%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $80/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $7,500
Frequently Asked Questions
How competitive is admission to Southwest Wisconsin Technical College?
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College maintains an open admission policy typical of technical colleges, focusing on career readiness rather than selective admissions. With 1,277 students enrolled, the college prioritizes serving Wisconsin's rural communities with accessible technical education. The school draws 89.02% of its students from in-state, reflecting its mission to train local workforce talent.
What does Southwest Wisconsin Technical College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $10,277 annually, though costs vary by family income. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $7,569 net price, while those from higher-income families pay closer to the full cost. With median debt of only $7,500 and monthly loan payments averaging $80, the college keeps graduates' financial burden relatively low.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College?
The student-faculty ratio is 13:1, providing students with personalized attention in their technical programs. This smaller class size is typical of technical colleges that emphasize hands-on learning and practical skills development. The college operates on a semester calendar system to align with industry training needs.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Southwest Wisconsin Technical College?
Graduates achieve a 96.8% employment rate, reflecting strong demand for technical skills in the regional economy. Median earnings reach $38,955 one year after graduation and climb to $43,470 ten years later. The college's focus on practical, workforce-ready training translates into reliable career opportunities for its graduates.
Where do students live at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College?
The college offers on-campus housing for 131 students, with room and board costing $9,614 annually. Located in rural Fennimore, Wisconsin, the campus serves a predominantly local population with 89.02% in-state enrollment. The small-town setting provides an intimate learning environment focused on technical education and community connections.
Does Southwest Wisconsin Technical College have athletic programs?
The Chargers compete in five varsity sports through the NCCAA with 50 total student-athletes participating. Athletic scholarships total just $500, as the college prioritizes academic and technical training over competitive athletics. The modest sports program reflects the institution's focus on career preparation rather than Division I-style athletics.
