Waukesha County Technical College: $4,720 Tuition

$4,720Tuition

4,497Students

46%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$46,894Earnings

#15 in WisconsinPublic2-yearStudy AbroadData: 2023-24

About Waukesha County Technical College

Waukesha County Technical College prepares students for immediate entry into Wisconsin's workforce through hands-on technical education. The college serves 4,497 students in Pewaukee's suburban setting, focusing exclusively on career-ready programs that align with regional employer needs. Students choose from dozens of technical fields including manufacturing, healthcare, information technology, and skilled trades. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills over theoretical study, with most programs designed to be completed in two years or less.

The financial picture looks promising for technical college graduates. Students pay an average net price of $9,400 after aid, with in-state tuition starting at just $4,720. Graduates earn a median of $46,894 ten years after starting college, making the typical debt load of $12,000 quite manageable. Monthly loan payments average only $127, while the employment rate reaches 97.3 percent. This combination of low debt and strong job prospects makes the investment worthwhile for most students.

The student body reflects Wisconsin's demographics, with 99.13 percent coming from in-state and men slightly outnumbering women at 58.33 percent. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio allows for personalized instruction in technical labs and workshops. Only 10.84 percent of students receive federal Pell Grants, suggesting many come from working-class families seeking direct paths to stable careers.

Academics & Faculty

Waukesha County Technical College focuses on workforce-ready technical programs that connect directly to local industry needs. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors can provide hands-on guidance in labs and workshops. With a 46% six-year graduation rate, the college serves students who often balance work and family commitments while pursuing credentials. The school excels in manufacturing, healthcare, and information technology programs that align with Wisconsin's industrial base. Nearly all students (99%) come from in-state, reflecting the college's role as a regional workforce pipeline. Programs emphasize practical skills over theory, preparing graduates for immediate employment in technical fields.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 20:1
Full-Time Faculty: 29.2%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 46.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $46,894

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$64,493
Criminal Justice and Corrections.	Certificate	$57,318
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$55,117
Dental Support Services and Allied Professions.	Associate	$50,856
Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians.	Associate	$47,930
Computer Programming.	Associate	$47,846
Ground Transportation.	Certificate	$47,260
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.	Associate	$44,356
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$43,798
Precision Metal Working.	Associate	$42,235

View all 71 programs →

Campus Life

Students at WCTC commute to a practical campus in Pewaukee, about 20 minutes west of Milwaukee. With 99.13% of students from Wisconsin, this is a local school serving regional workforce needs. The campus focuses on hands-on learning rather than traditional college life since most students live at home and work part-time jobs.

Wisconsin winters mean heavy coats and snow boots from December through March, with temperatures often below freezing. The 4,497 students split time between classroom instruction and lab work, with a 20:1 student-faculty ratio keeping classes manageable but not intimate. Men make up 58.33% of enrollment, reflecting the technical programs that dominate the curriculum. Weekends often involve work since the 97.3% employment rate includes many students already in their fields. The suburban setting offers chain restaurants and shopping centers rather than college town atmosphere. Students here prioritize career preparation over campus traditions, with most focused on completing certificates and degrees that lead directly to job advancement.

Setting: Suburb-Large
Calendar System: Semester
Study Abroad: Available

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 12°–27°F
July Avg: 61°–81°F
Annual Precipitation: 35.9"
Annual Snowfall: 36.9"

Student Demographics

Nearly everyone at Waukesha County Technical College comes from Wisconsin, reflecting its role as a local workforce pipeline. Men outnumber women by a significant margin, which aligns with the school's emphasis on technical trades and manufacturing programs. The student body is predominantly white with growing Hispanic representation. Low Pell Grant usage suggests the college serves middle-class families seeking affordable career training. Students typically choose WCTC for its direct connection to southeastern Wisconsin employers rather than traditional college experiences.

Men: 58.3%
Women: 41.7%
White: 63.2%
Black: 5.7%
Hispanic: 11.7%
Asian: 3.0%
In-State Students: 99.1%
Pell Grant Recipients: 10.8%

Location

Waukesha County Technical College sits in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, about 20 miles west of Milwaukee. The campus serves a suburban area in southeastern Wisconsin's lake country. Pewaukee offers a mix of residential neighborhoods and light industry typical of Milwaukee's western suburbs. The region features rolling hills, small lakes, and established communities that support local manufacturing and service businesses. Students here are 99.13% Wisconsin residents, reflecting the college's strong ties to local workforce needs. The area provides internship and job opportunities in manufacturing, healthcare, and business services without the higher costs of urban living. Students considering colleges in Wisconsin may also compare Waukesha County Technical College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Pewaukee, Wisconsin 53072-4601

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $46,894
Median Earnings (5 years): $53,507
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $32,600
Loan Repayment Rate: 41.1%
Monthly Loan Payment: $127/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $12,000

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Waukesha County Technical College?

Waukesha County Technical College operates with an open admission policy for most programs, making it accessible to students seeking career-focused technical education. Nearly 100% of students are Wisconsin residents (99.13%), reflecting the college's strong ties to the local workforce development needs. The college prioritizes hands-on learning over traditional academic entrance requirements.

How much does Waukesha County Technical College cost after financial aid?

The average net price is $9,400 annually, making it an affordable option for technical education. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $6,866 net price, while those from higher-income families ($110,000+) pay $13,013. With median debt of only $12,000 and monthly loan payments of $127, graduates face manageable financial obligations.

What programs is Waukesha County Technical College known for?

The college specializes in career-focused technical education and workforce training programs that prepare students for immediate employment. With a 20:1 student-faculty ratio and 4,497 enrolled students, the college offers hands-on learning in technical fields. The curriculum emphasizes practical skills that align with local industry demands in the Milwaukee metropolitan area.

What are the job prospects for Waukesha County Technical College graduates?

Graduates achieve an impressive 97.3% employment rate, demonstrating strong demand for their technical skills. The median earnings after 10 years reach $46,894, while recent graduates earn $44,593 in their first year. However, the 6-year graduation rate of 46.2% reflects the challenges some students face in completing technical programs while often working part-time.

Where is Waukesha County Technical College located and what is the campus like?

The main campus sits in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, a large suburb in the greater Milwaukee area. With 58.33% male and 41.67% female students, the college reflects the gender distribution typical of technical fields. The suburban setting provides easy access to internships and job opportunities in southeastern Wisconsin's manufacturing and healthcare sectors.

How much financial aid do students receive at Waukesha County Technical College?

Only 10.84% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating that many students come from working-class families who earn too much to qualify for need-based aid but still benefit from affordable tuition. Just 2.56% receive institutional grants averaging $4,240, while 8.92% take out federal loans. The low financial aid usage reflects the college's already affordable $4,720 in-state tuition.