About Western Technical College
Western Technical College prepares students for high-demand careers through hands-on training programs. The school serves 3,434 students in La Crosse, a mid-sized Wisconsin city along the Mississippi River. Students choose from technical programs designed to meet regional workforce needs, with many graduates moving directly into manufacturing, healthcare, and skilled trades. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personalized attention in labs and workshops.
The financial picture works in students' favor here. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,560 net price annually, while those from higher-income families pay around $15,000. Graduates earn a median of $45,303 ten years after starting, with typical debt loads of $11,500. Monthly loan payments average $122, making the education affordable relative to earning potential. The 96.3% employment rate shows strong job placement success.
Campus life stays focused on academics rather than traditional college experiences. Only 200 students live on campus, and the Cavaliers field just 6 varsity sports with 56 total athletes. The trimester calendar system moves students through programs quickly. Nearly 90% of students come from Wisconsin, creating a tight-knit community of learners preparing for careers close to home.
The financial picture works in students' favor here. Students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $9,560 net price annually, while those from higher-income families pay around $15,000. Graduates earn a median of $45,303 ten years after starting, with typical debt loads of $11,500. Monthly loan payments average $122, making the education affordable relative to earning potential. The 96.3% employment rate shows strong job placement success.
Campus life stays focused on academics rather than traditional college experiences. Only 200 students live on campus, and the Cavaliers field just 6 varsity sports with 56 total athletes. The trimester calendar system moves students through programs quickly. Nearly 90% of students come from Wisconsin, creating a tight-knit community of learners preparing for careers close to home.
Academics & Faculty
Western Technical College builds careers through hands-on training in high-demand fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and information technology. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means instructors know every student personally and can provide individualized guidance through technical coursework. With a 39% six-year graduation rate, the college serves many working adults and part-time students who take longer to complete their programs. The school's strength lies in preparing students for immediate employment rather than transfer programs. Recent graduates earn a median of $45,303 within ten years, reflecting the college's focus on practical skills that Wisconsin employers actively seek. Most programs emphasize lab work and internships over traditional classroom lectures.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 45.8%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 39.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,303
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $56,456 |
| Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $52,107 |
| Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications. | Associate | $50,856 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $47,260 |
| Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies. | Certificate | $44,356 |
| Computer Engineering Technologies/Technicians. | Associate | $43,798 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | Associate | $41,565 |
| Electrical/Electronics Maintenance and Repair Technology. | Certificate | $41,565 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $39,489 |
| Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions. | Associate | $39,369 |
Campus Life
Western Technical College serves 3,434 students in La Crosse, a Mississippi River city about 150 miles from Minneapolis. The campus operates on a trimester system that keeps students moving quickly through hands-on programs. Only 200 students can live on campus, so most commute from the surrounding area where 89% of students call Wisconsin home. You'll need a heavy winter coat for the brutal Wisconsin winters that can drop below zero for weeks.
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates a close-knit feel where instructors know your name and career goals. Students spend most time in labs and workshops rather than lecture halls, building actual job skills employers want. With 96% employment rates after graduation, the focus stays practical rather than theoretical. The Cavaliers compete in six NCCAA sports with 56 total athletes, though most students work part-time jobs instead of attending games. Weekends often mean heading home or picking up extra shifts, since this college attracts serious students preparing for immediate careers rather than the traditional college experience.
The 10:1 student-faculty ratio creates a close-knit feel where instructors know your name and career goals. Students spend most time in labs and workshops rather than lecture halls, building actual job skills employers want. With 96% employment rates after graduation, the focus stays practical rather than theoretical. The Cavaliers compete in six NCCAA sports with 56 total athletes, though most students work part-time jobs instead of attending games. Weekends often mean heading home or picking up extra shifts, since this college attracts serious students preparing for immediate careers rather than the traditional college experience.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 200 beds
- Calendar System
- Trimester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1912
Campus Safety (2023)
6 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Burglary | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 8°–25°F
- July Avg
- 63°–84°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 101.3"
- Annual Snowfall
- 43.3"
Student Demographics
Western Technical College draws primarily from Wisconsin, with 89% of students staying close to home for career training. The student body leans slightly female at 54%, reflecting strong enrollment in health sciences and business programs alongside traditional trades. About one-third of students receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families seeking affordable pathways to middle-class careers. The college maintains deep roots in La Crosse's community, training local workers for regional employers. Students typically choose Western Tech for its practical focus on job skills rather than academic prestige.
- Men
- 46.0%
- Women
- 54.0%
- White
- 77.4%
- Black
- 2.8%
- Hispanic
- 6.6%
- Asian
- 4.9%
- In-State Students
- 89.5%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 31.5%
Location
Western Technical College sits in La Crosse, Wisconsin, a river city of about 52,000 people along the Mississippi River. The campus is roughly 140 miles southeast of Minneapolis-St. Paul and 150 miles northwest of Madison. La Crosse blends small-city charm with outdoor recreation opportunities, thanks to its location in the scenic "Driftless Area" where bluffs and valleys create dramatic landscapes untouched by glaciers. The Mississippi River provides year-round recreation, from boating in summer to ice fishing in winter. With 89.45% of students coming from Wisconsin, most are familiar with the region's mix of river towns and agricultural communities. Students considering colleges in Wisconsin may also compare Western Technical College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $45,303
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $48,996
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $32,200
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 50.4%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $122/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $11,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the acceptance rate at Western Technical College?
Western Technical College doesn't publish acceptance rate data, but as a technical college founded in 1912, it typically maintains open enrollment policies for most programs. The school serves 3,434 students with a focus on workforce preparation rather than selective admissions.
How much does Western Technical College cost after financial aid?
Students at Western Technical College pay an average net price of $12,069 annually. In-state tuition runs $4,716 while out-of-state students pay $6,909, making it an affordable option for technical education in Wisconsin.
What is the student-faculty ratio at Western Technical College?
Western Technical College maintains a 10:1 student-faculty ratio, allowing for hands-on learning in technical fields. The school operates on a trimester system, which helps students complete programs efficiently in high-demand career areas.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Western Technical College?
Graduates achieve a 96.3% employment rate with median earnings of $45,303 ten years after enrollment. The strong job placement reflects the school's focus on training students for in-demand technical careers in the La Crosse region.
Does Western Technical College offer on-campus housing?
The college provides housing for 200 students at $6,950 annually for room and board. Most of the 3,434 students are local, with 89.45% coming from Wisconsin, so many live off-campus in the La Crosse area.
What sports does Western Technical College offer?
The Cavaliers compete in 6 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 56 total athletes. The athletic program doesn't offer scholarships but provides students opportunities to compete while pursuing technical degrees in a smaller college setting.
