FAYETTE, Iowa -- Upper Iowa University (UIU) and the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) jointly announced a new tuition grant for Wisconsin technical college graduates on Oct. 3. All WTCS graduates automatically qualify for a grant that will offset a portion of the cost of tuition when attending UIU.
UIU, a private, nonprofit university founded in 1857, has a long affiliation with the WTCS. The strong partnership has included shared space in numerous cities across Wisconsin as well as academic program articulation agreements that allow seamless transfer for students. This tuition grant further cements this longstanding relationship and benefits students at both institutions.
“Through this UIU tuition grant, it is even more affordable for graduates to transfer the excellent education they received through their Wisconsin technical college toward the exceptional education available at Upper Iowa University,” UIU Regional Director Peg Baxter said.
“I’m happy to see this expansion in what has been a fantastic partnership with UIU,” WTCS President Dr. Morna K. Foy said. “They clearly see the same qualities in our students that I do – intelligence, determination and the drive to pursue well-designed lifelong learning opportunities.”
“At UIU, we provide students with evening classes, online courses, self-paced courses and other convenient options so they can choose the schedule that is best for them,” said Karl Easttorp, UIU’s executive director of communications and marketing. “We partner with the WTCS because they share our interest in being accessible and flexible in creating the optimal learning environment for adult student success.”
UIU’s main campus is in Fayette, Iowa. Over their 160-year history, UIU has developed a network of 25 education centers throughout the United States, including six in Wisconsin. The UIU centers in Milwaukee-West Allis and Wausau are celebrating their 25th anniversaries this year, while the Elkhorn location turns 15 years old this year. UIU also has locations in Janesville, Madison and Prairie du Chien, and residents from Racine, Kenosha, La Crosse and other cities across Wisconsin can take UIU classes in their local communities.
UIU is also a long-time innovator in online and independent study. U.S. News & World Report recognized these achievements each of the last five years by naming UIU one of its top universities for online undergraduate programs. Students can attend from anywhere with access to the internet.
Through articulation agreements, transition to UIU is easy for Wisconsin technical college graduates. Students have more than 40 undergraduate and graduate programs to choose from, and UIU accepts up to 78 credits from two-year colleges. Both Wisconsin technical colleges and UIU offer small class sizes. Each UIU academic year consists of five 8-week sessions and one accelerated 6-week summer session, so UIU students typically take one or two classes at a time. This convenience and flexibility make UIU programs particularly popular among working adults and military personnel; UIU’s education programs are regularly honored by Military Times and others.
“With a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and highly supportive faculty, the UIU experience helps students become even more confident in their abilities and inspires them to reach their full potential,” Easttorp said.
One of the most important similarities among the technical colleges and UIU is student success. On average, 93 percent of WTCS students are employed within six months of graduation. Of those not in the labor force, 86 percent are continuing their education. UIU graduates experience similar success, where 92 percent are employed or continuing their education shortly after commencement. UIU’s Office of Career Development and network of over 37,000 alumni around the world also provide a great resource for students and new alumni looking to make inroads in their chosen profession.
“The relationships our colleges have forged with employers in every sector of Wisconsin’s economy assures that our instruction is relevant,” Foy said. “The consistent result is that our graduates have great confidence they’ll have a successful career in their area of study.”
“Whether you just graduated high school, are looking to enhance your current career, or are seeking to start a new career, an associate degree from Wisconsin’s technical colleges and bachelor’s degree from Upper Iowa University are an investment in your future,” Easttorp said.
To learn more about this tuition grant opportunity, visit uiu.edu/WTCSgrant or call the UIU location nearest you.
About Upper Iowa University: Founded in 1857, Upper Iowa University is a private, not-for-profit university providing undergraduate and graduate degree programs to about 5,800 students–nationally and internationally–at its Fayette campus, 25 U.S. education locations, as well as locations in Malaysia and Hong Kong. Upper Iowa University is a recognized innovator in offering accredited, quality programs through flexible, multiple delivery systems, including online and self-paced degree programs. With a focus on developing leaders and lifelong learners, UIU provides dual enrollment programs for high school students as well as continuing education and professional development opportunities for learners of any age.
About Wisconsin Technical College System: The Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) offers more than 400 programs awarding two-year associate degrees, one- and two-year technical diplomas and short-term technical diplomas and certificates. In addition, the System is the major provider of customized business solutions and technical assistance to Wisconsin employers. More than 300,000 individuals access the technical colleges each year.
About Milwaukee Area Technical College: Wisconsin’s largest technical college and the most diverse two-year institution in the Midwest, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a key driver of southeastern Wisconsin’s economy and has provided innovative education in the region since 1912. Approximately 36,000 students per year attend the college’s four campuses and community-based sites or learn online. MATC offers affordable and accessible education and training opportunities that empower and transform lives in the community. The college offers 200 academic programs; nearly 400 transfer options leading to bachelor’s degrees; and School of a Pre-College Education that assists people to complete high school, prepare for college or enter the workforce. Overwhelmingly, MATC graduates build careers and businesses in southeastern Wisconsin. The college is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission, the national standard for academics and student services.