Giving our students the skills and training to start and advance in higher-paying, long-lasting careers means that employers fill critical roles, families achieve economic mobility, and our communities grow stronger.
A new statewide survey shows growing confidence in the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS), with two-thirds of Wisconsin residents holding a favorable opinion of the system and its 16 colleges.
The findings underscore WTCS’ critical role in providing affordable, high-quality education that meets the needs of students and employers across the state.
The findings come from the WTCS Statewide Public Perception Survey. The online survey, conducted between May 22 and June 12, 2025, was completed by more than 2,300 Wisconsin residents. The system also surveyed state residents in 2022.
The 2025 survey showed that residents overwhelmingly associate technical colleges with real-world value, job outcomes and affordability:
- 66% of Wisconsin residents have a favorable opinion of WTCS, up from 52% in 2022.
- 76% believe the state benefits from the education technical colleges provide, up from 71% in 2022.
- 76% agree not all students benefit from a four-year college education, up from 71% in 2022.
- 64% see technical colleges as a strong option for students planning to transfer to a four-year public college or university, up from 60% in 2022.
- 78% agree that higher education is a significant investment, and students and families must consider long-term costs when choosing a college.
Although the survey results didn’t segment the WTCS colleges, it is important to note Milwaukee Area Technical College is the largest institution in the system and one of the most diverse two-year institutions in the Midwest.
MATC offers more than 180 academic programs that prepare students for the workforce or transfer opportunities with more than 40 four-year colleges and universities.
“We are meeting local workforce needs, supporting students, and responding to community priorities,” MATC President Anthony Cruz said. “MATC remains committed to expanding access, strengthening partnerships with employers and ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed. Together, we will continue to build a workforce that powers Wisconsin’s future.”
“Giving our students the skills and training to start and advance in higher-paying, long-lasting careers means that employers fill critical roles, families achieve economic mobility, and our communities grow stronger,” Dr. Cruz added.
The survey also showed that WTCS colleges lead in favorability compared to other higher education options and earned the highest Net Promoter Score – a popular metric for measuring brand strength – among institutions surveyed, at +30 — more than double its 2022 score.
“Wisconsin residents clearly recognize the value technical colleges bring to individuals, communities and the state’s economy,” WTCS President Layla Merrifield said. “Our colleges provide affordable, flexible pathways to careers and further education, and these survey results affirm that we are meeting the needs of students and employers alike.”
About MATC: Wisconsin’s largest technical college and one of the most diverse two-year institutions 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. More than 30,000 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 more than 180 academic programs — many that prepare students for jobs immediately upon completion and others that provide transfer options leading to bachelor’s degrees with more than 40 four-year colleges and universities. Overwhelmingly, MATC graduates build careers and businesses in southeastern Wisconsin. The college is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
About WTCS: The Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) is Wisconsin’s largest higher education system, offering more than 500 programs awarding two-year associate degrees, one- and two-year technical diplomas, short-term technical diplomas and certificates, education for registered apprenticeship students and adult education programs. In addition, the System is the major provider of customized instruction and consultation for Wisconsin employers. More than 293,000 individuals access the state’s technical colleges each year.