Public confidence in Wisconsin’s technical colleges is growing and new statewide survey results show Fox Valley Technical College is being recognized for what Wisconsin residents value most in higher education: hands-on relevant learning, employable skills and clear transfer pathways.
The latest Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) Public Perception Survey shows two‑thirds of Wisconsin residents hold a favorable view of technical colleges, the highest level recorded in recent years. College leaders say the results reflect a shift in expectations; students and families want education that leads directly to opportunity.
“This survey shows Wisconsin residents value workforce-ready education,” says FVTC president Dr. Chris Matheny. “But Wisconsin residents also recognize that technical colleges are providing an affordable, accessible pathway to a bachelor’s degree.”
What the survey found
The WTCS survey highlights growing public trust in technical colleges across the state:
- 66% of Wisconsin residents hold a favorable opinion of technical colleges, up from 52% in 2022
- 76% say the state benefits from the education technical colleges provide
- 76% agree that not all students benefit from a traditional four‑year college path
- 64% view technical colleges as a strong transfer option
- WTCS earned the highest Net Promoter Score (+30) among higher education options in Wisconsin, indicating strong public willingness to recommend technical colleges to others
FVTC outcomes reflect growing confidence
The statewide data mirrors what is happening at FVTC, where the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science transfer degrees have quickly become two of the college’s fastest-growing academic. Launched in 2023, there are more than 500 students currently enrolled in one of these two programs.
Expanding early access to college
FVTC continues to expand access to college at a lower cost through dual credit opportunities:
- In the 2024–25 academic year, more than 6,000 high school students earned over 26,000 college credits through FVTC dual credit courses.
- Those credits saved families an estimated $4.3 million in tuition, while accelerating students’ progress toward college credentials.
Learning that leads to workforce success
FVTC’s focus on hands‑on, workforce‑aligned education remains central to its mission. The college continues to enhance learning environments that mirror industry settings, ensuring students graduate with in‑demand skills.
One example is FVTC’s culinary program, one of the largest in Wisconsin, which will complete a $9.9 million lab and facilities upgrade in 2026. The investment supports real‑world learning and equips graduates to enter the workforce job‑ready.
FVTC also leads the state in customized workforce training, awarding more than 80,000 workforce training credits from 2021–2023. These programs help local employers strengthen productivity, safety and skills development across Northeast Wisconsin.
Read the full WTCS press release and statewide survey highlights.
Learn more:
Dr. Chris Matheny and Dr. Kristen Raney, president of Northeast Wisconsin Technical College recently joined WBAY-TV to talk about the new survey and what each college is doing to build on this positive momentum.
Watch: New survey shows growing confidence in Wisconsin technical colleges
