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Trust in Technical Colleges is Growing and FVTC is Part of That Story

Confidence in technical education drives local media coverage

Students studying at table

The latest Wisconsin Technical College System public perception survey shows strong and growing public confidence in the state’s technical colleges. Fox Valley Technical College scored high in the areas that Wisconsin residents value most: hands-on learning, workforce-ready skills, and affordable transfer pathways.

For example, since launching in 2023, enrollment in the Associate of Arts and Associate of Science transfer degrees has soared with more than 500 students currently in one of the two programs. At the high school level, dual credit participation continues to expand, with more than 6,000 students earning 26,000+ FVTC credits last year. That equates to an estimated $4.3 million in tuition.

The growing confidence in technical education has been gaining attention in local media. FVTC was recently featured in a WBAY-TV story that explores why more Northeast Wisconsin students are rethinking the traditional four-year college route and choosing a more flexible way to start their education.

“Students can complete their first 60 or so credits here at Fox Valley Tech at a much-reduced cost compared to either a state UW school or private institution,” explains Dr. Chris Matheny, president of FVTC. “Then they transfer to finish their degree.”

You can watch the full WBAY-TV story here:

Breaking the four-year mold: Why Northeast Wisconsin students are choosing a new path

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