- Southwest Wisconsin Technical College provides individualized lifelong learning opportunities that focus on students and communities. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College will be a leader in learning-centered education. outhwest Tech is a comprehensive technical college standing ready to offer you excellent educational opportunities, a broad array of support services, and a student-friendly atmosphere. Southwest Tech can prepare you with the skills necessary to succeed now and in the future.
School Highlights
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College serves 2,849 students (26% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 27:1 is higher than the state community college average of 22:1.
Minority enrollment is 15% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Black), which is less than the state average of 35%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 2,849 students
- In-state tuition: $4,076
- Out-state tuition: $5,996
- Student-teacher ratio: 27:1
- Minority enrollment: 15%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Wisconsin for:
Category
Attribute
Debt For Students
School Overview
The teacher population of 106 teachers has declined by 51% over five years.
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College
(WI) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Year Founded
1967
Colors
Blue and Gold
Total Faculty
106 staff
177 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Southwest Wisconsin Technical College has grown by 10% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 27:1 has increased from 12:1 over five years.
The Southwest Wisconsin Technical College diversity score of 0.27 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 178% over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,849 students
2,940 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
27:1
22:1
# Full-Time Students
731 students
721 students
# Part-Time Students
2,118 students
2,318 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
2,849 students
2,811 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
731 students
721 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
2,118 students
2,318 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
148 students
167 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
1%
% Asian
1%
4%
% Hispanic
5%
11%
% Black
4%
10%
% White
85%
65%
% Two or more races
3%
3%
% Unknown races
1%
5%
Diversity Score
0.27
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
55%
50%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$33,500
$34,300
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $4,076 is less than the state average of $4,194. The in-state tuition has declined by 10% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $5,996 is less than the state average of $6,373. The out-state tuition has declined by 10% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$4,076
$4,194
Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,996
$6,373
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
86%
74%
Median Debt for Graduates
$7,118
$11,250
Median Debt for Dropouts
$4,164
$5,500
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
School Notes
- The Southwest Wisconsin Vocational-Technical Institute District, comprising the five counties of southwestern Wisconsin, became operational on July 1, 1967, pursuant to Chapter 292, Laws of Wisconsin of 1965. The development process that resulted in what we now call Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (Southwest Tech) began immediately with the selection of initial programs, establishment of advisory committees, and recruitment of staff members. Farm Training was the first college program and began functioning in Fall 1967. During the 1968-69 fiscal year, college leadership initiated a comprehensive building plan. This led to the development of the present campus facilities located in Fennimore, Wisconsin, the center of the Southwest Tech District. Located among the beautiful hills and valleys of southwestern Wisconsin, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College, or Southwest Tech, is a comprehensive technical school of higher learning that stands ready to offer you excellent educational opportunities, a broad array of support services, and a student-friendly atmosphere. Since 1967, Southwest Tech has worked to be Southwest Wisconsin's premier provider of occupational education and training. The Fennimore campus offers 40 full-time occupational programs as well as a host of adult basic education, continuing education, distance learning, and technical services. The college offers Agricultural Programs, Business Programs, General Education, Health Occupations, Individual Technical Studies, Industrial Occupations, Public Safety Programs and Courses and Service Industry Programs and Courses. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Southwest Wisconsin Technical College cost?
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College's tuition is approximately $4,076 for In-State students and $5,996 for Out-State students.
What schools are Southwest Wisconsin Technical College often compared to?
Southwest Wisconsin Technical Collegeis often viewed alongside schools like Western Technical College by visitors of our site.
What is Southwest Wisconsin Technical College's ranking?
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Wisconsin for: Least debt for graduating students.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is Capri College-Dubuque (33.3 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
Capri College-Dubuque
Private for-profit
395 Main St
Dubuque, IA 52001
(563) 588-2379
Dubuque, IA 52001
(563) 588-2379
33.3 miles
Enrollment: 165 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
2200 E Kenwood Blvd
Milwaukee, WI 53201
(877) 895-3276
Milwaukee, WI 53201
(877) 895-3276
62.8 miles
Enrollment: 551 students Student-teacher ratio: 46:1 Acceptance rate: 100% In-state tuition: $5,144 Out-state tuition: $12,128 Minority enrollment: 27%
1625 Hwy 150
Calmar, IA 52132
(844) 642-2338
Calmar, IA 52132
(844) 642-2338
63.2 miles
Enrollment: 4,808 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1 In-state tuition: $2,910 Out-state tuition: $3,210 Minority enrollment: 12%
Western Technical College
Public
400 7th St. North
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 785-9200
La Crosse, WI 54601
(608) 785-9200
65.5 miles
Enrollment: 3,625 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 In-state tuition: $3,989 Out-state tuition: $5,822 Minority enrollment: 24%
1701 Wright Street
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 246-6100
Madison, WI 53704
(608) 246-6100
66.8 miles
Enrollment: 13,641 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Acceptance rate: 37% In-state tuition: $4,133 Out-state tuition: $6,022 Minority enrollment: 40%
Recent Articles
Credit for Prior Learning: When Life Experience Can Shorten Your Degree
Learn how Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) can help community college students earn college credit for military service, work experience, certifications, and prior learning, reducing both the time and cost of earning a degree.
The Working Student Schedule Test: Can You Balance College and a Job?
Discover how to evaluate whether your work schedule is compatible with community college before classes begin, and learn practical strategies that help working students stay on track toward graduation.
Stop-Out Risk: How to Choose a Community College That Helps You Finish
Learn how to identify community colleges that actively reduce stop-out risk through proactive advising, financial support, transfer pathways, flexible scheduling, and student success services, helping you stay enrolled, complete your credential, and achieve your long-term educational goals.
