- Western Technical College is a public technical college in La Crosse, Wisconsin. A member of the Wisconsin Technical College System, the Western Technical College District serves 11 counties and enrolls over 5,000 students.
School Highlights
Western Technical College serves 5,393 students (33% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 9:1 is lower than the state community college average of 16:1.
Minority enrollment is 22% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is less than the state average of 35%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 5,393 students
- In-state tuition: $3,989
- Out-state tuition: $5,822
- Student:teacher ratio: 9:1
- Minority enrollment: 22%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Western Technical College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Wisconsin for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
School Overview
The teacher population of 633 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Western Technical College
(WI) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Career & Technical-High Traditional
Associate's Colleges: High Career & Technical-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Colors
Black & Red
Total Faculty
633 staff
419 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Western Technical College has grown by 29% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 9:1 has increased from 7:1 over five years.
The Western Technical College diversity score of 0.38 is less than the state average of 0.55. The school's diversity has grown by 7% over five years.
Total Enrollment
5,393 students
5,183 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
16:1
# Full-Time Students
1,806 students
798 students
# Part-Time Students
3,587 students
4,385 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
539 students
373 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,806 students
798 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
27 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
3,587 students
4,624 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
15 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
148 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
1%
% Asian
4%
4%
% Hispanic
5%
10%
% Black
3%
9%
% White
78%
65%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
4%
3%
% Unknown races
5%
8%
Diversity Score
0.38
0.55
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.4184%
0.4772%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.2192%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$33,500
$34,300
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $3,989 is less than the state average of $4,194. The in-state tuition has declined by 11% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $5,822 is less than the state average of $6,373. The out-state tuition has declined by 11% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,989
$4,194
Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,822
$6,373
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
83%
76%
Median Debt for Graduates
$11,500
$11,250
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
88%
ACT Composite
n/a
21
ACT English
n/a
19
ACT Math
n/a
20
Source: 2024 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- School Mascot: Cal The Cavalier
- The essential experience is what you get at Western. You don't just sit at a desk and learn. You get out of your chair and actually do it. Interactive classes and internships get you the skills you need when you graduate. Classes are rarely boring. And they can get you into the work world fast; most programs can be completed in two years or less.
- So how can you get those skills? From our highly-trained faculty. They've actually worked in their areas of expertise and can bring you real-life experience and knowledge. The skills you learn now will help you in your career later.
- So, how do we know you're getting the essential skills employers want? We ask them. Hundreds of local employers sit on advisory boards for every program we offer, telling us what kinds of skills work for their businesses. It's only one of the ways we stay current.
- While we know learning is important, we also know it doesn't just happen in the classroom. Student clubs, athletics, intramural sports, service learning activities, and residence halls, give you the true college experience.
- So when you are looking for the college that's right for you, consider Western. It's where you get the essential experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Western Technical College cost?
Western Technical College's tuition is approximately $3,989 for In-State students and $5,822 for Out-State students.
What is Western Technical College's ranking?
Western Technical College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Wisconsin for: Least expensive tuition.
In what neighborhood is Western Technical College located?
Western Technical College is located in the Goosetown Campus neighborhood of La Crosse, WI.
Nearby Schools
The nearest community college to Western Technical College is The Salon Professional Academy-Onalaska (4.7 miles away)
School
Location
Miles
Students
The Salon Professional Academy-Onalaska
Private for-profit
566 Theater Rd
Onalaska, WI 54650
(608) 783-7400
Onalaska, WI 54650
(608) 783-7400
4.7 miles
| 67 students
1250 Homer Rd
Winona, MN 55987
(507) 453-2700
Winona, MN 55987
(507) 453-2700
23.2 miles
| 2,597 students
1625 Hwy 150
Calmar, IA 52132
(844) 642-2338
Calmar, IA 52132
(844) 642-2338
55.4 miles
| 5,480 students
111 South Broadway, Suite 300
Rochester, MN 55904
(877) 280-4699
Rochester, MN 55904
(877) 280-4699
58.3 miles
| 656 students
851 30th Ave SE
Rochester, MN 55904
(507) 285-7245
Rochester, MN 55904
(507) 285-7245
60.1 miles
| 6,080 students
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