- 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 3,625 students (39% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is lower than the state community college average of 22:1.
Minority enrollment is 24% of the student body (majority Hispanic and Asian), which is less than the state average of 35%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 3,625 students
- In-state tuition: $3,989
- Out-state tuition: $5,822
- Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
- Minority enrollment: 24%
- 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 246 teachers has declined by 61% over five years.
Western Technical College
(WI) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
0
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
0
Institution Control
Public
0
Colors
Black & Red
Total Faculty
246 staff
177 staff
Number of Programs Offered
-2
3
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Western Technical College has declined by 14% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 has increased from 7:1 over five years.
The Western Technical College diversity score of 0.41 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 41% over five years.
Total Enrollment
3,625 students
3,039 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
22:1
# Full-Time Students
1,416 students
721 students
# Part-Time Students
2,209 students
2,318 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
261 students
453 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,416 students
721 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
27 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
2,209 students
2,318 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
20 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
167 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
1%
% Asian
4%
4%
% Hispanic
6%
11%
% Black
3%
10%
% White
76%
65%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
4%
3%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
6%
5%
Diversity Score
0.41
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
42%
50%
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 12% 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 12% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,989
$4,194
Out-State Tuition Fees
$5,822
$6,373
Tuition Notes
$149.50 per credit
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
74%
74%
Median Debt for Graduates
$11,500
$11,250
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,500
$5,500
Acceptance Rate
n/a
74%
ACT Composite
n/a
21
ACT English
n/a
19
ACT Math
n/a
20
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- School Mascot: Cavaliers
- 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.
Recent Articles
Community Colleges and the Creator Economy
Explore how community colleges prepare students for YouTube, podcasting, content creation, and creator economy careers.
AI-Augmented Careers and Community Colleges
Explore AI-augmented careers and how community colleges prepare students with practical skills, credentials, and employer-aligned training.
Catholic School Marketing Strategies in Competitive Choice Markets
Learn effective Catholic school marketing strategies for standing out in competitive school choice markets in 2026.

