Southwest Wisconsin Technical College (SWTC, Southwest Tech) Academics and Admissions

Academics

In Fennimore, Wisconsin, away from the bustle and distractions of city life, Southwest Tech is a place where students are getting a practical, hands-on education developed for real-world applications. Part of the Wisconsin state technical college system, Southwest Tech’s history dates all the way back to the mid-1960s. Whether students need specific training, computer help or want to pursue an academic degree, Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is a place to get it done.

Accreditation for the college comes from the Higher Learning Commission, member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCACS), an organization founded in 1895.

Students can pursue associate’s degrees or certificates through Southwest Tech’s core academic programs. The main Business Department programs include Accounting, Administration and Office Support, Graphic/Web Design and Business Management. Associate degrees will require a two-year commitment. In Information Technology, students can pursue degrees in Network Communications, Web Programming/Analysis and Computer Support.

Southwest Tech has a strong commitment to the agricultural industry as well. Aside from Agriculture Power and Equipment Tech, students can pursue degrees in Herd Management and Farm Production. Technicians with a desire to pursue further machine work can take advantage of industrial studies such as Welding, Electromechanical Tech, Auto Collision Repair and Machine Tool Operation.

Another reflection of the school’s commitment to preparing students for the real world can be found in the Healthcare Occupations department. The country’s largest industry is always in need of quality employees. Students can choose administrative work as a Medical Coding Specialist or Medical Transcription Specialist (now online courses) or get involved up close with Clinical Lab Tech, Radiology and/or Respiratory Care programs. One of the highlighted programs at Southwest Tech is the Nursing Program, which can start students on the path to full certification.

The academic programs at Southwest Tech are rounded out by the Public Safety/Criminal Justice programs and Service Industry coursework. Students hoping to break into Cosmetology, Culinary Management or Spa Services can learn the trade here.

Most Popular Fields of Study

Information Summary

Ranks 32nd in Wisconsin and 1410th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	74.3
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$17,480
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	9 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	69% / 64%
Enrollment Total (all students)	2,009

Admissions

The application process at Southwest Tech can be handled entirely online. The school website offers services to pay the one-time application fee with a credit card and forward academic transcripts at a later date. All transcripts from high school, GED certificate programs and other college coursework must be submitted before applications will be processed. Once this process is complete, students must take an assessment test at Southwest Tech, which also involves a small fee. Certain programs (such as the Nursing degree) may require additional materials. Applications are accepted throughout the year, so check the deadlines if a specific program is being considered.

Financial Aid

The Financial Aid office at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College is in place to help students figure out a way to pay for higher education. All applicants to financial aid programs must begin the process by filling out the FAFSA, which can be done online. Once the application is submitted, students will learn what type of federal aid is available. Pell grants are awarded to the students most in need, while supplemental grants may even help pay for living expenses and school supplies. Scholarships are also available at the federal and state level.

For students not qualifying for grants and scholarships, loans can be obtained with beneficial interest terms. In some cases, interest will not begin to accrue until after all college coursework has been completed. Parents may qualify for loans to pay for a child’s tuition.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 6340th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Wisconsin.

Students

Southwest Tech offers a variety of activities for students who want to get involved and socialize with fellow classmates. Students can take advantage of the housing facilities if they decide they want to live on campus.

Popular activities include the Student Senate, Intramural Sports (baseball, kickball and basketball) and the College Newspaper for aspiring journalists. In addition, Southwest Tech sponsors numerous social events scheduled throughout the academic year. Musical performances, picnics and dances may be on the menu, depending on the time of year.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Athletics

The following sports can be found here:

Men’s Intramural and Women’s Intramural Basketball
Men’s Intramural and Women’s Intramural Softball
Men’s Intramural and Women’s Intramural Volleyball

Local Community

Students will find themselves attending classes in a quiet but picturesque corner of Southwestern Wisconsin. If you like fishing, the local trout are one of the prizes of Fennimore. Meanwhile, hikes are recommended for anyone who loves the outdoors. In the small city center, visitors can take in the sights at the Fennimore Railroad Historical Society Museum.

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College