What Is It Known For?
Fox Valley Technical College, founded in 1967, is a two-year public college with campuses in Appleton and Oshkosh, Wisconsin. It’s part of the Wisconsin Technical College System, which was created when the state legislature divided Wisconsin into sixteen districts. The college offers over 200 programs, focusing on high-tech job training for today’s workplace.
FVTC serves more than 50,000 people each year, making it the most attended technical college in Wisconsin. With its two main campuses and various training locations, the school provides students with plenty of options to start their careers quickly.
Degrees & Certifications
Fox Valley Technical College provides a wide range of educational options to suit various career goals. With over 220 programs available, students can choose from Associate degrees, Technical Diplomas, and Certificate programs. The college also offers instruction for 19 apprenticeship trades.
Some of the programs of study you can find at FVTC include:
- Agriculture, Horticulture & Natural Resources,
- Aviation,
- Construction,
- Culinary & Hospitality,
- Information Technology
- Health Science
- And Many More!
Class Schedules
Fox Valley Technical College adapts to your schedule with day and evening classes. You can study online, part-time, full-time, or in accelerated programs. Many medical courses include real-world practicum experiences. Other fields offer internships through your department. This mix of options helps you gain practical skills while balancing your other commitments.
Is It Legit?
Yes. Fox Valley Technical College is a legitimate institution. The school is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) through its Open Pathway process. Many individual programs at FVTC also hold specialized accreditations in their fields.
For a full list of accredited programs, you can check the FVTC Program Accreditations and Certifications document (PDF).
Acceptance Rate
The Fox Valley Tech follows an open admission policy. This means that their acceptance rate is 100%.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition at Fox Valley Technical College varies based on your residency and program choice. For Associate of Arts/Science degrees and Post Secondary & Vocational programs, in-state students pay $149.50 per credit. Out-of-state students are charged $224.25 per credit for the same programs.
Keep in mind that other expenses may come up during your time at FVTC. Books, supplies, and lab fees can add to your total costs. To get a clearer picture of what you might spend, try using the school’s net price calculator.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Bookkeeping
- Business Analyst
- Marketing
- Sales
- Supply Chain
Professional Services
- Aesthetician
- Baking
- Barbering
- Cosmetology
- Culinary
- Funeral Services
- Hospitality
- Interior Design
- Nail Tech
Healthcare
- Dental Assistant
- Dental Hygienist
- Health Information Technology
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Coding Specialist
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- RN
- Nursing Assistant
- LPN
- Paramedic
- Practical Nurse
- Registered Nurse
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Phlebotomy
- Surgical Technology
Legal
- Digital Court Reporter
- Paralegal
Public Safety
- EMT
- Fire
- Law Enforcement
Skilled Trades
- Auto Tech
- Aviation
- Construction
- CNC Machining
- Diesel
- Electrical
- Manufacturing
- Plumbing
- Truck Driving
- Welding
- Wood Working
Technology
- Cybersecurity
- Networking
- Software Development
- Web Design
Campus Locations
Appleton 1825 N. Bluemound Drive Appleton, WI 54914-1643
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, Fox Valley Technical College has a high overall rating, with many students and community members praising the quality of its hands-on technical programs, knowledgeable instructors, and affordability. However, a significant number of reviews point to serious issues with administrative support, academic integrity, and technology.
Overall Score: 4.3/5 Stars
Common Praises
Effective Technical Programs: Many students laud the specific technical programs, such as Automotive, CDL, and Industrial Electrical, for providing a practical, hands-on education that leads to successful careers.
Knowledgeable and Caring Instructors: Reviewers frequently praise the instructors for being experienced, knowledgeable, and genuinely interested in student success. Instructors in the IT and CDL programs are singled out for their quality of teaching and patience.
Affordable and High Value: Students note that the college offers a great education at a lower cost compared to universities, making it an excellent financial choice.
Accessible and Friendly Environment: Reviewers describe the campus as large, well-organized with clear maps, and a friendly atmosphere with helpful staff. Some mention that the college is welcoming to older students.
Common Criticisms
Lack of Academic Integrity and Unresponsive Administration: The most serious complaint is from a student who claims two instructors committed “academic fraud” by failing to grade submitted work, and that the school did nothing to address the issue. Other reviews mention an aggressive staff member and a director acting unprofessionally on social media.
Poor Technology and IT Support: Several reviews, including one from a few years ago, describe the technology as some of the “worst” a student has ever seen, with frequent website downtime.
Administrative and Staff Issues: Some students have had negative experiences with a lack of responsiveness from staff. One reviewer felt that they were not given proper help with their application.
Questionable Use of AI: A recent review criticized the college for using AI to create a magazine cover, arguing that it’s a poor choice for an institution meant to teach people job skills. The college’s response addressed the complaint directly, stating the use was intentional and ethical.
Momentum
The reviews show a sharp division between the academic experience and the administrative one. Students are consistently happy with their instructors and the education they receive in the technical programs. However, a pattern of serious and recent administrative complaints—including allegations of academic fraud and unprofessional behavior—suggests a growing disconnect between the quality of the technical training and the support systems in place. The college owner is highly active in responding to every review, both positive and negative, which shows a commitment to addressing feedback.