What Is It Known For?
Madison College is known for its significant contribution to vocational training and workforce development. Founded in 1912 in response to the growing demand for skilled workers in the Madison area, the institution began as the “Madison School of Vocational Education.” Over the years, it has evolved and now plays an essential role within the Wisconsin Technical College System, which includes 16 colleges focused on providing career-oriented education.
Every year, around 13,000 students enroll in Madison College, drawn to its hands-on programs that equip them for various careers. The college is dedicated to accessibility and community engagement, particularly through its Goodman South Campus, which serves underrepresented groups in the Madison area.
Degrees & Certifications
Madison College offers an extensive range of academic programs, allowing students to choose from over 180 options that prepare them for various career paths.
Some of the prominent programs include:
- Nursing
- Automotive Technology
- Culinary Arts
- Information Technology
- Business Management
- Engineering
Class Schedules
Madison College offers flexible class schedules to accommodate the diverse needs of its students. Classes are available in the morning, afternoon, and evening, making it easier for working students to fit education into their busy lives.
Additionally, many programs offer online and hybrid options, allowing for greater flexibility. Furthermore, several courses include practical training components, such as internships or clinical placements, to enhance the learning experience.
Is It Legit?
Yes. Madison College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, ensuring that it meets high standards of educational quality and institutional effectiveness.
Acceptance Rate
According to the U.S. Department of Education, Madison College has an open admissions policy, allowing all students who meet the basic admission requirements to enroll. This approach emphasizes the college’s commitment to accessibility and inclusivity in education.
How Much Does It Cost (Tuition)
For the 2024-2025 academic year, Madison College offers different tuition rates based on the program and residency status. For career-focused programs, which include technical diplomas, associate degrees, and certificates, the tuition is $149.50 per credit for in-state students and $224.25 for out-of-state students. For liberal arts transfer courses, the rates are $188.90 per credit for in-state students and $283.35 for out-of-state students.
To get a more personalized estimate of total costs, students are encouraged to use the net price calculator.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Auto Tech
- Business Management
- Data Analytics
- Digital Marketing
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Marketing
- Project Management
- Supply Chain
Healthcare
- Dental Assistant
- Dental Hygienist
- EMT
- Laboratory Technician
- LPN
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Billing & Coding
- Nursing Assistant
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Optometry Tech
- Ophthalmic Assistant
- Paramedic
- Phlebotomist
- Radiography
- Respiratory Therapy
- RN
- Surgical Technology
- Veterinary Assistant
- Veterinary Tech
Legal & Law
- Criminal Justice
- Jail Officer
- Paralegal
Professional Services
- Baking
- Barber
- Cosmetology
- Culinary
- Fitness Trainer
- Graphic Design
- Hospitality
- Interior Design
- Real Estate
Skilled Trades
- Carpentry
- CNC Machining
- Construction
- Diesel
- Electrician
- Facilities Management
- Fire Tech
- HVAC
- Industrial Maintenance
- Mechatronics
- Plumbing
- Solar
- Welding
Technology
- Cybersecurity Specialist
- Data Analyst
- Networking
- Tech Support
- Web Design
- Web Developer
Campus Locations
Madison 1701 Wright Street, Madison WI 53704
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, Madison Area Technical College (MATC) is widely praised as an affordable and high-quality stepping stone for both career training and university transfer, but it faces recurrent criticism regarding administrative processes and the quality of some online instruction.
Overall Score: 4.3/5 Stars
Common Praises
Affordability and Value: This is the most consistent point of praise. Reviewers call it one of the “best” and “most affordable colleges” in the state, offering a “great first step” to save on expenses before transferring to a four-year university (including UW schools).
Excellent Professors and Instruction: Many professors, particularly in career programs like Graphic Design and Metal Fabrication, are highly rated for having extensive professional experience and providing thorough, career-ready education. A few reviewers specifically note that their professors were better than some at UW-Madison.
Transfer & Career Readiness: MATC is noted for its clear paths to employment or transferring, offering over 180 degrees. Graduates confirm their degrees and professor preparation helped them get their “foot in the door” in their fields.
Campus and Facilities: The main campus is described as “beautiful,” “clean,” and “state of the art,” especially after the 2013 rebuild.
Common Criticisms
Inconsistent Online Class Quality: A significant and recent complaint is about non-live online classes where instructors may “ghost” students, failing to answer messages for long periods while the student is still paying full tuition.
Administrative and Website Issues: Issues with the administrative side of the college are a long-standing frustration. Reviewers describe the website as “absolutely terrible and confusing,” and report that it can be incredibly frustrating to get clear answers or reach staff. One severe criticism mentioned a confusing process with excessive “hoops to jump through.”
Advising and Enrollment Errors: Some students have had negative experiences with advisors who were “confused” about classes, and one severe allegation claims the college may put students in the wrong program or find excuses to take extra money.
Specific Program Concern: One reviewer explicitly rated the college’s Nursing program at “0 stars” (though official data indicates the program has high NCLEX pass rates and student satisfaction).
Wayfinding: The Truax campus’s internal signage and maps are criticized as having “the worst way-finding signage I’ve ever seen.”
Momentum
The college maintains a strong positive core driven by its value and the high quality of instruction in many of its programs, with recent reviews confirming this. However, the school’s commitment to flexible learning (online classes) is a current area of weakness needing immediate attention based on recent negative feedback regarding instructor engagement. Long-standing administrative and website confusion also remain consistent points of friction that detract from the overall student experience.