What Is It Known For?
Milwaukee Area Tech has been helping students succeed since 1969. It’s part of the Wisconsin Technical College System, which started as the Vocational, Technical and Adult Education System. Each year, over 30,000 students come to learn and grow at Milwaukee Area Tech.
The school’s programs are effective, with 91% of associate degree graduates finding jobs within six months of finishing.
Degrees & Certifications
Milwaukee Area Tech offers a wide range of educational paths. You can pick from over 170 programs leading to degrees, diplomas, or certificates. These cover fields in:
- Business & Management
- Community & Human Services
- Creative Arts, Design & Media
- General Education
- Healthcare
- Manufacturing, Construction & Transportation
- STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics)
If you’re aiming for a bachelor’s degree, the school has agreements with 40+ four-year colleges. This includes guaranteed admission to well-known universities like Marquette University, UW-Milwaukee, UW-Madison, and UW-Parkside.
Class Schedules
Milwaukee Area Tech knows that students have busy lives. That’s why they offer classes at different times and in various formats. You can take morning, afternoon, or evening classes, depending on what works best for you. They also have online and hybrid options, so you can learn from home or mix in-person and virtual learning.
With five locations and a 24/7 virtual campus, you can study where it’s most convenient. Some programs even include hands-on training through externships or clinical experiences, giving you real-world practice in your field.
Is It Legit?
Yes, Milwaukee Area Technical College is legitimate. It is accredited through the Higher Learning Commission(HLC), recognized by the United States.
Acceptance Rate
Milwaukee Area Technical College has an open admission policy, meaning the acceptance rate is 100% provided you meet the minimum requirements.
How Much Does It Cost (Tuition)
Milwaukee Area Technical College offers a budget-friendly education. Here are the costs:
• MATC: $4,984 • Four-year transfer program: $6,265 • UW system four-year degree: $7,466 • Private or out-of-state public colleges: $33,820
As you can see, MATC is significantly less expensive than many alternatives. They also provide scholarships and financial aid options to help make your education more affordable.
You can use their net cost calculator to get an estimate of how much you need for your schooling or contact Milwaukee Area Tech directly.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Architecture
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Management
- Marketing
- Supply Chain Management
Healthcare
- Anesthesia Technology
- Dental Hygiene
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- EKG
- Health Information Technology
- LPN
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Paramedic
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Radiography
- Respiratory Therapy
- RN
- Surgical Technologist
Legal & Law
- Criminal Justice
- Paralegal
Professional Services
- Aesthetician
- Baking and Pastry Arts
- Culinary
- Event Management
- Funeral Services
- Interior Design
- Hospitality
- Real Estate
Skilled Trades
- Auto Tech
- Construction
- HVAC
- Fire
- Landscaping
- Welding
Technology
- Computer Support Specialist
- Cybersecurity
- Mobile Development
- Software Developer
- Web Design
- Web Developer
Campus Locations
Milwaukee 700 W. State Street Milwaukee, WI 53233
Reviews
Based on reviews in Google, Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) Downtown Milwaukee Campus presents a stark contrast between its high-quality academic instruction and an overwhelmingly dysfunctional and non-transparent administrative structure. Students consistently praise the classroom experience but often describe the enrollment, financial aid, and program admission processes as confusing, frustrating, and a complete “waste of time and money.”
Overall Score: 3.7/5 Stars
Common Praises
Excellent and Engaging Instructors/Academics: Instructors are frequently praised, with students liking “every teacher I’ve had, online or in person.” The instruction is described as informative, practical, and a great source for gaining knowledge in technical fields like IT Support, Automotive, and TV and Digital Media.
Strong Educational Value: Many reviewers recommend MATC as the “top choice in Metro Milwaukee for an affordable living wage opportunity Education.” Students highlight the practical experience and job-market relevance of programs, such as the IT Computer Support Specialist track.
Helpful Academic Support: Students appreciate the availability of student resources, specifically mentioning the value of getting support from nearby math labs. A team in the Business Pathway Office was singled out for being “superb,” “knowledgeable,” and going “above and beyond.”
Excellent Campus Connectivity: A recent review highlights the convenience of the downtown campus, noting that all buildings are connected by skywalks, allowing students to stay indoors regardless of the weather.
Common Criticisms
Widespread Administrative Dysfunction (Non-Academics): This is the most severe and consistent complaint, spanning years of reviews. The administration is described as “unbelievably beyond screwed up,” “completely unprofessional,” and prone to losing important student information. Staff are frequently accused of being rude, providing no help, not returning phone calls, and “pass[ing] you around.”
Allegations of Staff Discrimination and Unfair Practices: Some reviewers, including a veteran, report instances of discrimination, being ignored, or having staff be “rude” and “purely lazy.” One student claimed an instructor lied on them, which led to a math class having to be retaken despite passing.
Momentum
The negative momentum is very strong and sustained, with the most recent detailed reviews focusing on the extreme lack of administrative and financial aid support, which often leads to financial and academic frustration. While positive reviews praising instructors continue, they are overshadowed by reports of students feeling that the school provides “no help” and that the resources are just referrals to external organizations. The recent and numerous complaints about non-transparent, confusing, and costly admission processes highlight that this is a persistent core operational failure.