What Is It Known For?
Northwood Technical College has been shaping skilled workers in Wisconsin for over a century. The school’s story started in 1912 when Superior opened the Industrial, Commercial, Continuing Evening School, one of Wisconsin’s earliest technical schools. After several name changes through the decades, the institution became Northwood Technical College in 2021.
Today, Northwood Tech serves northwest Wisconsin through multiple campus locations. The college reaches about one in 16 people across the community each year. Students can access career-ready programs, business training options, and personal enrichment courses. Northwood Tech also participates in the NWECS distance learning network, connecting it to other educational institutions throughout northern Wisconsin.
Degrees & Certifications
Students at Northwood Tech can pursue associate degrees, technical diplomas, and short-term certificates. The college also offers continuing education classes and specialized business training programs.
Some of the programs you will find here include:
- Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources
- Business Management
- Finance
- Health Sciences
- Manufacturing
- Architecture and Construction,
- And More!.
Class Schedules
Northwood Tech provides flexible learning formats to fit different schedules. Students can attend classes online through live internet sessions, come to campus for in-person instruction, or watch recorded lectures when convenient. Some programs combine online and on-site learning, while others offer work-based learning experiences at actual job sites. The Flex option allows students to progress through coursework at their own speed in a workshop setting.
Many courses are fully online with deadlines but no fixed meeting times, giving students control over when they complete assignments.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. Northwood Technical College holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, which the U.S. Department of Education recognizes as an institutional accreditation agency.
Acceptance Rate
Northwood Tech maintains a 100% acceptance rate.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition at Northwood Tech varies by residency. Wisconsin and Minnesota residents pay $164.20 per credit, while out-of-state students pay $238.95 per credit. Michigan residents from Gogebic County qualify for reciprocity rates of $169.20 per credit.
Total program costs range from $617 to $2,466 based on credit requirements. When including books, supplies, housing, food, and transportation, annual expenses can reach $11,980. These estimates cover a nine-month academic year and exclude summer courses.
Students can use the Department of Education Net Price Calculator for personalized cost planning.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Business Administration Specialist
- Financial Services
- Human Resource Management
Criminal Justice & Law
- Criminal Justice - Law Enforcement
Healthcare
- Advanced EMT
- Nursing - Associate Degree
- Dental Assistant
- Health Information Technology
- Medical Administrative Professional
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Billing & Medical Coding Specialist
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Nursing Assistant
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Paramedic Technician
- Pharmacy Technician
- Phlebotomy
- Surgical Technology
- Veterinary Technician
Professional Services
- Cosmetology
Skilled Trades
- Advanced Marine Repair Technician
- Architectural Woodworking & Cabinetmaking
- Automotive Technician
- Carpentry
- Truck Driving - CDL A
- CNC Technician
- Construction and Cabinetmaking
- Diesel Equipment Technician
- Electrical Construction Apprentice
- Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning / Refrigeration (HVAC/R)
- Marine Repair Technician
- Mechatronics
- Plumbing
- Refrigeration Essentials
- Welding
Technology
- Drafting Technician
- IT - Cybersecurity Specialist
- IT - Web and Software Developer
Campus Locations
Rice Lake 1900 College Drive Rice Lake, WI 54868
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, Northwood Technical College in Rice Lake is highly regarded for its clean, pleasant environment and its commitment to student success. While the majority of feedback is positive, some students have reported administrative frustrations and high academic rigor in specific programs.
Overall Score: 4.4/5 Stars
Common Praises
Supportive and Professional Staff: Reviewers frequently describe the staff as “the nicest people you will ever meet” and appreciate that they go above and beyond to help students.
Quality Instruction: Many students love the instructors, noting they are “very informative,” “understanding,” and share a genuine interest in student learning.
Clean and Pleasant Campus: The facility is often described as “top notch,” “very organized,” and providing a “pleasant environment” for higher education.
Career Preparation: Students feel the college is a great place to earn an associate degree and that the curriculum is designed with input from employers to ensure real-world success.
Common Criticisms
Administrative Communication Issues: Recent reviews mention difficulties reaching the administration for conflict resolution, with some students reporting unreturned emails or slow responses from the Dean’s office.
Program Intensity: The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program has been described by some as excessively difficult, with claims that it “weeds everyone out.”
Financial and Enrollment Concerns: A few former students shared negative experiences regarding financial aid and roster management during medical emergencies, though these experiences vary significantly.
Momentum
The momentum for Northwood Technical College is strong and community-focused in 2025. The college has been actively expanding its “Credit for Prior Learning” initiatives, making it increasingly attractive for adult learners returning to school later in life. In late 2025, the college celebrated the graduation of over 200 students from the Rice Lake campus and was designated a Silver 2025–26 Military Friendly School. While administrative responsiveness remains a point of critique in recent feedback, the college’s ongoing investment in campus facilities—such as the annual student-built house project—and its 95% graduate employment rate continue to solidify its reputation as a leading choice for technical education in Wisconsin.