
About
Madison Area Technical College, located in Madison, Wisconsin, was founded in 1912, when it was a vocational school dedicated to providing training to high school dropouts. What became apparent the next few years was that adults were more interested in the course offerings than the young students, and as a result the school changed focus to adults while still providing opportunities to former high school students. Over the next few decades the school grew, particularly during World War II, where the school received federal funding to assist in the educational needs necessary to fill wartime jobs. By the 1970's the school was combined with others in Madison as part of a state based program to consolidate schools, as a result the school was given multiple campuses to educated residents of the capital. The school is constantly updating its facilities and program offerings to meet the needs of the community, adding new programs as necessary to remain relevant and modern.
Academics
Madison Area Technical College offers a large number of programs dedicated to providing career and technical training or transfer to a four year institution. Career and technical training programs take between one and two years to complete, resulting in a certificate or degree that demonstrates and individuals qualification to work in their area of study. Students of such programs will train in the skills and abilities necessary to accomplish the tasks and duties often required in order to successfully do one's job and are ready to enter the workforce immediately after graduation. Technical and training programs are typically in high demand fields and typically offered to reflect the community's professional and economic needs.
Transfer programs allow students to complete the freshman and sophomore years of a four year education at a low cost, then transfer to a four year institution to complete one's bachelor's degree. These programs are assisted by the public education system in Wisconsin, which allows ease of transfer from two year institution to a four year college or university within the state if certain academic requirements are met.
Programs offered include:
Individuals are also able to take non credit courses for personal interest. Individuals who choose to do so do not need to formally enroll in the school.
Admissions and Financial Aid
As an open enrollment institution all students who meet the minimum requirements will be admitted to Madison Area Technical College. Students interested in enrollment must choose a program of study, ensuring that requirements for that program are met, then complete and submit the application for admission either online or physical copy given to the school. Students must also supply transcripts and take a placement exam in order to determine which general education courses they must take. Once completed, students may participate in orientation and meet with a counselor prior to registration, which occurs shortly before the start of each semester. Tuition fees will be due shortly after the start of the semester.
Financial Aid is available in the form of loans, grants, work study programs and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information provided in which will be used to determine need eligibility and awards. The school may ask for additional financial aid to be supplied in order to ensure accuracy prior to the disbursement of funds. Students must be enrolled in a full time program in order to be eligible for aid.
Athletics
Madison Area Technical College participates in a number of intercollegiate athletics through the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) North Central Conference. These programs allow students to compete with other schools in an atmosphere of healthy competition and develop skills, such as discipline and teamwork, which are useful in one's academic and professional career.
Athletic programs offered:
- Basketball
- Baseball
- Golf
- Softball
- Volleyball
- Soccer
Estimated Costs & Financial Aid
The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $13,200. To calculate a more personalized cost visit the net price calculator. There is also a $30 application fee for students applying to the school. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.
Tuition & Fees Information
- Tuition estimates per year:
- In-State Tuition: $3,900-$4,600
- Nonresident Student Tuition: $5,800-$6,934
- Part-time students are charged:
- In-State: $130-$150 per unit
- Out-of-State: $190-$230 per unit
Financial Aid Details
The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.
Percent of Students | Average Amount | |
---|---|---|
Any Financial Aid | 61% | - |
Receiving Grants & Scholarships | 45% | $4,365 |
Receiving Student Loans | 40% | $5,357 |
Admissions, Academics, & Student Services
Student Services
To support students and graduates, Madison Area Technical College may provide services like:
- Online classes
- Night and weekend classes available
- Remedial courses
- Career path counseling
- Student employment
- Assisting students to find work
- Day care for children
Graduation & Transfer Rates
Community colleges often offer both career training programs and options for students to transfer-out to four year institutions, which is why the table below is so important, it compares Madison College against community colleges in Wisconsin.
Madison College | Dane County | Wisconsin | |
---|---|---|---|
Graduation Rate | 21.4% | - | 34.6% |
Transfer-out Rate | 15.3% | - | 15.8% |
Specialized Programs & Accreditations
Campus: Madison Area Technical College
- Dental Hygienist Program
- Accredited by the American Dental Association, Commission on Dental Accreditation (since 1970)
- Associate's Degree in Nursing (ADN) Program
- Accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing, Inc. ? May 6, 2013 Formerly: National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (since 1978)
- Compare all associate's degree in nursing (ADN) programs in Wisconsin
- Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program
- Accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (since 1964)
- Optometry Technician Program
- Accredited by the American Optometric Association, Accreditation Council on Optometric Education (since 1984)
Campus: Madison Area Technical College - Madison - Downtown Education Center
- Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) Program
- Accredited by the American Occupational Therapy Association, Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (since 1964)
- Radiology Technician Program
- Accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (since 1988)
Programs Offered
The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.

Get more information about the programs offered by Madison Area Technical College by clicking the request information to the right.
(C) Certificate or Award | (A) Associate's | (B) Bachelor's | (M) Master's Degree | (D) Doctorate (PhD,...)
Agriculture Operations
- Ornamental Horticulture (C)
- Agricultural Machine Technology (A)
- Farm and Ranch Management
- Horticulture
Biological and Biomedical Sciences
- Bioinformatics (C)
Business and Marketing Studies
- Business Administration (A, C)
- Accounting (A, C)
- Administrative Assistant (A, C)
- Advertising and Marketing (A)
- Human Resources (A, C)
- Bookkeeping (C)
- Operations Management (A)
- Meeting and Event Planning (A, C)
- Small Business Management (C)
- Finance (A)
- Insurance (C)
- Purchasing and Procurement (C)
- Hospitality Administration and Management (A)
- Apparel and Accessories Marketing Operations (A)
- Real Estate (C)
- Organizational and Nonprofit Management (C)
- General Office Occupations and Clerical Services (C)
- Office Management and Supervision
- Receptionist
- Data Entry Technology
- Business Operations Support and Secretarial Services
- Banking and Financial Services
- General Merchandising, Sales, Related Marketing Operations
Communication Technology
- Photographic and Film Technology (C)
- Animation (A)
- Graphic and Printing Equipment Operator Production
Communications and Journalism
- Multimedia (C)
- Journalism (C)
Computer and Information Sciences
- Computer Information Technology Services Administration and Management (A)
- Computer Networking (A, C)
- Computer and Information Systems Security (A, C)
- Computer Programming, Specific Applications (C)
- Web Management and Webmaster (A, C)
- Computer Support Specialist (C)
- Computer Software and Media Applications (A, C)
- Web Design (A, C)
- Data Processing Technology (C)
- Computer Programming
- System Administration
- Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services
Construction Trades
- Property Management (C)
- Construction Trades (C)
- Carpentry (C)
Education
Engineering
Engineering Technology
- Industrial Production Technologies (C)
- Electrical and Communications Engineering Technology (A)
- Civil Engineering Technology (A)
- Architectural Engineering (A)
- Mechanical Drafting and Mechanical Drafting cad (A)
- Automation Engineer Technician (A, C)
- Solar Energy Technology (C)
- Electromechanical Technology (A)
- Environmental Control Technologies
- Manufacturing Engineering Technician
- Automotive Engineering
- Mechanical Technology Technician
Ethnic Cultural and Gender Studies
Family and Consumer Sciences
- Child Care Provider (C)
- Consumer Merchandising and Management (C)
- Facilities Planning and Management
- Child Care
Foreign Languages and Literature
- Foreign Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics (C)
- Language Interpretation and Translation
Health and Clinical Professions
- Nursing Assistant (C)
- EMT & Paramedic (C)
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) (C)
- Nursing (A)
- Veterinary Assistant (A)
- Medical Assistant (C)
- Dental Hygienist (A)
- Dental Assistant (C)
- Optometric Technician (C)
- Mental Health Technician (A)
- Respiratory Therapy (A)
- Radiology Technician (A, C)
- Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA) (A)
- Surgical Technologist (C)
- Medical Lab Technician (A)
- Massage Therapy (C)
- Medical Executive Assistant (A, C)
- Physical Therapist Assistant (A)
- Medical Insurance Biller (C)
- Medical Insurance Coding (C)
- Medical Laboratory Assistance (C)
- Medical Transcription
- Medical Reception
- Polysomnography
- Phlebotomy
- Health Aide
- Dietetic Technician
- Dietetics and Clinical Nutrition Services
Interdisciplinary Studies
Legal Professions and Studies
- Paralegal (A, C)
- Court Reporting (A)
Liberal Arts and Sciences
- Liberal Arts (A)
Mechanic and Repair Technology
- Auto Mechanic (A, C)
- Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology (C)
- Heating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) (C)
- Industrial Mechanics (C)
- Auto Body (C)
- Heavy Equipment Maintenance Technology (C)
- Diesel Mechanic (A)
- Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair
Personal and Culinary Services
- Cosmetology (C)
- Culinary Arts (A)
- Baking And Pastry (C)
- Food Preparation and Professional Cooking (C)
- Barber
- Restaurant and Catering Management
- Personal and Culinary Services
Precision Production
Public Administration and Social Services
Recreation and Fitness Studies
- Physical Fitness Technician (C)
- Parks and Recreation Management (A)
- Health and Physical Education, Fitness
Science Technology
- Biology Technician, Biotechnology Laboratory Technician (A, C)
Security and Protective Services
- Police Science (A, C)
- Fire Science (A, C)
- Computer Forensics and Counterterrorism (C)
- Homeland Security (C)
- Fire Prevention
- Fire Protection
Visual and Performing Arts
- Graphic Design (A)
- Commercial Photography (A)
- Design and Visual Communications (A)
- Interior Design (A)
- Commercial and Advertising Art
Other Community Colleges Nearby
The list of nearby schools has been selected by researching which schools offer similar programs to Madison Area Technical College.
- Blackhawk Technical College in Janesville, WI (40 miles away)
- Waukesha County Technical College in Pewaukee, WI (54 miles away)
- Rock Valley College in Rockford, IL (59 miles away)
- Highland Community College - Freeport in Freeport, IL (60 miles away)
- Moraine Park Technical College in Fond du Lac, WI (65 miles away)