Mid-State Technical College earns strong public support in latest statewide survey

A new statewide survey shows growing confidence in Wisconsin’s technical colleges, with two-thirds of Wisconsin residents holding a favorable opinion of the Wisconsin Technical College System (WTCS) and its colleges, including Mid-State Technical College. The results reinforce the role technical colleges play in delivering affordable, high-quality education aligned with workforce and employer needs across the state.

The findings come from the Wisconsin Technical College System’s Statewide Public Perception Survey, a blind online survey conducted May 22–June 12, 2025, among 2,308 Wisconsin adults. The survey was administered by Flamingo Hill Consulting and offers insight into public perceptions of WTCS, higher education pathways and workforce priorities.

Survey respondents cited affordability, transfer opportunities and strong recommendations from others as key contributors to WTCS’s positive reputation. Residents consistently associate technical colleges with real-world value, employment outcomes and cost-effective education.

Key statewide highlights include:

• 66% of Wisconsin residents have a favorable opinion of WTCS, up from 52% in 2022.
• 76% believe the state benefits from the education technical colleges provide, an increase from 71% in 2022.
• 78% agree that higher education is a significant investment, and students and families must consider long-term costs when choosing a college.
• 76% agree not all students benefit from a four-year college education, up from 71% in 2022.
• 64% see technical colleges as a strong option for students planning to transfer to a four-year public college or university, up from 60% in 2022.

“These results affirm what we see every day at Mid-State—our communities value practical, affordable education that leads to real opportunities,” said Dr. Shelly Mondeik, president of Mid-State Technical College. “We are proud to prepare students not just for their first job, but for long-term success in a rapidly changing workforce, while remaining deeply connected to the needs of the employers and communities we serve.”

At Mid-State Technical College, this public confidence is reflected in measurable regional impact. A recent economic impact analysis shows Mid-State contributes $180 million annually to the regional economy and supports 2,585 jobs across Adams, Portage and Wood counties.

Mid-State Technical College will continue to expand access to education, strengthen employer partnerships and support student success to meet the evolving workforce needs of central Wisconsin and the state.