Academic Programs & Learning

Explore academic rigor, student retention, and distance education at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in Fennimore, WI.

What About Academic Quality at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College?

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

13:1

Average students per faculty member

👨‍🏫

Full-Time Retention

72%

Students continuing to second year

📈

Part-Time Retention

59%

Part-time students continuing

📊

How Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Compares

A 72% full-time retention rate puts Southwest Wisconsin Technical College above the typical trade-college range, where 50–65% is more common. The 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio reinforces the pattern: students are sticking around, and instructional capacity is structured to keep them engaged. Part-time retention runs at 59%, useful context for students balancing work and study.

Understanding Academic Quality Metrics

Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 13:1 means there are approximately 13 students for every faculty member. This low ratio typically allows for more individualized attention and smaller class sizes.

Retention Rates: These show the percentage of students who return for their second year. Higher retention rates typically indicate student satisfaction, academic support, and program quality.

Graduation Rate Survey Cohort: 19% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.

Who Teaches at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College?

Total Teaching Staff
72
Instructional faculty
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Students per instructor
Faculty Diversity
1%
Underrepresented minorities

Tenure Status

Tenured (100%) Non-Tenure (100%) Other

Academic Ranks

Instructors & Lecturers 72

Understanding Faculty Composition

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College's teaching staff of 72 includes faculty at various academic ranks. Tenured professors make up 100% of instructional staff. The mix of ranked faculty and instructors supports diverse learning experiences.

Where Do Online Students at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Come From?

Geographic distribution of students enrolled exclusively in online courses (Fall 2024 census)

Exclusively Online
617
of 2,849 total (21.7%)
Some Online Courses
458
of 2,849 total (16.1%)

Where exclusively-online students are located

Same state (WI) 540 (87.5%)
Other US states 77 (12.5%)
ℹ️

About this data: The geographic breakdown above uses IPEDS Fall Enrollment census data, which captures a single-day snapshot. The enrollment figures in the "How Do Students Learn?" section above use 12-month unduplicated headcount, which typically shows higher numbers as it covers the full academic year. Both are official IPEDS data — they measure different things.

88% of Southwest Wisconsin Technical College's exclusively online students are located in WI. An additional 12% study from other US states.

What Is the Academic Load at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College?

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis

1,256
Total FTE
1,256
Undergraduate FTE

FTE Analysis

Study Intensity:44.1% FTE ratio indicates many students attend part-time

Academic Load: FTE represents the equivalent of full-time students based on credit hours, helping compare institutional capacity regardless of part-time enrollment.

The FTE calculation at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College provides a normalized enrollment figure — useful for understanding how many students are engaged on a full-time basis.

How Intensively Do Students Study at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College?

Student Enrollment Intensity

The Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) ratio shows the average course load intensity. An FTE ratio of 1.0 means all students attend full-time, while lower values indicate more part-time enrollment.

44.1%
FTE Ratio
Intensity LevelLow

Predominantly part-time students, designed for maximum scheduling flexibility and adult learners.

Undergraduate FTE
1,256
Total FTE
1,256
Headcount
2,849

FTE represents student enrollment adjusted for course load. Two half-time students equal 1 FTE.

FTE Ratio Scale

< 0.5
Low
0.5-0.65
Mod-Low
0.65-0.8
Moderate
0.8-0.95
High
≥ 0.95
Very High

A 0.44 FTE-to-headcount ratio at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College reflects the mix of full-time and part-time enrollment. Higher values indicate more full-time students.

Academic Support & Resources

Academic Advising

Students have access to academic advisors who can help with course selection, degree planning, and career guidance. Contact the admissions office to learn about advising services.

Student Success Services

Many institutions offer tutoring, study groups, and academic success workshops. These resources help students develop study skills and overcome academic challenges.

For detailed information about academic support services, tutoring hours, and learning resources, contact Southwest Wisconsin Technical College directly at 6088223262 or visit their website .

Key Academic Highlights

  • Student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1 supports personalized learning
  • 72 instructional staff with 100% holding tenured positions
  • Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
  • Online students from WI and beyond (12% out-of-state)

Ready to Learn More About Academics at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College?

Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.

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