A new statewide survey shows growing confidence in Wisconsin’s technical colleges – including Gateway Technical College – with two-thirds of Wisconsin residents holding a favorable opinion of the Wisconsin Technical College System and its colleges.

The findings underscore the critical role technical colleges play in providing affordable, high-quality education that meets the needs of students and employers across the state.

“These latest survey results show the value our community places on high-quality, affordable education provided by the college,” said Gateway Technical College Interim President and CEO Morgan Phillips. “At Gateway, we see this firsthand through our industry partnerships, expanded outreach in local schools and programs – such as the Gateway Promise program – when we meet people where they are, remove barriers and connect more individuals to the better opportunities and family-sustaining careers they deserve.”

In the WTCS survey:

• 66 percent of Wisconsin residents have a favorable opinion of WTCS, an increase from 52 percent in 2022.
• 76 percent said they believe the state benefits from the education technical colleges provide, an increase from 71 percent in 2022.
• 78 percent said higher education is a significant investment, and students and families must consider long-term costs when choosing a college.
• 76 percent say not all students benefit from a four-year college education, an increase from 71 percent in 2022.

Gateway has worked hard to ensure its labs and training facilities provide opportunities for the experiential learning the college has become known for and what students seek when they enroll at the college. The most recent graduate survey shows that 95 percent of Gateway’s graduates say they are satisfied with the education they received at the college.