Page 63 - 2015 Compass Now

Figure 14: Quality of Higher Education in the Community

Poor
3% Fair

12%

Good
44%

Excellent
41%

Source: COMPASS NOW 2015 Random Household Survey EDUCATION

Western Technical College is state technical college and part of the Wisconsin Technical College System
(WTCS). The system was created over 100 years ago to meet the training and education needs of specific
regions throughout the state. Western’s main campus is in La Crosse, but classes are offered throughout
the region, including Black River Falls, Independence, Mauston, Sparta, Tomah, and Viroqua. Western offers
more than 60 programs of study, including associate’s degrees, technical diplomas, and certificates, as well
as employment skills training.

The mission of the college is to provide relevant, high-quality education in a cooperative and sustainable
environment that changes the lives of students and grows the communities that they serve.

Traditional students and adults returning to school choose Western for its programming and lower tuition
costs. The goal is to keep tuition affordable while maintaining quality education and relevant technology.
One way in which Western keeps education more affordable for students is its ability to transfer credits
through articulation agreements, which allow students to complete an academic program or general
education course at Western, and transfer those credits to another institution to complete their studies.
Whatever the ultimate path of education or the investment, Western positively impacts the lives of its
students. According to a six-month graduate follow-up survey:

• 93% of 2012 graduates had a job within six months of graduation
• 76% were employed in Western’s district, and 87% were employed in Wisconsin
• 98% of graduates were satisfied or very satisfied with the education they received
• 34% were continuing their education

Globe University opened in 2009 and is located in Onalaska, Wisconsin. La Crosse Globe University
(GU-La Crosse) is a member of the Globe Education Network (GEN). GEN consists of Globe University,
Minnesota School of Business, Broadview University, Minnesota School of Cosmetology, The Institute
of Production and Recording, and Duluth Business University. These private, for-profit school systems
work together through a consortium agreement to provide students with easy transferability of credits if
relocating, as well as increased options for course selection through online offerings.

The GU-La Crosse campus population is mostly centered in health science programs (Medical Assistant,
Medical Administrative Assistant, Massage Therapy, and Veterinary Technology). Together, these programs
comprise 53% of the total student population and account for over 50% of the faculty employed at the
GU-La Crosse campus. The business, accounting, legal, information technology (IT), and criminal justice

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