Northwood Technical College vs Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC)

Northwood Technical College and Chippewa Valley Technical College, both esteemed institutions in Wisconsin, offer diverse educational opportunities for students seeking higher education. While they share a commitment to providing quality education, they differ in several key aspects. Northwood Technical College boasts a higher acceptance rate, making it a more accessible option for students. Chippewa Valley Technical College, on the other hand, has a slightly higher graduation rate, indicating a strong focus on student success. Explore the detailed comparison table below to delve into further distinctions, including popular majors, student body demographics, and additional factors that may influence your decision. Discover which college aligns best with your academic goals and aspirations.

	Chippewa Valley Technical College	Northwood Technical College
Overview
Location	Eau Claire, Wisconsin	Shell Lake, Wisconsin
Campus setting	City: Small	Rural: Distant
College type	2 year	2 year
Control/business model	Public	Public
Calendar system	Semester	Semester
Degrees offered	Undergraduate	Undergraduate
Students retention rate	64.0%	67.0%
Common app member	No	No
Religious affiliation

Admission
Acceptance rate	Open Admission	Open Admission
Application fees	$30	$30
SAT range	N/A	N/A
ACT range	N/A	N/A
Students submitting SAT score
Students submitting ACT score
Total number of applicants
Total number of admissions given out
Admitted students who chose to enroll
Yield rate
Test scores (SAT/ACT)
High school GPA	N/A	N/A
Recommendation letters	N/A	N/A
High school transcript	N/A	N/A
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL)	N/A	N/A

Tuition and Fees
Sticker price	In state: $18,112 Out of state: $20,227	In state: $18,446 Out of state: $20,506
Average net price	$10,220	$11,008
Tuition	In state: $4,230 Out of state: $6,345	In state: $4,570 Out of state: $6,630
Room & board
Available payment plans	Tuition payment plan	Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid
Students receiving financial aid (Grants & scholarships)	44.0% Average amount $5,263	68.0% Average amount $4,875
Students receiving federal student loan	44.0% Average amount $5,348	43.0% Average amount $4,547
Students taking out private loans	1.0% Average amount $10,405	1.0% Average amount $6,034

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students	6,998 Men 42.9% Women 57.1%	2,656 Men 37.1% Women 62.9%
Graduate students	N/A	N/A
Racial/ethnic diversity	Very Low	Very Low
Out-of-state students	N/A	7.3%
International students	0.1%	N/A
Campus local/setting	City: Small	Rural: Distant
Dormitory capacity	N/A	N/A
First year students are required to live on campus?	N/A	N/A
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from	N/A	Wisconsin Minnesota Michigan

Academics
Popular study areas	Health Professions Business Computer and Information Science Automotive Technology Law Enforcement and Firefighting	Health Professions Business Precision Production Computer and Information Science Automotive Technology
Students to faculty ratio	12:1	7:1
Institutional accreditation	Higher Learning Commission	Higher Learning Commission

Outcome
Graduation rate	41.2%	58.1%
Dropout rate	41.5%	30.4%
Transferred out	11.4%	3.5%
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)	Electrical and Power Transmission Installers (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $59,720 Year 2: $67,899 Year 3: $79,167 Electromechanical Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $56,668 Year 2: $58,479 Year 3: $64,951 Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $56,972 Year 2: $54,224 Year 3: $57,011 Heavy/Industrial Equipment Maintenance Technologies (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $55,073 Year 2: $47,930 Year 3: $55,777 Criminal Justice and Corrections (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $50,103 Year 2: $50,022 Year 3: $53,418 Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $56,756 Year 2: $50,970 Year 3: $53,105 Dental Support Services and Allied Professions (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $49,999 Year 2: $49,436 Year 3: $52,878 Civil Engineering Technologies/Technicians (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $47,260 Year 3: $50,283 Precision Metal Working (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $44,951 Year 2: $44,126 Year 3: $46,848 Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $45,340 Year 2: $39,009 Year 3: $46,725	Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $57,203 Year 2: $50,930 Year 3: $53,774 Precision Metal Working (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $40,582 Year 2: $34,603 Year 3: $39,922 Business Operations Support and Assistant Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $27,659 Year 2: $30,228 Year 3: $35,564 Accounting and Related Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: N/A Year 2: $27,874 Year 3: $32,557 Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $20,810 Year 2: N/A Year 3: $30,769 Business Administration, Management and Operations (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $31,134 Year 2: $29,685 Year 3: $30,488 Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $30,858 Year 2: $31,423 Year 3: $27,504 Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services (Undergraduate Certificates or Diplomas) Year 1: $20,032 Year 2: $17,859 Year 3: $22,493 Computer and Information Sciences, General (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $43,301 Year 2: N/A Year 3: N/A Human Development, Family Studies, and Related Services (Associate's Degrees) Year 1: $22,353 Year 2: $20,824 Year 3: N/A

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary differences in the geographic locations of Northwood Technical College and Chippewa Valley Technical College?

Northwood Technical College primarily serves the northwestern region of Wisconsin, with campuses and learning centers in Ashland, New Richmond, Rice Lake, and Superior. Chippewa Valley Technical College (CVTC) is located in west-central Wisconsin, with its main campus in Eau Claire and additional campuses in Chippewa Falls, Menomonie, Neillsville, and River Falls. This means that depending on where you live in Wisconsin, one college might be more conveniently located than the other.
How do the program offerings compare between Northwood Technical College and Chippewa Valley Technical College?

Both colleges offer a wide range of technical and vocational programs. However, the specific programs available can vary. CVTC generally has a broader selection of programs, including more specialized options. It's best to check the individual program listings on each college's website to see which one offers the specific program you are interested in. Both colleges offer programs in areas like healthcare, business, and manufacturing, but the depth and breadth of these programs may differ.
Are there any differences in the tuition and fees between Northwood Technical College and Chippewa Valley Technical College?

Tuition and fees are generally comparable between the two colleges, as they are both part of the Wisconsin Technical College System. However, it's always a good idea to check the most current tuition rates on each college's website, as they can be subject to change. Financial aid options, including grants and scholarships, are available at both institutions to help offset the cost of education.
What are the class sizes like at Northwood Technical College versus Chippewa Valley Technical College?

Both colleges are known for their smaller class sizes, which allow for more personalized attention from instructors. This is a common feature of technical colleges. While specific class sizes can vary by program, you can generally expect a more intimate learning environment compared to larger universities. Contacting the specific program departments at each college can provide more detailed information on average class sizes.
How do the student support services compare at Northwood Technical College and Chippewa Valley Technical College?

Both colleges offer a comprehensive range of student support services, including academic advising, career services, tutoring, and disability services. The specific resources and the way they are delivered may vary slightly. CVTC, being a larger institution, might have a more extensive network of support services. However, Northwood Technical College also provides robust support to its students. It's recommended to explore the student services sections of each college's website to see which best meets your needs.
Is there a difference in the accreditation status of Northwood Technical College and Chippewa Valley Technical College?

Both Northwood Technical College and Chippewa Valley Technical College are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC). This accreditation ensures that both institutions meet rigorous standards for quality and educational effectiveness. Therefore, you can be confident in the quality of education you will receive at either college.
How do the graduation rates and job placement rates compare between the two colleges?

Both Northwood Technical College and Chippewa Valley Technical College have strong graduation and job placement rates, reflecting the focus on career-oriented education. While specific numbers can fluctuate year to year, both colleges consistently demonstrate high rates of graduates finding employment in their fields of study. You can often find the most recent data on each college's website or in their annual reports.
What are the opportunities for online learning at Northwood Technical College and Chippewa Valley Technical College?

Both colleges offer online learning options, providing flexibility for students. The availability of online programs and courses varies. CVTC generally offers a wider selection of online programs and courses. Check the online course catalogs of both colleges to determine which one offers the online programs that align with your educational goals.
How do the campus facilities and resources compare?

Both colleges invest in their facilities and resources to support student learning. CVTC, being a larger institution, may have more extensive facilities, including specialized labs and equipment. However, Northwood Technical College also provides modern facilities and resources to support its programs. The best way to assess this is to visit the campuses or view virtual tours on their websites, if available, to see which environment best suits your needs.
Which college is better for me, Northwood Technical College or Chippewa Valley Technical College?

The 'better' college depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider factors such as program availability, location, campus culture, and specific support services. If you are looking for a wider selection of programs and are located in west-central Wisconsin, CVTC might be a better fit. If you are in northwestern Wisconsin, Northwood Technical College might be more convenient. Research the programs you are interested in at each college, and consider visiting the campuses to get a feel for the environment. Ultimately, the best choice is the one that aligns with your educational and career goals.

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