For many students, returning to school means balancing far more than coursework alone. One student may walk into class uncertain about returning to education after years in the workforce. Another may balance family responsibilities while training for a healthcare career. A recent graduate may accept a position close to home after completing a program connected to local employment opportunities.
Those experiences are reflected in Northwood Technical College’s recent student satisfaction and graduate follow-up survey results, which highlight strong student experiences, career preparation and workforce outcomes across northwestern Wisconsin.
The surveys gathered feedback from current students and recent graduates, providing insight into what students value most about their educational experience and how that experience translates into career success after graduation. The Graduate Follow-Up Survey received responses from 972 graduates, representing a 72% response rate and providing a comprehensive look at employment outcomes, satisfaction and career preparation among recent graduates.
Finding Support and Opportunity
A nationally recognized Student Satisfaction Inventory completed by 371 Northwood Tech students found that supportive faculty and staff, practical learning experiences and student-centered services continue to be among the college’s greatest strengths.
Students identified knowledgeable instructors, caring staff, academic support services and welcoming campus environments among the aspects of their experience they value most. Students also highlighted opportunities for intellectual growth, practical application of classroom learning and access to resources designed to help them succeed throughout their educational journey.
The survey also reflects the realities many students face while pursuing their education. Seventy-nine percent of respondents reported working either full time or part time while attending Northwood Tech, balancing employment alongside coursework and other responsibilities.
For many students, those experiences help create a sense of belonging throughout their educational journey.
One student described their experience this way:
“My experience at Northwood Tech was amazing. All my instructors were so kind and always willing to help and wanted me to succeed. I also loved the student life aspect that they offered. We always had fun events going on that got everyone involved.”
Another student pointed to both personal and academic growth during their time at the college.
“My time at the college has been incredibly valuable, both academically and personally. The supportive faculty, well-structured courses and access to resources like the library, tutoring services and career counseling have played a major role in my growth. I’ve gained not only knowledge in my field but also essential life skills like time management, critical thinking and teamwork. The campus environment has been welcoming and inclusive, which made it easier to connect with peers and feel a sense of belonging.”
The survey findings suggest those experiences are shared by many students across Northwood Tech’s campuses and learning environments. Those positive experiences often continue after graduation. Ninety-seven percent of graduates reported they would recommend Northwood Tech to a friend or family member, reflecting the confidence many students have in the education and support they received during their time at the college.
An EMT-Paramedic instructor works with a student during an emergency medical simulation using Northwood Tech’s training ambulance.
Turning Education into Careers
Student satisfaction is only part of the story. Graduate outcomes provide another measure of Northwood Tech’s impact.
According to Northwood Tech’s 2024-25 Graduate Follow-Up Survey, 90% of graduates in the labor market reported being employed within six months of graduation. Among employed graduates, 71% reported working in a field related to their training.
Graduates working full time in positions related to their field of study reported an average annual salary of $57,166.
Many students enroll at Northwood Tech with career-focused goals in mind. More than 60% of graduates said they attended Northwood Tech to prepare for a job, make a career change or improve their existing job skills, underscoring the college’s role in helping students achieve professional goals at various stages of life.
The survey also highlighted strong outcomes across a variety of career fields. Programs with some of the highest reported average annual salaries included nursing, truck driving, welding, EMT-paramedic and criminal justice law enforcement.
Together, the results suggest that students are not only gaining knowledge and skills in the classroom but are also finding opportunities to apply those skills in meaningful careers after graduation.
Strengthening Communities Across the Region
The impact of those outcomes extends beyond individual students.
Among graduates who provided employment location information, 64% reported working within Northwood Tech’s 11-county district, while another 11% were employed elsewhere in Wisconsin. Those results highlight the role Northwood Tech plays in supporting the workforce needs of businesses, organizations and communities its graduates call home.
Graduate earnings have also shown steady growth over time. The average annual salary reported by graduates working full time in positions related to their training increased from $46,453 for the 2020-21 graduating class to $57,166 for the 2024-25 graduating class, reflecting continued demand for skilled workers across many industries.
Susan Lockwood, vice president of strategy, innovation and technology at Northwood Tech, said the results reflect the college’s Students First mission and its commitment to supporting learners from enrollment through career success.
“Student and graduate feedback provides valuable insight into the impact of a Northwood Tech education. These results show that students feel supported throughout their educational journey and that graduates are finding meaningful career opportunities after completing their programs. As workforce needs continue to evolve, this feedback helps guide our efforts to ensure students are prepared for success while strengthening the communities we serve.”
As Northwood Tech continues to adapt to changing student and workforce needs, survey results provide valuable insight into what students are experiencing, where graduates are finding success and how education continues to support communities across northwestern Wisconsin.
For students, graduates and employers alike, those outcomes reflect the lasting impact of education that extends beyond the classroom, creating opportunities for personal growth, career success and stronger communities throughout the region.
Top-Earning Programs
Average annual salaries reported by graduates employed full time in related fields
- Nursing Associate Degree — $80,248
- Truck Driving — $72,005
- Welding — $65,056
- EMT-Paramedic Technician — $63,674
- Criminal Justice Law Enforcement — $62,047
Includes programs with at least three graduates employed full time in positions related to their training who reported earnings.
