Fox Valley Technical College is launching a high school transfer program. PC: Fox 11 Online
GRAND CHUTE, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) is expanding its university transfer program.
High school students can now earn up to 27 credits through the college as part of the University Transfer Degree Academy, which launches in fall 2025.
The college began offering transfer credits eight years ago but only launched its Associate of Arts (A.A.) and Associate of Science (A.S.) degree programs in January 2023. They have transfer guarantees with UW-Oshkosh, UW-Green Bay, Ripon College, Marian University and Lakeland University. Credits may transfer to other institutions.
The increased program offering comes in the wake of UW-Oshkosh at Fox Cities’ closing, though not necessarily because of its closing.
“For students who might have considered going there in the past,” said Turi Suski, Math Instructor and Faculty Mentor at Fox Valley Technical College, “this is a natural replacement for that.”
Dr. Marcus Lewis, FVTC’s associate dean of general studies, spearheaded the efforts.
“The two-year campuses are really important opportunities for students to get some of that college experience without needing to move super far away,” said Lewis. “Our community – Appleton, Neenah, Menasha, Oshkosh, etc., being served by [UW-Oshkosh at Fox Cities], that is going to create more of a need in this area.”
Lewis said more students are looking for alternative options to the traditional four-year university experience.
The total cost is $5,500, about $204 per credit. While no school districts have partnered with the college yet, they may choose to subsidize costs for students within their district.
Fox Valley Technical College now offers nearly 50 university transfer courses, all at a lower rate than the average Universities of Wisconsin institution.
“Students shouldn’t have to choose between creating a meaningful pathway to employment or crippling debt that they carry for the rest of our lives,” said Lewis.
Instructors have written curriculums and made many adjustments in the first few years of the transfer degree programs, but the cost remains the major draw for students.
“I saw how affordable each class was,” said student Connor Pitterle, currently enrolled in the Associate of Science program. “It really encouraged me, gave me motivation to go back to school and choose this program.”
The University Transfer Degree Academy will add up to 23 students to the nearly 400 enrolled in the general studies program.
The transfer degree academy for high school students provides one additional pathway for Fox Valley students concerned by rising costs of higher education.
Students in the academy will take four classes each semester; as part of the academy, students are required to take all eight classes. The 13-credit fall course load includes general anatomy and physiology, speech, microeconomics and think critically and creatively. Attendees will take college algebra and trigonometry, Native American history, introduction to sociology and principles of sustainability in the spring, a total of 14 credits. Seniors and eligible juniors will be permitted to enroll.
Classes, all in person, will be held at the main campus in Appleton, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 12 noon on Friday in fall and 8:30 a.m. to 12 noon Monday through Friday in spring. Students must apply by May 1.
FVTC also has high school academies in automotive systems, automation and firefighting.
To learn more information, students are encouraged to go to fvtc.edu/academies or email k12partnerships@fvtc.edu.
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