Moraine Park Technical College Sees 11% Rise in Enrollment Amid Statewide Decline

Moraine Park Technical College in Fond du Lac saw an 11% increase in enrollment in the past two years. September 5, 2024. PC: Fox 11 Online

FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Moraine Park Technical College in Fond du Lac is looking towards a bright future, thanks to continued increasing enrollment.

Between 2022 and 2024, the campus saw an increase of more than 360 students, which equates to an 11% rise.

President Bonnie Baerward says the increase is due to a change in perception around technical colleges. “Parents and students are recognizing that affordability is something that is of high interest and of priority to them,” she said.

Baerward was asked about what kind of impact the closure of UWO Fond du Lac had on MPTC enrollment rates.

“I think the closure has some impact, but it’s not as significant, I don’t think, as maybe your listeners and followers intend,” Baerward replied. “I would say that, a headcount, we’ve probably seen maybe 30 to 40 new students from the UW Fond du Lac campus closure.”

Baerward says they don’t look at schools like UWO Fond du Lac as competitors.

“Quite frankly, our competitors are employers, because they need bodies to fill their workforce,” she said. “I think we’re successful because we’re building out pathways that are accessible and affordable and available in modalities that make sense for working adults.”

Student Robert Greuel agrees. “I have three kids and I work a full-time job, so it’s much more easy for me to manage as a father and kind of, my family,” he said.

Greuel said the different approach is perfect for him.

“More honed in programs,” he explained. “When I went to university in the past, I had to take a lot of general [education] classes that didn’t really apply to what I was going for at the time. Here, I can take the class that I need for the certifications that I am looking to get. And, much cheaper,” Greuel said.

Moraine Park Technical College says new apprenticeship programs in healthcare, culinary arts and IT will provide students with an “earn and learn” option.