State School Rankings

Best Auto Mechanic Schools In Wisconsin Ranked For 2026

Explore 16 automotive schools in Wisconsin, with certificate and degree options, tuition, and facts about automotive training.

Edited By Taylor RupeUpdated September 8, 2026 · Our Methodology

Wisconsin geographic illustration for the best auto mechanic schools in Wisconsin guide — Wisconsin · Geographic Illustration

Schools Compared: 16
Annual Tuition From: $4,111
Wisconsin Median Pay: $54,350
Wisconsin Employment: 12,270

The best auto mechanic schools in Wisconsin include 16 schools and 34 automotive certificate and degree options. The programs report 583 awards in 2023-24. Wisconsin's May 2025 BLS OEWS median wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics was $54,350.

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College in Fennimore reports a 66% schoolwide graduation rate, $4,485 annual in-state tuition, and six awards. Fox Valley Technical College in Appleton reports 46 awards, a 65% rate, and the same tuition across certificates and associate degrees. Moraine Park Technical College reports 13 awards, a 58% rate, and $4,462 tuition.

Compare The Best Auto Mechanic Schools In Wisconsin

Ranked schools receive a comparison score from automotive credential awards (50%), annual institution-wide tuition (30%), and schoolwide graduation rate (20%). These measures help compare reported scale, cost, and institutional completion. Read The Full Ranking Method.

School	Location	Annual In-State Tuition	Automotive Awards
Waukesha County Technical College	Pewaukee, WI	$4,485	88
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College	Green Bay, WI	$4,485	58
Fox Valley Technical College	Appleton, WI	$4,485	46
Gateway Technical College	Kenosha, WI	$4,485	40
Milwaukee Area Technical College	Mequon, WI	$4,485	105
Western Technical College	La Crosse, WI	$4,462	65
Chippewa Valley Technical College	Eau Claire, WI	$4,485	35
Northwood Technical College	Rice Lake, WI	$4,485	30
Mid-State Technical College	Wisconsin Rapids, WI	$4,339	16
Moraine Park Technical College	Fond du Lac, WI	$4,462	13
Southwest Wisconsin Technical College	Fennimore, WI	$4,485	6
Nicolet Area Technical College	Rhinelander, WI	$4,455	9
Northcentral Technical College	Wausau, WI	$4,485	8
Lakeshore Technical College	Cleveland, WI	$4,485	5
Blackhawk Technical College	Janesville, WI	$4,111	6
Madison Area Technical CollegeWisconsin And Minnesota Applicants With Waitlist Priority Rules	Madison, WI	$4,485	53

Tuition is the institution’s annual undergraduate figure for 2024–25, excluding fees, tools, housing, and other expenses. Awards are credentials reported in 2023–24, not a count of unique graduates. Blank cells indicate an omitted measure.

Pewaukee, WI

Waukesha County Technical College

64.9Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

A Daytime AAS With A Local Shop Internship

WCTC fits students who want workplace training within a general automotive degree and can plan for the published Fall 2027 intake.

Waukesha County Technical College’s Automotive Technology General Option is a 60-credit, two-year AAS taught on campus during the day. It includes a technical internship at an area dealership or repair shop and opportunities for ASE student and refrigerant credentials. The current application schedule accepts Fall 2027 entrants and says Spring 2027 applications are closed.

Annual In-State Tuition: $4,485
Automotive Awards: 88
Schoolwide Graduation: 44%

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026

Degree And Attendance: The General Option requires 60 credits over two years, with on-campus daytime instruction.
Waukesha County Automotive Technology General Option
Current Application Window: Fall 2027 applications opened September 1, 2026 and are due June 7, 2027. The page says Spring 2027 is not accepting applications and the program cannot begin in summer.
Waukesha County Automotive Technology General Option
Technical Internship: Students complete an internship at a local automotive dealership or repair shop.
Waukesha County Automotive Technology General Option
Student Certification Opportunities: Students can earn all eight ASE automobile student certifications and the EPA 609 Refrigerant Recycling certification.
Waukesha County Automotive Technology General Option
Required Equipment: Students need a qualifying PC laptop or Android tablet, safety glasses, and electrical-hazard-rated, slip-resistant safety-toe footwear.
Waukesha County Automotive Technology General Option

Explore Waukesha County Technical College Federal School Record ↗

Green Bay, WI

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

63.8Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Enter Through The Diploma And Add The Associate Degree

NWTC suits students who want a clear diploma-first admission route and can attend daytime full-time courses organized into shorter blocks.

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College’s Automotive Technology associate degree takes two years and 66 credits in Green Bay. New students first apply to the technical diploma, then add the associate degree while enrolled. Daytime full-time study uses eight-week course blocks and extends into diesel fuel technology, advanced vehicle manufacturing technology, and vehicle computer controls.

Annual In-State Tuition: $4,485
Automotive Awards: 58
Schoolwide Graduation: 51%

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026

Degree And Delivery: The associate degree requires 66 credits over two years at Green Bay, with full-time daytime instruction.
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Automotive Technology
Admission Sequence: New students apply to the technical diploma program first and may add the associate degree while attending.
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Automotive Technology
Diploma Credit Transfer: All credits from NWTC’s Automotive Technician diploma apply to this associate degree; portions of its maintenance diploma and Service Writer certificate also apply.
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Automotive Technology
Advanced Technical Courses: The degree plan includes Advanced Vehicle Manufacturing Technology, Diesel Fuel Technology, and Vehicle Computer Controlled Systems, arranged within eight-week course blocks.
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Automotive Technology

Explore Northeast Wisconsin Technical College Federal School Record ↗

Appleton, WI

Fox Valley Technical College

63.2Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

An Appleton Diploma With Tools Provided

Fox Valley suits students who want broad vehicle-repair training with on-campus tools supplied and can plan around the longer spring-entry sequence.

Fox Valley Technical College offers a 55-credit Automotive and Light Duty Truck Technician diploma at Appleton. Students use college-provided tools on campus while learning diagnosis, engine testing and rebuilding, and service across late-model vehicle systems. A spring start requires five consecutive semesters, including summer, which makes entry timing an important scheduling choice.

Annual In-State Tuition: $4,485
Automotive Awards: 46
Schoolwide Graduation: 65%

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026

Credential And Location: The Automotive and Light Duty Truck Technician technical diploma requires 55 credits at Appleton.
Fox Valley Automotive And Light Duty Truck Technician
Spring-Entry Schedule: Students who start in spring complete five consecutive semesters, including summer.
Fox Valley Automotive And Light Duty Truck Technician
Tools On Campus: FVTC provides tools for students to use while on campus.
Fox Valley Automotive And Light Duty Truck Technician
Admission Assessment: The academic assessment can be met or waived through specified qualifications, including a high school GPA of at least 2.75 or completion of an associate degree or higher.
Fox Valley Automotive And Light Duty Truck Technician

Explore Fox Valley Technical College Federal School Record ↗

Kenosha, WI

Gateway Technical College

58.5Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

An Associate Degree At A Dedicated Transportation Center

Gateway fits students who want a transportation-focused campus, structured electronic learning resources, and a route from shorter automotive awards into an associate degree.

Gateway Technical College’s 65-credit Automotive Technology associate degree begins in fall at the Horizon Center for Transportation Technology. A fully equipped shop provides lifts and Snap-on diagnostic and repair tools, while Electude supports technical instruction online. Students can earn shorter credentials along the way and prepare for ASE and NC3 certifications.

Annual In-State Tuition: $4,485
Automotive Awards: 40
Schoolwide Graduation: 51%

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026

Degree And Start: The associate degree requires 65 credits, is offered at the Horizon Center, and lists a fall start.
Gateway Technical College Automotive Technology
Shop And Learning Equipment: The automotive lab includes lifts and Snap-on diagnostic and repair equipment. Electude supplies an online automotive training resource.
Gateway Technical College Automotive Technology
Credentials Along The Path: The pathway includes an Automotive Under Car Technician certificate and an Automotive Maintenance Technician technical diploma before the Automotive Technology associate degree.
Gateway Technical College Automotive Technology
Certification Preparation: The program prepares students for ASE Automotive and NC3 certifications, including credentials involving brakes and electrical systems.
Gateway Technical College Automotive Technology

Explore Gateway Technical College Federal School Record ↗

Mequon, WI

Milwaukee Area Technical College

58.0Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

An Associate Degree Requiring A Dealership Sponsor

MATC fits students ready to secure a dealership training relationship and combine repeated applied experience with either manufacturer-focused or comprehensive repair study.

Milwaukee Area Technical College teaches its 62-credit Automotive Technology Comprehensive AAS in person at Mequon. Students need a dealership sponsor for applied automotive experience, with workplace courses appearing in each main semester. Ford ASSET, Mopar CAP, and a comprehensive repair route provide different training emphases, while an embedded light-repair diploma marks an earlier credential stage.

Annual In-State Tuition: $4,485
Automotive Awards: 105
Schoolwide Graduation: 25%

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026

Credits And Teaching Campus: The two-year associate program requires 62 credits and is offered in person at Mequon, with August and October starts listed.
Milwaukee Area Technical College Automotive Technology Comprehensive
Sponsorship Requirement: Applicants need a high school diploma or equivalent and a dealership sponsor to provide applied automotive experience.
Milwaukee Area Technical College Automotive Technology Comprehensive
Workplace Course Sequence: Applied Automotive Experience 1 through 4 each carry one credit, appearing across the four main semesters. Summer technical courses are also in the plan.
Milwaukee Area Technical College Automotive Technology Comprehensive
Program Routes And Embedded Award: Ford ASSET and Mopar CAP earn manufacturer credentials; CART provides comprehensive repair training. Students can earn the Maintenance Light Repair technical diploma during the associate program.
Milwaukee Area Technical College Automotive Technology Comprehensive

Explore Milwaukee Area Technical College Federal School Record ↗

La Crosse, WI

Western Technical College

57.8Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Customer-Vehicle Repairs In A Dedicated Automotive Center

Western fits students who want vehicle repair work tied to the subjects being taught and training that also addresses customer conversations and shop operations.

Western Technical College’s Automotive Technician diploma requires 55 credits and normally begins in fall. Classes meet at its Automotive Center in La Crosse’s industrial park, where students repair student and faculty vehicles and selected public vehicles. Coursework includes hybrid and alternative-fuel systems as well as the customer communication and business basics needed in a repair shop.

Annual In-State Tuition: $4,462
Automotive Awards: 65
Schoolwide Graduation: 34%

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026

Diploma Credits And Start: The technical diploma requires 55 credits and lists fall as the typical starting term.
Western Technical College Automotive Technician
Teaching Facility: Automotive classes meet at 2721 Larson Street in La Crosse’s industrial park.
Western Technical College Automotive Technician
Live Repair Work: Students repair student and faculty vehicles. Instructors also accept public repair work when it matches the current class topic.
Western Technical College Automotive Technician
Beyond Conventional Repair: The curriculum includes hybrid and alternative-fuel systems, operating an automotive repair business, and communicating with customers.
Western Technical College Automotive Technician

Explore Western Technical College Federal School Record ↗

Eau Claire, WI

Chippewa Valley Technical College

56.5Score

CertificatePublic

A One-Year Diploma That Starts A Longer Path

CVTC fits students who want a first-year maintenance credential before deciding whether to continue into the second year of technician training.

Chippewa Valley Technical College’s Automotive Maintenance Technician diploma takes one year and 29 credits in Eau Claire. Face-to-face classes begin in August, and the coursework forms the first year of the longer Automotive Technician program. Students practice engine disassembly, brake repair, and several welding methods used with automotive materials.

Annual In-State Tuition: $4,485
Automotive Awards: 35
Schoolwide Graduation: 50%

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026

Length And Delivery: The 29-credit technical diploma takes one year, with face-to-face instruction in Eau Claire and an August start.
Chippewa Valley Automotive Maintenance Technician
Second-Year Continuation: The maintenance program completes the first year of CVTC’s two-year automotive sequence; graduates may be able to enroll in the Automotive Technician second year.
Chippewa Valley Automotive Maintenance Technician
Engine Practice: Auto Engine Performance 1 includes disassembling an internal-combustion engine, measuring components, reassembly, and basic engine testing.
Chippewa Valley Automotive Maintenance Technician
Automotive Welding: The welding course covers oxyacetylene, shielded metal arc, gas metal arc, and plastic welding on materials used in vehicles.
Chippewa Valley Automotive Maintenance Technician

Explore Chippewa Valley Technical College Federal School Record ↗

Rice Lake, WI

Northwood Technical College

55.9Score

CertificatePublic

Three Diploma Stages With Advanced Electrical Study

Northwood suits students who want earlier credentials within a longer technical diploma and substantial progression from basic electrical work into networked vehicle systems.

Northwood Technical College’s 54-credit Automotive Technician diploma takes two years at Rice Lake. Graduates also earn the program’s embedded service-technician and maintenance/light-repair diplomas. The 2026–2027 course sequence introduces diesel and hybrid vehicles in the first term, then builds toward advanced body electronics, engine overhaul, and powertrain diagnosis.

Annual In-State Tuition: $4,485
Automotive Awards: 30
Schoolwide Graduation: 56%

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026

Credential And Campus: The two-year Automotive Technician diploma requires 54 credits at Rice Lake.
Northwood Automotive Technician
Embedded Diplomas: Graduates also earn Automotive Service Technician and Automotive Maintenance and Light Repair Technician technical diplomas.
Northwood Automotive Technician
Early Diesel And Hybrid Study: The 2026–2027 first-term plan includes a two-credit Intro to Diesels and Hybrids course covering light-vehicle diesel fuel systems, electrified-vehicle safety, and alternative fuels.
Northwood Automotive Technician Required Courses, 2026–2027
Advanced Body Electronics: The four-credit Advanced Body Electrical Systems course builds on basic body electronics and includes CAN and bus networking systems.
Northwood Automotive Technician Required Courses, 2026–2027

Explore Northwood Technical College Federal School Record ↗

Wisconsin Rapids, WI

Mid-State Technical College

45.6Score

CertificatePublic

Repair Study With Fabrication And Fluid Power

Mid-State suits students who want automotive diagnosis supported by welding and fluid-power fundamentals, with actual repair work and a dedicated hybrid-systems course.

Mid-State Technical College’s Automotive Technician program requires 59 credits over two years in Wisconsin Rapids. In-person classes start in fall, and students gain experience through automotive repairs performed by the program. The curriculum combines electrical and engine work with welding, fabrication, applied fluid power, hybrid systems, and transportation-business practices.

Annual In-State Tuition: $4,339
Automotive Awards: 16
Schoolwide Graduation: 52%

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026

Credits And Attendance: The 59-credit program takes two years, with in-person instruction in Wisconsin Rapids and a fall start.
Mid-State Automotive Technician
Foundation Beyond Vehicle Systems: The first-year plan includes fabrication fundamentals, welding foundations, and a two-credit Applied Fluid Power course.
Mid-State Automotive Technician
Hybrid And Business Courses: The final term includes one-credit courses in Hybrid Systems and Business Practices in the Transportation Industry.
Mid-State Automotive Technician
Vehicle Repairs And Instruction: The program performs automotive repairs to provide hands-on student experience, with instruction from ASE Master-certified technicians.
Mid-State Automotive Technician

Explore Mid-State Technical College Federal School Record ↗

Fond du Lac, WI

Moraine Park Technical College

43.6Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

A Two-Year Degree With A Diesel Or Hybrid Choice

Moraine Park suits students who want a broad automotive degree with a defined final-semester choice between diesel operation and newer electric-vehicle systems.

Moraine Park Technical College’s 64-credit Automotive Technology AAS takes two years at Fond du Lac. Electrical study progresses through three courses, while the final semester offers a choice between light-duty diesel and hybrid/electric-vehicle study. The degree also develops advanced chassis skills and requires students to wear an approved program uniform.

Annual In-State Tuition: $4,462
Automotive Awards: 13
Schoolwide Graduation: 58%

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026

Degree And Campus: The AAS requires 64 credits across four semesters at Fond du Lac.
Moraine Park Automotive Technology AAS Catalog
Powertrain Elective Choice: The final semester includes a two-credit choice between Light Duty Diesel Engine Operation and Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Systems 1.
Moraine Park Automotive Technology AAS Catalog
Electrical Sequence: Electrical and Electronic Systems 1 carries two credits, followed by three-credit second and third courses.
Moraine Park Automotive Technology AAS Catalog
Required Shop Clothing: Students must wear a Moraine Park-approved automotive program uniform.
Moraine Park Automotive Technology AAS Catalog

Explore Moraine Park Technical College Federal School Record ↗

Fennimore, WI

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

35.2Score

CertificatePublic

A Diploma With An Internship And High-Voltage Repairs

Southwest Tech suits students available for daytime study who want workplace experience and detailed practice servicing electrified vehicle components.

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College’s Automotive Technician diploma lists 61 credits in its tentative 2026–2027 curriculum. Day classes begin in August, with at least two years of study and a 144-hour occupational internship. Later courses develop hybrid and electric-vehicle service, including high-voltage batteries, motors, inverters, and drivetrain components.

Annual In-State Tuition: $4,485
Automotive Awards: 6
Schoolwide Graduation: 66%

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026

Credits And Schedule: The tentative 2026–2027 plan totals 61 credits. The diploma requires at least two years, with daytime classes and August starts.
Southwest Wisconsin Automotive Technician, 2026–2027 Plan
Occupational Internship: The two-credit Auto Tech Occupational Internship requires 144 occupational hours maintaining, diagnosing, and repairing automobiles and light trucks.
Southwest Wisconsin Automotive Technician, 2026–2027 Plan
Hybrid And EV Practice: The two-credit Hybrid and Electric Vehicles course addresses high-voltage safety, batteries, inverters, motors, cooling systems, and associated low-voltage controls.
Southwest Wisconsin Automotive Technician, 2026–2027 Plan
Technology Fee: The $350-per-semester Charger Tech 360 fee includes an HP EliteBook laptop, backpack, software, and technical support.
Southwest Wisconsin Automotive Technician, 2026–2027 Plan

Explore Southwest Wisconsin Technical College Federal School Record ↗

Rhinelander, WI

Nicolet Area Technical College

34.6Score

CertificatePublic

A Flexible Diploma Built From Small Skill Units

Nicolet suits students who want online coursework paired with campus labs and progress measured through demonstrated automotive skills.

Nicolet College’s Automotive Service Technician diploma requires 26 credits and combines on-campus labs with online classes. Its flexible pace and multiple starts support a competency-based approach. Many technical courses carry one credit, letting students build individual service skills before practicing them in an automotive service simulation and studying shop operations.

Annual In-State Tuition: $4,455
Automotive Awards: 9
Schoolwide Graduation: 44%

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026

Diploma Credits: The Automotive Service Technician technical diploma requires 26 credits in a two-term program outline.
Nicolet Automotive Service Technician
Learning Format: The program lists on-campus laboratories, online classes, multiple start dates, and a flexible pace through competency-based education.
Nicolet Automotive Service Technician
Applied Service Practice: A one-credit Automotive Service Professional Simulation course provides practice in entry-level technician skills; Automotive Occupational Operations adds a separate one-credit course.
Nicolet Automotive Service Technician
Math And Workplace Skills: The plan includes separate courses in practical mathematics, geometry, professional skills, and workplace ethics.
Nicolet Automotive Service Technician

Explore Nicolet Area Technical College Federal School Record ↗

Wausau, WI

Northcentral Technical College

32.9Score

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

A Technical Diploma Carrying Fully Into An AAS

Northcentral fits students who want a substantial repair credential first and a clear accounting of how those credits continue into an associate degree.

Northcentral Technical College’s Automotive Technician diploma requires 56 credits, all of which apply toward its 68-credit Automotive Technology associate degree. The full diploma can be completed at Wausau. Students take an automotive service experience course each term and finish with hybrid drivetrains, advanced chassis systems, and transmission study.

Annual In-State Tuition: $4,485
Automotive Awards: 8
Schoolwide Graduation: 45%

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026

Diploma And Degree Progression: The 56-credit diploma supplies 56 of the 68 credits in Northcentral’s Automotive Technology associate degree.
Northcentral Automotive Technician Technical Diploma
Teaching Location: The college lists 100% program availability at Wausau; its other locations and online offerings provide only portions of the coursework.
Northcentral Automotive Technician Technical Diploma
Recurring Service Experience: Automotive Service Experience 1 through 4 each carry one credit, with one course in each term of the plan.
Northcentral Automotive Technician Technical Diploma
Hybrid Drivetrains: A two-credit Hybrid Drivetrains course appears in the final term alongside advanced chassis, HVAC, and transmission systems.
Northcentral Automotive Technician Technical Diploma

Explore Northcentral Technical College Federal School Record ↗

Cleveland, WI

Lakeshore Technical College

30.7Score

CertificatePublic

Self-Paced Progress With Daytime Shop Attendance

Lakeshore suits students who value frequent starts and progress based on demonstrated skills while remaining available for daytime automotive labs.

Lakeshore College’s Automotive Maintenance Technician diploma uses a competency-based format across a 48-credit, four-term plan. Students progress by demonstrating skills with faculty coaching, but automotive courses still require daytime attendance in person. One-credit modules build from electrical fundamentals and brake service into vehicle data networks, hybrid systems, diesel operation, and transmission repair.

Annual In-State Tuition: $4,485
Automotive Awards: 5
Schoolwide Graduation: 50%

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026

Credential Size: The technical diploma lists four terms and 48 credits, arranged as 12 credits per term.
Lakeshore Automotive Maintenance Technician
Pace And Attendance: Competency-based education allows students to advance at their own pace with coaching. The program specifically requires in-person daytime attendance for automotive courses.
Lakeshore Automotive Maintenance Technician
Electrical Progression: The sequence moves from basic electricity and circuit troubleshooting through wire repair, starting and charging, anti-theft systems, vehicle data networks, and entertainment systems.
Lakeshore Automotive Maintenance Technician
Hybrid And Diesel Modules: The final term includes two hybrid-system modules and separate diesel-operation and diesel-emissions modules, each carrying one credit.
Lakeshore Automotive Maintenance Technician

Explore Lakeshore Technical College Federal School Record ↗

Janesville, WI

Blackhawk Technical College

26.2Score

CertificatePublic

A Modular Diploma With A Service Internship

Blackhawk suits students who want repair topics broken into smaller credit units and a final workplace component alongside EV and customer-service study.

Blackhawk Technical College’s Automotive Technician diploma takes two years and 54 credits. Much of the technical sequence is divided into one-credit courses, with a service simulation early in the program and a service internship near the end. Electric-vehicle safety, EV circuits, certification review, and customer service extend the traditional repair curriculum.

Annual In-State Tuition: $4,111
Automotive Awards: 6
Schoolwide Graduation: 34%

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026

Diploma Requirements: The two-year technical diploma requires 54 credits over four semesters.
Blackhawk Automotive Technician Technical Diploma
Early Service Simulation: A two-credit Service Simulation course appears in the first semester, alongside brakes, steering, tools, and machine-shop study.
Blackhawk Automotive Technician Technical Diploma
Electric-Vehicle Courses: The final semester includes one-credit courses in Electric Vehicle Safety and Electric Vehicle Circuits and Systems.
Blackhawk Automotive Technician Technical Diploma
Internship And Customer Service: The fourth-semester plan includes a two-credit Service Internship and a two-credit Customer Service Fundamentals course.
Blackhawk Automotive Technician Technical Diploma

Explore Blackhawk Technical College Federal School Record ↗

Automotive Programs With Specific Eligibility Requirements

Madison, WI

Madison Area Technical College

Certificate · Associate DegreePublic

Wisconsin And Minnesota Applicants With Waitlist Priority Rules

The program currently uses a waitlist. Admission consideration is limited to Wisconsin and Minnesota residents, with non-district applicants considered after January 1 for the upcoming fall term.

Madison College Automotive Admissions And Waiting List

A Diploma-To-Degree Route For Eligible Regional Students

Madison fits Wisconsin and Minnesota residents seeking a technical diploma within a broader associate degree, provided they can plan around the waitlist and residency-priority rules.

Madison College’s 70-credit Automotive Technology Comprehensive associate degree builds on an embedded Automotive Technician diploma. Technical classes meet at Truax, while general education can include online options. The program currently uses a waitlist and limits admission consideration to Wisconsin and Minnesota residents, with district residents receiving priority over other eligible applicants.

Annual In-State Tuition: $4,485
Automotive Awards: 53
Schoolwide Graduation: 29%

Program Details

Researched September 8, 2026

Degree And Embedded Diploma: The associate degree requires 70 credits and is designed for two years. Students automatically earn the Automotive Technician diploma after completing its technical coursework.
Madison College Automotive Technology Comprehensive
Course Delivery: Automotive technical classes meet at Truax. Students may attend full or part time, and general education may be available online or at other campuses.
Madison College Automotive Technology Comprehensive
Additional Academic Study: The associate degree adds five courses totaling 15 credits in mathematics, economics, writing, communication, and human relations.
Madison College Automotive Technology Comprehensive
Admission Priority: The program’s waitlist rules exclude out-of-state applicants other than Minnesota residents. Wisconsin applicants outside the district and Minnesota applicants are considered after January 1 for the coming fall term.
Madison College Automotive Technology Comprehensive
Certification Experience Credit: Completion supplies one year of technical experience toward ASE certification. The program also trains and tests students for EPA 609 certification.
Madison College Automotive Technology Comprehensive

Explore Madison Area Technical College Federal School Record ↗

Best Auto Mechanic Schools In Wisconsin

Wisconsin's 583 awards cover 34 programs, with Fox Valley Technical College reporting 46 in the named examples and Northwood reporting 30. Southwest Wisconsin's six awards sit in a longer certificate program, while Fox Valley and Moraine Park show associate degrees. The close tuition figures make practical work, campus access, and award requirements important differentiators.

Wisconsin's public technical-college reports make the credential and scale comparison clear. Southwest Wisconsin Technical College reports a longer certificate and six awards at $4,485. Fox Valley Technical College reports the largest award count among these examples, with 46 awards and both certificates and associate degrees at the same $4,485 tuition. Moraine Park Technical College adds 13 awards and both credentials at $4,462. Northwood Technical College reports 30 awards and several certificate credentials.

The 65% and 66% figures describe schoolwide graduation, not automotive program results.

Campus location, credential type, published cost, tools, and practical coursework distinguish Wisconsin institutions.

Auto Mechanic Pay In Wisconsin

The May 2025 BLS survey reports a $54,350 median annual wage for automotive service technicians and mechanics in Wisconsin, across 12,270 jobs. The median is the midpoint for the occupation, not an offer to new graduates.

10th Percentile: $36,590
Median: $54,350
90th Percentile: $78,140

Experience, employer, and the work you do affect where you fall in that spread. Explore Auto Mechanic Salaries.

School Credentials And ASE Certification

A college certificate is an academic credential; professional ASE certification requires passing the relevant ASE test and satisfying its work experience rule. For the A1–A9 automobile tests, that rule is two years of qualifying repair experience. You can take most tests before completing the experience requirement, but passing alone does not make you certified.

Completing an ASE-accredited automotive program can count for one year of that experience. An eligible ASE-accredited manufacturer co-op program can count for the full two years when it includes the required hands-on work. These substitutions cannot be combined. Source: ASE Work Experience Rules.

Our certificate and associate degree comparison explains the academic routes, while the ASE certification guide covers professional credentials. The school cost guide separates tuition, fees, and tools.

Wisconsin Auto Mechanic School Questions

What Is The May 2025 Wisconsin Wage Median?

The May 2025 BLS OEWS median for automotive service technicians and mechanics in Wisconsin is $54,350. The middle figure is a statewide occupation measure, with the 10th percentile at $36,590 and the 90th percentile at $78,140.

Where Does Wisconsin Report Associate Degree Awards?

Milwaukee Area Technical College (certificate and associate degree, 105 awards), Waukesha County Technical College (certificate and associate degree, 88 awards), Western Technical College (certificate and associate degree, 65 awards), Northeast Wisconsin Technical College (certificate and associate degree, 58 awards) show associate degree credentials among the published school figures.

How Many Automotive Awards Are Reported In Wisconsin?

The Wisconsin schools span certificate and associate degree credentials across 34 automotive options and 583 awards in 2023-24. Milwaukee Area Technical College has the largest listed award count at 105. Blackhawk Technical College lists $4,111 in annual in-state institution tuition.

Sources For These School Comparisons

School records and program sources checked September 8, 2026. Federal figures retain their original reporting years; program details cite the school’s published requirements and costs. Send A Correction.

Best Auto Mechanic Schools In Wisconsin Ranked For 2026

Compare The Best Auto Mechanic Schools In Wisconsin

Waukesha County Technical College

Program Details

Northeast Wisconsin Technical College

Program Details

Fox Valley Technical College

Program Details

Gateway Technical College

Program Details

Milwaukee Area Technical College

Program Details

Western Technical College

Program Details

Chippewa Valley Technical College

Program Details

Northwood Technical College

Program Details

Mid-State Technical College

Program Details

Moraine Park Technical College

Program Details

Southwest Wisconsin Technical College

Program Details

Nicolet Area Technical College

Program Details

Northcentral Technical College

Program Details

Lakeshore Technical College

Program Details

Blackhawk Technical College

Program Details

Automotive Programs With Specific Eligibility Requirements

Madison Area Technical College

Program Details

Best Auto Mechanic Schools In Wisconsin

Auto Mechanic Pay In Wisconsin

School Credentials And ASE Certification

Wisconsin Auto Mechanic School Questions

Sources For These School Comparisons

Continue Comparing Auto Mechanic Schools