Quick Facts

• Location: Madison, Wisconsin
• Address: 1701 Wright St, Madison, WI 53704
• School Type: Public Technical & Community College
• Programs Offered: Welding, HVAC/R, Automotive Technology, Industrial Maintenance, Electrical/Electronics, Manufacturing, Construction, Apprenticeships and many additional career programs
• Training Style: Hands-on labs, classroom instruction, technical diplomas, associate degrees and registered-apprenticeship related instruction
• Tuition Range: Public Wisconsin technical-college tuition; complete skilled-trade programs currently range from several thousand dollars for one-year diplomas to roughly $15,000 for larger two-year programs
• Program Length: Short certificates through 1- and 2-year programs; apprenticeships generally several years
• Online Programs Available: Yes, selected programs and courses
• Hybrid Learning: Yes, depending on program; core mechanical trades still require in-person labs
• Financial Aid: Federal/state grants, loans, work-study and scholarships for qualifying programs
• Class Options: Full-time, part-time, daytime and selected flexible formats
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
• Average Rating: ⭐ 4.3 (263 Reviews)
• Website: Official website

Overview

Madison Area Technical College, commonly branded as Madison College, is one of Wisconsin’s largest public technical colleges. The address in this listing is the college’s Truax Campus, which hosts many of its hands-on technical programs.

For TradeSchoolScout, Madison College is particularly strong for students considering welding, automotive technology, HVAC/R, industrial maintenance and apprenticeship careers. Programs range from short certificates to one-year technical diplomas and two-year associate degrees, giving students several ways to enter a trade without paying private career-school tuition.

The institution is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Programs Offered

Relevant trade and industrial options include:

• Welding
• Welding Fundamentals
• Gas Metal Arc Welding / MIG
• Automotive Technology
• HVAC/R Technology
• Industrial Mechanic pathways
• Electro-Mechanical Technology
• Electrical-related technology
• Industrial Automation
• Manufacturing
• Plumbing apprenticeships
• Technical Electrician apprenticeships
• Trade Electrician apprenticeships
• Steamfitter and Ironworker apprenticeship pathways

Welding

Madison College’s Welding technical diploma is a 30-credit, one-year program delivered 100% in person. The current estimated program cost is $6,996.10, and the program is financial-aid eligible.

Students develop skills using manual and semi-automatic arc welding processes and receive extensive practical training.

Current capacity is limited:

• Truax Campus — 36 seats each fall
• Portage Campus — 13 seats each fall
• Estimated wait — approximately 0–1 year

For Fall 2026, the published application-completion deadline was August 31, 2026.

Madison College also offers a shorter Welding Fundamentals certificate. Graduates can develop skills relevant to AWS and Wisconsin structural-steel welding certification testing.

HVAC/R Technology

The Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Technology associate degree provides hands-on training with residential and commercial systems.

Students learn:

• HVAC/R installation
• Troubleshooting and repair
• Refrigeration
• PLCs
• HVAC system sizing and design
• Building automation
• Electronically controlled systems

The current estimated total program cost is $14,677.50. Classes are offered at the Truax Campus, and students may attend full or part time.

The program currently has about 30 seats each fall.

Automotive Technology

Madison College’s Automotive Technology–Comprehensive associate degree has a current estimated program cost of $13,290.90.

Students receive practical training in:

• Engines
• Automatic and manual transmissions
• Differentials and drivetrains
• Steering and suspension
• Braking systems
• Automotive electronics
• Fuel and emission systems
• Heating and air conditioning
• Computer-controlled vehicle systems

A particularly useful feature is that students automatically earn the Automotive Technician technical diploma after completing the technical portion of the associate degree.

Apprenticeship Options

Madison College also participates in Wisconsin’s registered-apprenticeship system.

The current college tuition information specifically identifies professional credential costs for apprenticeships such as:

• Plumbing
• Technical Electrician
• Trade Electrician

Apprenticeship admission is different from standard college enrollment. Students generally need an apprenticeship contract/employer relationship and then complete related instruction through the college.

Tuition & Financial Aid

Madison College tuition is calculated by credit, with rates determined by program type and residency. Additional charges may include lab, equipment, licensing and program-specific costs.

Examples of current complete program estimates include:

• Welding — $6,996.10
• Automotive Technology — $13,290.90
• HVAC/R Technology — $14,677.50

Eligible programs can qualify for federal financial aid. Students should confirm aid eligibility before assuming a short certificate or apprenticeship is covered.

Why Students Choose This School

• Public technical-college pricing
• Strong Truax skilled-trades facilities
• One-year welding diploma
• Two-year automotive and HVAC pathways
• Registered apprenticeship instruction
• Stackable credentials
• Financial aid for qualifying programs
• Full- and part-time options

Career Opportunities

Depending on program, graduates may pursue entry-level work as:

• Welder/Fabricator
• Automotive Technician
• HVAC/R Technician
• HVAC Installer
• Industrial Maintenance Technician
• Electro-Mechanical Technician
• Automation Technician
• Electrician Apprentice
• Plumber Apprentice

Licensed occupations may require additional apprenticeship hours, exams or credentials.

Student Reviews

Based on your supplied listing data:

⭐ Average Rating: 4.3 (263 Reviews)

Because Madison College is a large institution covering many unrelated fields, prospective students should concentrate on reviews related to the exact trade program they plan to enter.

Enrollment Tips

Apply early for limited-capacity programs. Welding, for example, has only 36 Truax seats each fall.

Students should also compare the technical diploma and associate-degree versions of a field. In automotive, the technical diploma is built into the longer associate degree, making it possible to earn an intermediate credential while continuing school.

Bottom Line

Madison College is one of the strongest public trade-school choices in south-central Wisconsin. Its combination of welding, HVAC/R, automotive, industrial technology and apprenticeship training provides multiple routes into skilled work, while current published program costs remain far below many private career-school alternatives.