20 Best G.E.D Programs In Madison, WI (2022 Updated)

DON'T START APP UNTIL YOU ARE 110% SURE. THEY WILL TAKE YOUR MONEY!!! My daughter was undecided on where to go to college. So she started An application Nov 5th, but never completed it. She was at the point where it told her she had to pay the $30 application fee to continue. So she did but never did anything after that. Then she decided she wants to go to a different School instead. I've been calling the admission office shortly after that. I've left messages on what this is regarding n NO calls back until Nov 25th from April in admission. I still have the VM. I've called back n again left a message. To this day (March 25), I still haven't heard back n I've been calling!! I finally called the school itself not admission n the lady said. I'm sorry since she started the admission you don't get your money back!! What a waist of my time n I don't feel this is right. If a child NEVER finished the application!!! I had to give it a star or it won't let me right a reviewTammy Stevens

Took a cooking class. Instructor was very nice but seemed new or nervous or something. It was more her showing than us cooking. I feel like you can get the same from watching a YouTube video and then doing it yourself and you would actually get to cook more. Made 1 thing out of 3 things demonstratedHeather Bell

The staff is friendly and willing to walk you through the application process. The class size is small and the professors are personable. My professor gets emails directly from employers hoping to find students who want jobs in the field, even before graduation.Emily Drake

The teachers for the most part are great. Student center and student billing either need to communicate better between them and the student or need new people in there over all. I’ve had issues since summer of 2018 with bad communication from them. I had 3 different advisors in less than a 2 semester span. Got scheduled into a class where the clinicals conflicted with the other classes I had. Got denied dropping that class but was not emailed or called about the denial. Found out about it when I was scheduling fall classes. Finally got it approved after the fact of all that mess and it messing with my financial aid. Oh but on top of it all, I would call student billing get no response back for so long (continued to rack up late fees due to no response back) I sent them 2 emails but not response back for days. They never actually looked into my account until I drove 35-40 minutes to find out why they said I can’t make online payments (even though I literally made one the month before) and comes to find out another mistake was made on with my account and I can make online payments. That’s not all, I had a $100 late fee put onto my account before it was even past due (and it wasn’t past due considering I made a payment). The communication is not good. Goes to show how much the school has gone down hill in such a short amount of time.Ashly Engwall

Went to the campus for a event with the e sports team. The campus is very wonderful. The faculty that I met were very communicative and helpful. The only hard part was finding the right lot and building to park near since it was my first time.Sheboygan Staff

Good place to come to for a cheap education. Everyone is very helpful through each step of the enrollment process as well as the teachers when your a student. Think fine wine quality with cheap wine cost as far as being educated goes.Nate E

The building is not very inviting because it is so big, but once you get in and figure out what's where it becomes less intimidating. I graduated here with my associate's degree in Leadership. 60 of my credits transferred from NWTC to Concordia University of Wisconsin. I preferred the video conference classes. My favorite instructors were Tod Perrault and Andrew Clark.Travis Antone

My son is currently attending the school. I was a student there back in the early 80's. The campus is very nice. Helpful faculty, variety of courses and majors. Good food choices at the cafeteria and a workout area with plenty of free weights and machines with an attached gymnasium. Lots of nice areas to study both inside and outside.David Klinzing

Excellent place to take a test! I took a certification exam through Pearson Vue at NWTC. The test center employees explained everything thoroughly and the center itself was quiet enough to take my exam. They offer ear plugs as well so you won't be bothered if people enter or leave the room.Phillip Kurimski

I recently finished my second Technical degree for Metal Fabrication as a returning student. I delayed going back to school for years for lots of reasons, but mostly because I thought it would be as awful of an experience as High School was. Instead the teachers in my program were excellent. I was always challenged by the projects and supported in my learning in equal measure. If you're looking to get into welding or Metal Fabrication, these programs are career fields that need people, pay well, and you can learn them here! Don't sleep on the trade skills that can be taught here. Go to the open houses, see if these are things you're interested in doing. A 4 year degree isn't The guarantee of employment it used to be, but these one year Technical degrees, leading to in demand fields are.Travis H

Very nice tech college. Almost everyone you come across on campus can point you in the right direction. I just started school today online. But tomorrow I get to go to campus. It's a clean sanitary environment. There is currently some remodeling going on, so part of the building you cannot access… yet! AC was on, felt awesome. temperature didn't change much room to room either. All the employees seem to know their job very well and are willing to help. I chose Madison Area Technical College because I know many people that have graduated and successfully got into a job they wanted. This school is also smaller than UW Madison so I feel like the learning experience is better, more hands on, more participation versus a large school such as UW Madison.Shane Toycen

The good profs here are all just professors moonlighting from UW Madison, I'd honestly say you should apply to and go to literally any other UW system school before here. The quality of education isn't bad- but they somehow managed to misplace finances and put 650 bucks into collections randomly – without mailing me any notifications, and without a notifications on the online portal. You won't get competency from any of the administrative staff, expect 5 week long waits to see a counselor for any sort of urgent need. If you are a student with a disability – make sure you have additional copies of any medical documentation, they will claim to lose it. Most of the education staff despises the administrative staff and yeah, I can see why.Bee

Went to Trilogy beauty salon for a haircut and hair color appointment. Student did a really nice job on both. All the students were dressed professionally They were wearing nice looking smocks unlike some other beauty schools were they wore whatever they wished Trilogy salon uses very high quality products which is appreciated Students do take more time completing a hair cut or hair color Instructors are there if they have any questions and everything they do is looked at by the teacher Students gain valuable experience there Highly recommendedKathy Salm

Affordable for gen eds but for a technical college they have some of the worse tech issues I have every seen my I have seen middle schools with better technical support. Do not take there advice on what laptop to buy since I was told to buy a Microsoft brand laptop but I needed to add every chrome extension needed to even access half the course material. I had to ask my instructors to use my personal email only since I could send emails through my school one but could not read any of the instructors emails.Gunfire Productions

Let's just say I'm no spring chicken. I got my Industrial electrical apprenticeship at the age of 46 and at the age of 50 I graduated. It was not an easy thing for me. But the program was excellent and they gave me alot of skills I use everyday at my job. Some days I think I should have tried fitting the instrumentation specialist into my schedule some how but with work hours it wouldn't have work. Id say they have everything you need to succeed at FVTC, because if I can do it at my age anybody can there!Heath Mischke

I am in my sixth week taking online courses at MATC. I have chosen the IT Support Associate Degree program, for two reasons: One the program is only two years, I’ll be able to launch into the job market faster, and because IT is such a diverse, and fast growing career path, I know I will find a fit into the IT world upon graduation. I chose MATC because MATC is convenient and conventional. I can take classes online, at my own pace, and be on campus for the classes I need more focus and dedication to. This IT program combined with my 10 plus years customer service experience, I know I will be able to reach any career goal I set. Now, while my interest in computers and knack for problem solving I know this career path will be suitable for me, however, to any prospective student looking for a quick money type of career, this program is not for you. This program consists of lots of physical and mental work, also taking consideration of the customers you are serving. If a prospective student welcomes challenges and is comfortable with asking questions and not feeling intimidated by the mass amount of information you will retain then this is a program for you. Prospective students should also be aware that they don’t have to work or figure stuff out alone, one of my favorite accommodations is having access to tutoring, whether online or in person- at all campuses. Fellow future students should also know that acquiring their degree at MATC is a smart money move, students can save thousands of dollars getting their education here, as opposed to a four year college/university. Future students should also know that credits will transfer to a four year college such as MSOE or UWM.Britanni Hildenbrand

Information Technology is very informative program. This program breaks down a lot of things that can happen with computer systems. It is a to-date program. I choose this program because I want to go more in depth with technology. Everyone uses technology every day. I would like to be able to assist those who are not tech savvy. MATC I.T support program has a great path program. Pathway allows you get a few certificates take a break and come back for your diploma. Completing this program will give the knowledge and skill I need to become an I.T professional. Instructors are very helpful. Staff is friendly. MATC is an awesome place to start your education in information technology.Nicole Herron

My experience in MATC IT Computer Support Specialist program is limited but good so far. I chose to pursue this degree because it lines up well with my current work experience and career goals. So far, I have been able to take all my classes online with no scheduled class times, so I can complete assignments at my own pace without interfering with my work schedule. Another thing this program does well, is that it offers options to achieve many different certifications on your way to a degree. They also work with businesses to help their student get jobs after graduating. I would recommend this program to someone looking to get into IT Support as a career.Alexander Salas

Now I just wanna know why tf would y’all hold a meeting/interview whatever tf is it at the library! While other students are studying and trying to read and focus in a LIBRARY!! Are you f kidding me!?? I came here to get away from all the noise to have some quietness which i thought that’s what a LIBRARY is for! You really couldn’t find another place for this?? This is ridiculous. There were guys moving chairs around in the library and had their keys hung on their pants and you could just hear them jingle the whole time. I could not focus! This is ridiculous! Rock Valley Vollege is bigger and has more students and that library is ALWAYS quiet. Highland is a freaking joke!!!!!Bailey Lynn

I got practically my entire education from the community college. The university did not really add to what I already knew. Plus I graduated from the community college debt free, and I can not say the same about the university. Now I am going back, instead of taking gen ed classes I am taking more technical classes to further fill the gaps from the university as my engineering degree was more theory than practice.John Werkheiser

Now if you want a good laugh then join this college. I took their GED class to be very amazed by the fact that our teacher was an elementary teacher and couldn't teach anything above basic math and asked me to teach pre-algebra, algebra 1 & 2, and calculus. I hesitated at first because she was being paid while I tought my classmates but didn't want to see them fail.HeroOfTime

ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE ! Unprofessional teachers, and staff- unbelievable work loads placed on your child, no one from K12 calls you back or returns emails- never!, too many technical issue to list since its all online and no one has any answers. Have fun dealing with STRIDE! If you want you child safe and out of our failed public school system then put your child in K12, but its all semantics, educating is a joke- it about JOBS! Thank God we are done with this garbage!Mission Man

Best decision I ever made for my 3 children’s education. This is our first year with WIVA and I can tell you right now in the small amount of time my children have been here I’ve already seen big changes especially with my son .. the teachers are great and when I have any issues or slightly behind they understand and respond to my emails so quick that the issues I may of been experiencing are gone faster than they came THANK YOU for all you do WIVANicki Tirado

We love Wiva!! The teachers and staff are amazing! My daughter gets round the clock assistant for all her learning needs.I recommend Wiva to any parents who are committed to giving their children the best education in the comfort of your own home.Jennifer Lemerond

The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UWM is an adult learning extension of UW Milwaukee that has brought learning experiences to many intellectually curious senior citizens in the greater Milwaukee area. It differentiates itself from other adult learning activities by the breadth of topics, the active participation in the organization by over 100 volunteers, the caliber of the presenters, and the continued pursuit of excellence through surveys of members and evaluation of the classes offered. The high caliber of the organization is reflected in its rapid adoption of virtual teaching made necessary by the COVID pandemic. The Institute didn't miss a beat in moving to a virtual platform. It has the technical expertise and member dedication to pull that off almost seamlessly. I'm proud to be a member of an organization that recognize me as an individual and values my input and membership.Marvin Wiener

For me, one of the best parts of retiring was finally getting to start attending classes with the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at UWM, otherwise known to the members of our chapter as Osher. I've enjoyed getting together with others for lectures and classes about literature, history, science, and more. Even now, when our meetings are via Zoom, the learning and sharing continues. But I'll admit, I'm looking forward to the day that we can meet, travel, eat, and learn together in person again.Julie I

Osher rocks! In preparation for teaching a Zoom class to elementary school children in French, I contacted one of the Osher members and received some specialized tools for moving forward with my project. Her 'tips' helped me lead the virtual class with a minimal amount of missteps. I gained a lot of confidence after working individually with Laurie, as well as attending her regular Zoom tutorials for all Osher members. Love the variety of programs, too!Anne Siegel

Don’t listen to this Andrew Schmidt clown, dude is a whole Karen giving places one stars and stuff. This dude must think he’s doing God’s work of being a Michelin reviewer.Savior Of The Asians

They’re remodeling this place two years after it was built. Do you really want people that shortsighted in charge of your education?Andrew Schmidt

The Short Version: Don’t bother with this college. They will waste your time, money, resources, and mental fortitude. Then they will try to tell you that it’s your fault for thinking you could try to work and get a degree at the same time. Go to another technical college, one that gives a hoot. If this review stops even one person from attending this college, I will have done my job. The Long Version: To start, when brought in for orientation, I was not given a campus tour or even a map. For a transfer student, this makes college all the more daunting. Not knowing where I could go to eat or to get a coffee, or even where the library was did not give me a positive outlook on my learning. On top of that, I was not assigned an adviser. When I had questions about enrollment or complaints about teachers, I had no one to turn to. This is a serious lack of support from the Western staff. From there, I think this is the only college that requires students to take summer classes. Spring break is a quintessential part of college life that Western has decided to deprive of their students, for no discernible reason. Their program isn't any more well regarded than other colleges, and it's not any faster, and for how much more wasted time and money? I wish I would have gone to CVTC, or stayed at WTC for this factor alone. But there's more! The 'professors' seemed not to care about their working students one bit. I work a 40 hour work week, take care of my family, and am enrolled full time. I was enrolled in online courses because I don't have the time for in person meetings, and because I don't have the extra money to be driving to campus. Alas, there were still in person meetings required throughout the courses. The amount of times that teachers told me that I just needed to make more time or work it out even when I had sufficient proof that it wasn't possible amazed me. The amount of times that teachers were unwilling to work with me to find a suitable answer to a problem was more often than not. I have never had such little support. And then, they claim that this is because they are trying to prepare me for the real world! In the real world, businesses understand illness, and they are always there to support their employees. At least the professional businesses that I have worked for have set that example. When I brought this issue to the Dean, I was informed that I misunderstood what 'Flexible Learning' and 'Online Courses' were. How can that be misunderstood? In every tech school across Wisconsin, flexible learning means that the school wants working people to be in control of their degree. Western is more concerned with competing with Viterbo and UW-La Crosse than they are about their students. In conclusion, I am so dissatisfied with this college experience that I not only don't recommend Western Tech, I am actively informing people not to attend.Isabel Herriges

Cons: Do yourself a favor and do not enter the nursing program. Their new "petition system" is a glorified waitlist that punishes hard work and encourages the bare minimum, shoving high achieving pre-nursing students to the back of the queue in favor of students with low GPAs and TEAS scores simply because those students enrolled earlier. They will only take 24 students at a time max, maybe 40 if you're willing to travel an hour or more one way to go to one of their other locations, and some of those students are re-entry (they failed a class and had to re-apply), which will shove you even further back in the queue. You will end up waiting about 2 years AFTER prereqs to get in because their "petition system" is so unorganized and noncompetitive that all you need to do is complete the easy prereqs and wait. WSU and even Viterbo (you will have to take up to 18 credits of theology) are a better bet if you're seriously passionate about pursuing nursing (and not doing it only for the "easy" "2-year" degree with a $60k salary a lot of the candidates are there for) and want to attend a college where your efforts are actually recognized and your As will take you places. Pros: The classes themselves are just as rigorous as UWL, WSU, and Viterbo and the instructors are usually excellent, knowledgeable, and understanding. In general, I felt challenged and well-prepared for exams, and I feel like I retained a lot of information from classes. Some classes, like Advanced A&P, are definitely hard and university-level. The trimester system seems fast-paced if you are used to a semester system, but you get used to it. Many of the programs ARE great (CNA program, for example) and worth the money despite the nursing program being a hot mess.Archaein (Archaeus)

I'm enrolled in the instructional assistant program and have had a very positive experience. The IA Instructors have been great at presenting us with information that is truly valuable in the work place. During my general courses, some teachers were better at explaining their subject than others, but I think that is true for any school. The staff are always willing to help with student needs, and there are many services available to help make the student experience a good one. I often recommend the school to people.Melissa Berberich (Moeberb)

I was enrolled in this program back in 1988 when they where located on Atwood Ave, and they are still going. It helped me a lot.Jennica Stein

I would rate the facility a 5 if I didn't get attitude from the same girl in Student Express. She's a young beast that needs to take a customer service class. She just belittles you and talks down to you like you're an idiot and wasting her time. So when looking at the counter avoid going to the one to the far right. She's young, looks like black long hair, and doesn't know how to smile. I got her 2 days in a row. Today I apologized to the lady who actually got out of her chair and spent the time helping me and let her know my comments were not directed towards her. I was having problems viewing everything. I'm a visual person to. Good luck and wait for the next person available! I would stick with the blonde lady all the way to the left. She's always pleasant! There's another young girl who seems very nice. Nyla (financial aid) and Kevin (guidance counselor) are amazing too! They are pleasant to speak with and give great info.Sarah Petersen

I dreamed for years of being able to go to school, and now I am. I thought this was going to be the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. (Especially since I'm extremely technology challenged) but the people at gateway is not only made it easy for me to sign up and raise the funding, football also help me overcome my technical disadvantages I've learned more in 2 weeks about computers then I've learned in the last year. Is a truly fascinating place. And the faculty are some incredible people. Personally and even though it may be against the law, I thank God everyday for them.Jeffrey Jackson

I got an Associate's here. It was a great college. It was my choice, but I took longer than I originally expected. I moved further away part-way through my degree. So, I was happy to have good options for online courses.Henry Feyen

So proud to be a SWTC Alumni! This place had everything I ever wanted in a nursing school. I love the small, tight knit community that SWTC has. They are completely student focused and that is truly what it is all about! I have nothing but positivity to share about SWTC! Please, do yourself a favor & CHECK THIS PLACE OUT!Courtney McGlynn

This school is horrible! I have no idea how they got rated number 1 technical college. The advisors are rude, the teachers treat you as if you should know all the material on the first day. Financial aid has no idea what they're doing. I would recommend NOT to go here. If you have other options, pick them first.Natalie Blake

I have been to other Colleges and there isn't one that stands higher above the crowd than Southwest Wisconsin Tech, College. The teachers and other staff welcome you from day one. If it wasn't for the teachers and other staff. I don't think I would of wanted to back to school.smilealways04

Union South, at the University of Wisconsin, is the place to be prior to UW home football games. The marching band makes an arrival about an hour before kickoff and showcases the incredible talents of one the country's best college bands. Enjoy a New Glarus Spotted Cow beer and loaded brat and you'll think you're in heaven. Well, maybe it's just Madison, but it's about as perfect it is gets. Then join the band for short march under the Camp Randall arch for a nostalgic walk into the home of the Badgers.Dave Chaimson

Very large campus, with I believe 35k students on average. The campus and it's buildings are very nice. Luckily, I visited before school started, so it wasn't busy at all. University of Wisconsin-Madison even has it's own ice cream shop! I believe that UWM runs it's own dairy. The path by the lake is also very beautiful, and I would recommend walking there. My only complaint is that everything seems to be very spread out, but that's a good way to get steps.Griffin May

Great school. The safest school. Beautiful lakeshore. Academic quality is very high. Very strong for sociology, psychology, education, biochem, chem, chem eng., etc. Good place for raising kids on campus for grad students. Strong sports, football, basketball, hockey, etc. Very very gentle people on and off campus. Nice city full of highly educated people. Best campus for bike riding. Top hospitals. One of the best places to live too.Yun-Mo Sung

If you're a veteran, don't even waste your time with Sauk. They claim to be a "veteran friendly" institution but there is nothing that could be farther from the truth. All veterans are vastly better off going to Highland in Freeport where they take care of their veterans and the GI Bill process quickly and correctly. I wish someone would have warned me earlier before I wasted two semesters (which were paid out of pocket because they screwed up the GI Bill so badly so many times) trying to get anything accomplished there.Aaron Yocum

Hard to give anything more than 2/5. They treat their community college like it is Harvard. It is a community college…act like it. They didn't accept my wife's transfer community college credits as a prerequisite and honestly doubt they'd accept credits from my Doctorate if I asked. They care more about money than helping their students move on to other schools. Good news is, both Black Hawk and and Eastern Iowa schools both accepted those same credits;l, so we are glad to send our cash payment elsewhere.Marty Stern

These people don't have their sock drawer in order. Can't answer any questions (or maybe don't want to?). Reputable and acreddited, just know you'll be left confused and alone your first semester, and even moreso if anything comes out of left field in your life.Daemon Brooks

One of the best designed building at UW. The washrooms are so beautiful. My favorite washroom is on the first floor with the nature callsParitosh Bhole