Mid-State’s impact influences lives of students, Central WI economy

February 2, 2026

WISCONSIN RAPIDS – A new economic impact study shows Mid-State Technical College delivers significant value to students, taxpayers and the Central Wisconsin economy.

College President Shelly Mondeik said the analysis, conducted by Lightcat – a labor market data and economic impact studies provider – found a strong net-positive return on investment and long-term benefits across the Mid-State district.

According to the study, Mid-State added $180 million in income to the economies of Adams, Portage and Wood counties during the 2023-24 analysis year and supported 2,585 regional jobs – approximately one out of every 40 jobs in the district.

Mondeik said the college’s impact represented about 1.8% of the district’s gross regional product, comparable in scale to the region’s entire administrative and waste services industry.

“This new report is a powerful testament to the benefits Mid-State generates in return for the investments made by students, local taxpayers and all district residents,” she said.

Students realized strong returns on their educational investment, the study found.

Collectively, per the study, students invested $23.9 million in tuition, materials and foregone earnings and are projected to gain $147.1 million in higher lifetime earnings – which equates to approximately $6.20 for every dollar invested and a 22.3% annual rate of return.

Mondeik said Mid-State offers students “a fantastic value” during their studies, “but also offers students a pathway to higher incomes throughout their lifetimes, which in turn benefits their families, their employers and our communities.”

The study also highlighted benefits to taxpayers and society.