Admission Policies

Madison College embraces an open-door admissions policy for all prospective students who meet the necessary requirements. Our processes adhere to the college's Equal Opportunity, Anti-Harassment, and Nondiscrimination Policy as well as the guidelines set forth by the Wisconsin Technical College System.

Admission Process

Admissions are granted on a first-come, first-served basis to those who complete the requirements by the specified deadlines. The admissions process does not consider a student's race, color, creed, religion, sex, national origin, disability, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital status, or parental status. Additionally, Madison College prohibits the offering or acceptance of any commission, bonus or incentive payment based on securing enrollment or federal financial aid related to student recruiting or admissions activities.

Application Requirements

Applicants must adhere to the terms, deadlines, and requirements specific to their chosen program or certificate. Generally, admission requires a completed application and proof of educational completion. Individuals without a high school diploma, GED, or HSED can enroll in preparatory programs to obtain these credentials. Please note that students without a high school diploma, GED, or HSED are ineligible for Title IV financial aid.

Unique Populations

There are specific admission requirements for students seeking enrollment via any of the following:

Auto-Admit

Some degrees, diplomas, or certificates admit students with no requirements beyond the application. Generally, applicants will receive admission decisions within 24 hours of submission. 

Enrollment Policies

Enrollment in degree credit coursework occurs through a priority registration process. Priority is assigned in the following manner:

  • Current program students receive first priority.
  • New program students and continuing degree credit course takers receive second priority.
  • Students participating in Madison College’s Early College programming receive third priority.
  • New degree credit course takers do not receive priority and register during public open registration.

Non-degree and visiting students must create an account and are then provided an enrollment appointment during open enrollment.

Some programs have academic preparedness requirements and follow a petition process for clinical or core coursework.

Some programs and certificates have academic preparedness requirements on individual courses.

Students must meet enrollment requirements listed in the course details. If a student enrolls and does not meet the stated requirements, they may be notified by the college and dropped from the course.  

Students may enroll in future courses using in-progress, ungraded Madison College coursework to meet enrollment requirements. Once grades are posted, students who no longer meet enrollment requirements must drop coursework for which they no longer meet requirements or the college may drop them automatically. 

Program Discontinuation Policies

Academic programs may require students to achieve specific course grades and/or maintain specific program GPA requirements. Students not meeting these criteria may be removed from the program and be required to drop program courses for which they are no longer eligible. These criteria are outlined in program handbooks and/or other program materials. 

Students must enroll in consecutive semesters to remain active in their academic program of study. If a student does not enroll for a semester, Madison College will send a notice and discontinue the student from their program. Students may request to remain active in their program. Exceptions to program discontinuation apply to students on program waiting lists. 

Students active in a program may withdraw at any time by notifying our Enrollment Services office.