This study explored variables that impacted college choices of traditionally aged new freshmen who chose to attend two-year colleges in central Wisconsin with the intention of completing bachelor's degrees. Participants in this study were traditionally aged 18 and 19 years-old first-time freshmen who attended one of five two-year schools in Wisconsin. A quantitative survey instrument was used to evaluate variables that respondents indicated as important in the decision to attend either a University of Wisconsin College (UWC) or a Wisconsin Technical College (WTC). Results indicated that cost and location were the most important college choice variables for the students from the UWC schools. Program and degree availability, cost and location were the most important variables for the WTC respondents. The sensitivity of both groups to cost and location suggests that any state initiative to combine the two systems into one community college system must consider the effect of merger on access to higher education. Results from this study offer admissions and higher education marketing professionals guidance on the variables to emphasize when recruiting prospective students. [The dissertation citations contained here are published with the permission of ProQuest LLC. Further reproduction is prohibited without permission. Copies of dissertations may be obtained by Telephone (800) 1-800-521-0600. Web page: http://bibliotheek.ehb.be:2222/en-US/products/dissertations/individuals.shtml.]