Academic Programs & Learning
Explore academic rigor, student retention, and distance education at Bates Technical College in Tacoma, WA.
What About Academic Quality at Bates Technical College?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
21:1
Average students per faculty member
Full-Time Retention
64%
Students continuing to second year
Part-Time Retention
71%
Part-time students continuing
How Bates Technical College Compares
Retention at Bates Technical College runs at 64%, fairly typical for the trade-college space. The 21:1 student-faculty ratio suggests an institution operating at familiar academic-quality benchmarks rather than pushing them.
Understanding Academic Quality Metrics
Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 21:1 means there are approximately 21 students for every faculty member. This higher ratio may mean larger class sizes but can also indicate efficient resource utilization.
Retention Rates: These show the percentage of students who return for their second year. Higher retention rates typically indicate student satisfaction, academic support, and program quality.
Graduation Rate Survey Cohort: 32% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.
Who Teaches at Bates Technical College?
Tenure Status
Academic Ranks
Understanding Faculty Composition
Bates Technical College's teaching staff of 69 includes faculty at various academic ranks. Tenured professors make up 38% of instructional staff. The mix of ranked faculty and instructors supports diverse learning experiences.
Where Do Online Students at Bates Technical College Come From?
Geographic distribution of students enrolled exclusively in online courses (Fall 2024 census)
Where exclusively-online students are located
About this data: The geographic breakdown above uses IPEDS Fall Enrollment census data, which captures a single-day snapshot. The enrollment figures in the "How Do Students Learn?" section above use 12-month unduplicated headcount, which typically shows higher numbers as it covers the full academic year. Both are official IPEDS data — they measure different things.
98% of Bates Technical College's exclusively online students are located in WA. The school primarily serves local online learners.
What Is the Academic Load at Bates Technical College?
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis
FTE Analysis
Study Intensity:85.5% FTE ratio indicates a mix of full-time and part-time students
Academic Load: FTE represents the equivalent of full-time students based on credit hours, helping compare institutional capacity regardless of part-time enrollment.
At Bates Technical College, the FTE metric combines full-time and part-time enrollment into a single number, making it easier to compare with other institutions.
How Intensively Do Students Study at Bates Technical College?
Student Enrollment Intensity
The Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) ratio shows the average course load intensity. An FTE ratio of 1.0 means all students attend full-time, while lower values indicate more part-time enrollment.
Most students maintain full-time or near-full-time course loads, balancing academics with limited outside commitments.
FTE represents student enrollment adjusted for course load. Two half-time students equal 1 FTE.
FTE Ratio Scale
The enrollment intensity at Bates Technical College — measured by a 0.86 FTE-to-headcount ratio — shows the balance between full-time and part-time students.
Academic Support & Resources
Academic Advising
Students have access to academic advisors who can help with course selection, degree planning, and career guidance. Contact the admissions office to learn about advising services.
Student Success Services
Many institutions offer tutoring, study groups, and academic success workshops. These resources help students develop study skills and overcome academic challenges.
For detailed information about academic support services, tutoring hours, and learning resources, contact Bates Technical College directly at 2536807000 or visit their website .
Key Academic Highlights
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 21:1 supports personalized learning
- 69 instructional staff with 38% holding tenured positions
- Primarily full-time enrollment creates immersive learning environment
- Online students primarily from WA (98% in-state)
Ready to Learn More About Academics at Bates Technical College?
Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.