Academic Programs & Learning

How does Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington, NC support student success? Retention rates, FTE analysis, and more.

What About Academic Quality at Cape Fear Community College?

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

13:1

Average students per faculty member

👨‍🏫

Full-Time Retention

67%

Students continuing to second year

📈

Part-Time Retention

56%

Part-time students continuing

📊

How Cape Fear Community College Compares

Cape Fear Community College's 67% full-time retention is right in the typical band for trade and vocational schools (most run between 50% and 70%). A 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 56% part-time retention tell a balanced story — academic quality is solid without being a clear standout.

Understanding Academic Quality Metrics

Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 13:1 means there are approximately 13 students for every faculty member. This low ratio typically allows for more individualized attention and smaller class sizes.

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: 19% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.

Who Teaches at Cape Fear Community College?

Total Teaching Staff
259
Instructional faculty
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Students per instructor
Faculty Diversity
8%
Underrepresented minorities

Understanding Faculty Composition

Cape Fear Community College's 259 instructional staff members bring hands-on expertise to the classroom. Tenured faculty make up 100% of the teaching staff.

How Successful Are Students at Cape Fear Community College?

Student Retention Rates

67.0%
First-Time Full-Time
Good
56.0%
First-Time Part-Time
Fair

Retention Rate Comparison

First-Time Full-Time
67.0%

New full-time students returning for second year

First-Time Part-Time
56.0%

New part-time students returning for second year

Cohort Information

Cohort Year:2024 academic year

Student Success Analysis

Full-Time Success:67% retention rate shows moderate student engagement with room for improvement.

Retention Impact: Higher retention rates indicate student satisfaction, academic success, and effective institutional support systems.

With a 67% retention rate, Cape Fear Community College keeps a moderate share of its students year to year. Look into advising and tutoring resources to get the most from your experience.

Where Do Online Students at Cape Fear Community College Come From?

Geographic distribution of students enrolled exclusively in online courses (Fall 2024 census)

Exclusively Online
4,436
of 14,082 total (31.5%)
Some Online Courses
3,462
of 14,082 total (24.6%)

Where exclusively-online students are located

Same state (NC) 4,243 (95.6%)
Other US states 169 (3.8%)
ℹ️

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.

96% of Cape Fear Community College's exclusively online students are located in NC. The school primarily serves local online learners.

What Is the Academic Load at Cape Fear Community College?

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis

8,108
Total FTE
8,108
Undergraduate FTE

FTE Analysis

Study Intensity:57.6% FTE ratio indicates many students attend part-time

Academic Load: FTE represents the equivalent of full-time students based on credit hours, helping compare institutional capacity regardless of part-time enrollment.

Understanding FTE at Cape Fear Community College helps put enrollment numbers in context — it reflects the combined impact of full-time and part-time student activity.

How Intensively Do Students Study at Cape Fear Community 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.

57.6%
FTE Ratio
Intensity LevelModerate-Low

Significant part-time enrollment, ideal for working professionals and students with other responsibilities.

Undergraduate FTE
8,108
Total FTE
8,108
Headcount
14,082

FTE represents student enrollment adjusted for course load. Two half-time students equal 1 FTE.

FTE Ratio Scale

< 0.5
Low
0.5-0.65
Mod-Low
0.65-0.8
Moderate
0.8-0.95
High
≥ 0.95
Very High

A 0.58 FTE-to-headcount ratio at Cape Fear Community College reflects the mix of full-time and part-time enrollment. Higher values indicate more full-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 Cape Fear Community College directly at 9103627000 or visit their website .

Key Academic Highlights

  • Student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1 supports personalized learning
  • 259 instructional staff with 100% holding tenured positions
  • Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
  • Online students primarily from NC (96% in-state)
  • Strong retention rates demonstrate student satisfaction and academic support

Ready to Learn More About Academics at Cape Fear Community College?

Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.

0 of 3
+ Add school+ Add school+ Add school
Compare Now