Academic Programs & Learning
Academics at Central Arizona College — retention rates, distance education, enrollment intensity, and student support.
What About Academic Quality at Central Arizona College?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
16:1
Average students per faculty member
Full-Time Retention
58%
Students continuing to second year
Part-Time Retention
35%
Part-time students continuing
How Central Arizona College Compares
Central Arizona College reports 58% retention — middle-of-the-pack for trade colleges. Combined with a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, and 35% part-time retention, the school sits at expected levels on academic-quality indicators.
Understanding Academic Quality Metrics
Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 16:1 means there are approximately 16 students for every faculty member. This moderate ratio balances personalized attention with institutional capacity.
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: 14% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.
Who Teaches at Central Arizona College?
Tenure Status
Academic Ranks
Understanding Faculty Composition
With 90 instructors, Central Arizona College supports both research-oriented and teaching-focused academic programs.
Where Do Online Students at Central Arizona 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.
85% of Central Arizona College's exclusively online students are located in AZ. An additional 15% study from other US states.
What Is the Academic Load at Central Arizona College?
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis
FTE Analysis
Study Intensity:63.3% 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.
At Central Arizona 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 Central Arizona 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.
Significant part-time enrollment, ideal for working professionals and students with other responsibilities.
FTE represents student enrollment adjusted for course load. Two half-time students equal 1 FTE.
FTE Ratio Scale
A 0.63 FTE-to-headcount ratio at Central Arizona 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 Central Arizona College directly at 5204945444 or visit their website .
Key Academic Highlights
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1 supports personalized learning
- 90 instructional staff with 7% holding tenured positions
- Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
- Online students from AZ and beyond (15% out-of-state)
Ready to Learn More About Academics at Central Arizona College?
Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.