Academic Programs & Learning
Academic quality, retention, and learning environment at City College of San Francisco in San Francisco, CA.
What About Academic Quality at City College of San Francisco?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
24:1
Average students per faculty member
Full-Time Retention
70%
Students continuing to second year
Part-Time Retention
41%
Part-time students continuing
How City College of San Francisco Compares
A 70% full-time retention rate puts City College of San Francisco above the typical trade-college range, where 50–65% is more common. The 24:1 student-to-faculty ratio reinforces the pattern: students are sticking around, and instructional capacity is structured to keep them engaged. Part-time retention runs at 41%, useful context for students balancing work and study.
Understanding Academic Quality Metrics
Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 24:1 means there are approximately 24 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: 20% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.
Who Teaches at City College of San Francisco?
Tenure Status
Academic Ranks
Understanding Faculty Composition
City College of San Francisco's teaching staff of 402 includes faculty at various academic ranks. Tenured professors make up 89% of instructional staff. The mix of ranked faculty and instructors supports diverse learning experiences.
How Successful Are Students at City College of San Francisco?
Student Retention Rates
Retention Rate Comparison
New full-time students returning for second year
New part-time students returning for second year
Cohort Information
Student Success Analysis
Full-Time Success:70% 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.
70% of students at City College of San Francisco return for their next year of study — well above average and a sign of strong academic programs.
Where Do Online Students at City College of San Francisco 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.
99% of City College of San Francisco's exclusively online students are located in CA. The school primarily serves local online learners.
What Is the Academic Load at City College of San Francisco?
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis
FTE Analysis
Study Intensity:54.6% 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.
At City College of San Francisco, 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 City College of San Francisco?
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
At City College of San Francisco, the FTE-to-headcount ratio is 0.55, which indicates how many students are attending full-time versus part-time.
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 City College of San Francisco directly at 4152393000 or visit their website .
Key Academic Highlights
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 24:1 supports personalized learning
- 402 instructional staff with 89% holding tenured positions
- Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
- Online students primarily from CA (99% in-state)
- Strong retention rates demonstrate student satisfaction and academic support
Ready to Learn More About Academics at City College of San Francisco?
Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.