Academic Programs & Learning

Academics at City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College — retention rates, distance education, enrollment intensity, and student support.

What About Academic Quality at City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College?

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

20:1

Average students per faculty member

👨‍🏫

Full-Time Retention

62%

Students continuing to second year

📈

Part-Time Retention

41%

Part-time students continuing

📊

How City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College Compares

City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College's 62% full-time retention is right in the typical band for trade and vocational schools (most run between 50% and 70%). A 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 41% 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 20:1 means there are approximately 20 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: 18% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.

Who Teaches at City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College?

Total Teaching Staff
98
Instructional faculty
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
20:1
Students per instructor
Faculty Diversity
39%
Underrepresented minorities

Understanding Faculty Composition

With 98 instructors on staff, City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College maintains a teaching-focused faculty. 93% of faculty hold tenured positions.

Where Do Online Students at City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College Come From?

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

Exclusively Online
2,178
of 6,121 total (35.6%)
Some Online Courses
1,458
of 6,121 total (23.8%)

Where exclusively-online students are located

Same state (IL) 2,158 (99.1%)
Other US states 11 (0.5%)
Outside the US 9 (0.4%)
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.

99% of City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College's exclusively online students are located in IL. The school primarily serves local online learners.

What Is the Academic Load at City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College?

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis

3,651
Total FTE
3,651
Undergraduate FTE

FTE Analysis

Study Intensity:59.6% 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.

The FTE figure at City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College gives a standardized view of enrollment by accounting for both full-time and part-time students in a single metric.

How Intensively Do Students Study at City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington 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.

59.6%
FTE Ratio
Intensity LevelModerate-Low

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

Undergraduate FTE
3,651
Total FTE
3,651
Headcount
6,121

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

City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College has an enrollment intensity of 0.60, reflecting the proportion of full-time to part-time students. This can signal the pace and rigor of available programs.

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 Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College directly at 3125535600 or visit their website .

Key Academic Highlights

  • Student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1 supports personalized learning
  • 98 instructional staff with 93% holding tenured positions
  • Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
  • Online students primarily from IL (99% in-state)

Ready to Learn More About Academics at City Colleges of Chicago-Harold Washington College?

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

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