Academic Programs & Learning
Everything you need to know about the academic environment at College of Western Idaho: retention, online options, and enrollment data.
What About Academic Quality at College of Western Idaho?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
20:1
Average students per faculty member
Full-Time Retention
66%
Students continuing to second year
Part-Time Retention
46%
Part-time students continuing
How College of Western Idaho Compares
Trade colleges typically retain 50–70% of full-time students; College of Western Idaho's 66% lands within that band. Solid foundations, but not a school where retention itself is the standout selling point.
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 College of Western Idaho?
Tenure Status
Academic Ranks
Understanding Faculty Composition
College of Western Idaho employs 186 instructional staff across a range of academic ranks. About 99% hold tenured positions, providing institutional stability and academic continuity.
How Successful Are Students at College of Western Idaho?
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:66% 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.
Year-over-year retention at College of Western Idaho is 66%. While this is within a normal range, exploring the school's student support resources can give you a fuller picture.
Where Do Online Students at College of Western Idaho 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 College of Western Idaho's exclusively online students are located in ID. The school primarily serves local online learners.
What Is the Academic Load at College of Western Idaho?
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis
FTE Analysis
Study Intensity:65.5% 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 College of Western Idaho 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 College of Western Idaho?
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.
A mix of full-time and part-time students, offering flexibility for those balancing work, family, and education.
FTE represents student enrollment adjusted for course load. Two half-time students equal 1 FTE.
FTE Ratio Scale
The enrollment intensity at College of Western Idaho — measured by a 0.65 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 College of Western Idaho directly at 2085623000 or visit their website .
Key Academic Highlights
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1 supports personalized learning
- 186 instructional staff with 99% holding tenured positions
- Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
- Online students primarily from ID (98% in-state)
- Strong retention rates demonstrate student satisfaction and academic support
Ready to Learn More About Academics at College of Western Idaho?
Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.