Academic Programs & Learning

Explore academic rigor, student retention, and distance education at Columbia Gorge Community College in The Dalles, OR.

What About Academic Quality at Columbia Gorge Community College?

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

12:1

Average students per faculty member

👨‍🏫

Full-Time Retention

52%

Students continuing to second year

📈

Part-Time Retention

33%

Part-time students continuing

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How Columbia Gorge Community College Compares

A 52% retention rate for full-time students is within the typical range at Columbia Gorge Community College. 33% of part-time students return as well — a useful sign of how the school accommodates non-traditional schedules. Compare this to specific peer schools in your search rather than a national benchmark.

Understanding Academic Quality Metrics

Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 12:1 means there are approximately 12 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: 43% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.

Who Teaches at Columbia Gorge Community College?

Total Teaching Staff
25
Instructional faculty
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
12:1
Students per instructor
Faculty Diversity
4%
Underrepresented minorities

Tenure Status

Tenured (100%) Non-Tenure (100%) Other

Academic Ranks

Instructors & Lecturers 25

Understanding Faculty Composition

Columbia Gorge Community College employs 25 instructional staff across a range of academic ranks. About 100% hold tenured positions, providing institutional stability and academic continuity.

How Successful Are Students at Columbia Gorge Community College?

Student Retention Rates

52.0%
First-Time Full-Time
Fair
33.0%
First-Time Part-Time
Needs Improvement

Retention Rate Comparison

First-Time Full-Time
52.0%

New full-time students returning for second year

First-Time Part-Time
33.0%

New part-time students returning for second year

Cohort Information

Cohort Year:2024 academic year

Student Success Analysis

Full-Time Success:52% retention rate indicates opportunities to enhance student support services.

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

Columbia Gorge Community College has a 52% retention rate, meaning a moderate share of students continue from one year to the next. Understanding what drives this can help prospective students plan ahead.

Where Do Online Students at Columbia Gorge Community College Come From?

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

Exclusively Online
200
of 812 total (24.6%)
Some Online Courses
201
of 812 total (24.8%)

Where exclusively-online students are located

Same state (OR) 168 (84%)
Other US states 32 (16%)
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.

84% of Columbia Gorge Community College's exclusively online students are located in OR. An additional 16% study from other US states.

What Is the Academic Load at Columbia Gorge Community College?

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis

573
Total FTE
573
Undergraduate FTE

FTE Analysis

Study Intensity:70.6% 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.

FTE enrollment at Columbia Gorge Community College converts all student enrollment into full-time equivalents, providing a clearer picture of the school's actual academic workload.

How Intensively Do Students Study at Columbia Gorge 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.

70.6%
FTE Ratio
Intensity LevelModerate

A mix of full-time and part-time students, offering flexibility for those balancing work, family, and education.

Undergraduate FTE
573
Total FTE
573
Headcount
812

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 0.71 FTE-to-headcount ratio at Columbia Gorge 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 Columbia Gorge Community College directly at 5415066000 or visit their website .

Key Academic Highlights

  • Student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1 supports personalized learning
  • 25 instructional staff with 100% holding tenured positions
  • Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
  • Online students from OR and beyond (16% out-of-state)
  • Strong retention rates demonstrate student satisfaction and academic support

Ready to Learn More About Academics at Columbia Gorge Community College?

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

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