Academic Programs & Learning

Student success metrics and academic quality indicators for Dawson Community College in Glendive, MT.

What About Academic Quality at Dawson Community College?

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

13:1

Average students per faculty member

👨‍🏫

Full-Time Retention

54%

Students continuing to second year

📈

Part-Time Retention

50%

Part-time students continuing

📊

How Dawson Community College Compares

Dawson Community College's 54% full-time retention is right in the typical band for trade and vocational schools (most run between 50% and 70%). A 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 50% 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 13:1 means there are approximately 13 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: 64% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.

Who Teaches at Dawson Community College?

Total Teaching Staff
12
Instructional faculty
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Students per instructor
Tenured Faculty
33%
4 of 12 instructors

Understanding Faculty Composition

With 12 instructors on staff, Dawson Community College maintains a teaching-focused faculty. 33% of faculty hold tenured positions.

How Successful Are Students at Dawson Community College?

Student Retention Rates

54.0%
First-Time Full-Time
Fair
50.0%
First-Time Part-Time
Fair

Retention Rate Comparison

First-Time Full-Time
54.0%

New full-time students returning for second year

First-Time Part-Time
50.0%

New part-time students returning for second year

Cohort Information

Cohort Year:2024 academic year

Student Success Analysis

Full-Time Success:54% retention rate indicates opportunities to enhance student support services.

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

Dawson Community College retains 54% of its students annually. Understanding retention helps gauge whether students are finding the academic support they need.

Where Do Online Students at Dawson Community College Come From?

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

Exclusively Online
63
of 332 total (19%)
Some Online Courses
43
of 332 total (13%)

Where exclusively-online students are located

Same state (MT) 42 (66.7%)
Other US states 21 (33.3%)
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.

67% of Dawson Community College's exclusively online students are located in MT. An additional 33% study from other US states.

What Is the Academic Load at Dawson Community College?

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis

279
Total FTE
279
Undergraduate FTE

FTE Analysis

Study Intensity:84.0% FTE ratio indicates a mix of full-time and part-time students

Academic Load: FTE represents the equivalent of full-time students based on credit hours, helping compare institutional capacity regardless of part-time enrollment.

Full-Time Equivalent enrollment at Dawson Community College standardizes headcount by weighting part-time students proportionally. This gives a more accurate view of institutional capacity.

How Intensively Do Students Study at Dawson 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.

84.0%
FTE Ratio
Intensity LevelHigh

Most students maintain full-time or near-full-time course loads, balancing academics with limited outside commitments.

Undergraduate FTE
279
Total FTE
279
Headcount
332

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

The enrollment intensity ratio at Dawson Community College is 0.84. This figure helps prospective students understand the school's enrollment patterns and peer dynamics.

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 Dawson Community College directly at 4063773396 or visit their website .

Key Academic Highlights

  • Student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1 supports personalized learning
  • 12 instructional staff with 33% holding tenured positions
  • Primarily full-time enrollment creates immersive learning environment
  • Online students from MT and beyond (33% out-of-state)
  • Strong retention rates demonstrate student satisfaction and academic support

Ready to Learn More About Academics at Dawson Community College?

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

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