Academic Programs & Learning
Everything you need to know about the academic environment at Dawson Community College: retention, online options, and enrollment data.
What About Academic Quality at Dawson Community College?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Average students per faculty member
Full-Time Retention
45%
Students continuing to second year
Part-Time Retention
60%
Part-time students continuing
How Dawson Community College Compares
45% retention is below the typical trade-college range (most schools run 50% or higher). The 13:1 student-faculty ratio and 60% part-time retention provide additional context, but the headline number is worth understanding before committing — ask Dawson Community College what kinds of students typically succeed here, and what supports are in place.
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: 52% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.
Who Teaches at Dawson Community College?
Understanding Faculty Composition
Dawson Community College employs 13 instructional staff members. About 31% hold tenured positions, which is typical for community and technical colleges where faculty are often hired on annual or multi-year contracts.
Where Do Online Students at Dawson Community College 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.
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
FTE Analysis
Study Intensity:91.9% 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.
At Dawson Community College, 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 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.
Most students maintain full-time or near-full-time course loads, balancing academics with limited outside commitments.
FTE represents student enrollment adjusted for course load. Two half-time students equal 1 FTE.
FTE Ratio Scale
With an FTE-to-headcount ratio of 0.92, Dawson Community College's enrollment intensity reveals how committed students are to full-time study.
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
- 13 instructional staff with 31% holding tenured positions
- Primarily full-time enrollment creates immersive learning environment
- Online students from MT and beyond (33% out-of-state)
Ready to Learn More About Academics at Dawson Community College?
Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.