Academic Programs & Learning

A comprehensive look at the academic experience at De Anza College: retention, enrollment intensity, and online learning options.

What About Academic Quality at De Anza College?

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

24:1

Average students per faculty member

👨‍🏫

Full-Time Retention

82%

Students continuing to second year

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Part-Time Retention

39%

Part-time students continuing

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How De Anza College Compares

De Anza College retains 82% of its full-time students — meaningfully higher than the trade-college median. High retention generally tracks with engaged faculty, well-paced programs, and strong advising; expect those characteristics here.

Understanding Academic Quality Metrics

Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 24:1 means there are approximately 24 students for every faculty member. This higher ratio may mean larger class sizes but can also indicate efficient resource utilization.

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: 34% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.

Who Teaches at De Anza College?

Total Teaching Staff
236
Instructional faculty
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
24:1
Students per instructor
Faculty Diversity
27%
Underrepresented minorities

Tenure Status

Tenured (2%) Non-Tenure (2%) Other

Academic Ranks

Instructors & Lecturers 4
Other Instructional Staff 232

Understanding Faculty Composition

De Anza College employs 236 instructional staff across a range of academic ranks. About 2% hold tenured positions, providing institutional stability and academic continuity.

Where Do Online Students at De Anza College Come From?

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

Exclusively Online
7,946
of 17,425 total (45.6%)
Some Online Courses
6,626
of 17,425 total (38%)

Where exclusively-online students are located

Same state (CA) 7,642 (96.2%)
Other US states 15 (0.2%)
Outside the US 144 (1.8%)
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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.

96% of De Anza College's exclusively online students are located in CA. The school primarily serves local online learners.

What Is the Academic Load at De Anza College?

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis

12,880
Total FTE
12,880
Undergraduate FTE

FTE Analysis

Study Intensity:73.9% 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.

At De Anza 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 De Anza 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.

73.9%
FTE Ratio
Intensity LevelModerate

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

Undergraduate FTE
12,880
Total FTE
12,880
Headcount
17,425

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 at De Anza College — measured by a 0.74 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 De Anza College directly at 4088645678 or visit their website .

Key Academic Highlights

  • Student-to-faculty ratio of 24:1 supports personalized learning
  • 236 instructional staff with 2% holding tenured positions
  • Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
  • Online students primarily from CA (96% in-state)

Ready to Learn More About Academics at De Anza College?

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

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