Academic Programs & Learning

Academic quality, retention, and learning environment at Erie Community College in Buffalo, NY.

What About Academic Quality at Erie Community College?

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

20:1

Average students per faculty member

👨‍🏫

Full-Time Retention

56%

Students continuing to second year

📈

Part-Time Retention

30%

Part-time students continuing

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How Erie Community College Compares

Trade colleges typically retain 50–70% of full-time students; Erie Community College's 56% 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: 58% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.

Who Teaches at Erie Community College?

Total Teaching Staff
215
Instructional faculty
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
20:1
Students per instructor
Faculty Diversity
8%
Underrepresented minorities

Understanding Faculty Composition

With 215 instructors on staff, Erie Community College maintains a teaching-focused faculty. 87% of faculty hold tenured positions.

How Successful Are Students at Erie Community College?

Student Retention Rates

56.0%
First-Time Full-Time
Fair
30.0%
First-Time Part-Time
Needs Improvement

Retention Rate Comparison

First-Time Full-Time
56.0%

New full-time students returning for second year

First-Time Part-Time
30.0%

New part-time students returning for second year

Cohort Information

Cohort Year:2024 academic year

Student Success Analysis

Full-Time Success:56% retention rate indicates opportunities to enhance student support services.

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

Erie Community College has a 56% 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 Erie Community College Come From?

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

Exclusively Online
1,335
of 8,090 total (16.5%)
Some Online Courses
2,310
of 8,090 total (28.6%)

Where exclusively-online students are located

Same state (NY) 1,313 (98.4%)
Other US states 17 (1.3%)
Outside the US 2 (0.1%)
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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.

98% of Erie Community College's exclusively online students are located in NY. The school primarily serves local online learners.

What Is the Academic Load at Erie Community College?

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis

6,062
Total FTE
6,062
Undergraduate FTE

FTE Analysis

Study Intensity:74.9% 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.

Understanding FTE at Erie Community College 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 Erie 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.

74.9%
FTE Ratio
Intensity LevelModerate

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

Undergraduate FTE
6,062
Total FTE
6,062
Headcount
8,090

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

With an FTE-to-headcount ratio of 0.75, Erie 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 Erie Community College directly at 7168511000 or visit their website .

Key Academic Highlights

  • Student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1 supports personalized learning
  • 215 instructional staff with 87% holding tenured positions
  • Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
  • Online students primarily from NY (98% in-state)
  • Strong retention rates demonstrate student satisfaction and academic support

Ready to Learn More About Academics at Erie Community College?

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

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