Academic Programs & Learning
Explore academic rigor, student retention, and distance education at Flathead Valley Community College in Kalispell, MT.
What About Academic Quality at Flathead Valley Community College?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
15:1
Average students per faculty member
Full-Time Retention
63%
Students continuing to second year
Part-Time Retention
44%
Part-time students continuing
How Flathead Valley Community College Compares
Trade colleges typically retain 50–70% of full-time students; Flathead Valley Community College's 63% 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 15:1 means there are approximately 15 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: 19% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.
Who Teaches at Flathead Valley Community College?
Understanding Faculty Composition
With 59 instructors on staff, Flathead Valley Community College maintains a teaching-focused faculty. 76% of faculty hold tenured positions.
How Successful Are Students at Flathead Valley Community College?
Student Retention Rates
Retention Rate Comparison
New full-time students returning for second year
New part-time students returning for second year
Cohort Information
Student Success Analysis
Full-Time Success:63% retention rate shows moderate student engagement with room for improvement.
Retention Impact: Higher retention rates indicate student satisfaction, academic success, and effective institutional support systems.
Retention rates measure how many students return each year. At Flathead Valley Community College, 63% of students continue — a figure worth considering alongside program quality and career outcomes.
Where Do Online Students at Flathead Valley 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.
95% of Flathead Valley Community College's exclusively online students are located in MT. The school primarily serves local online learners.
What Is the Academic Load at Flathead Valley Community College?
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis
FTE Analysis
Study Intensity:56.6% 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.
At Flathead Valley 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 Flathead Valley 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.
Significant part-time enrollment, ideal for working professionals and students with other responsibilities.
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 0.57, Flathead Valley 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 Flathead Valley Community College directly at 4067563822 or visit their website .
Key Academic Highlights
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1 supports personalized learning
- 59 instructional staff with 76% holding tenured positions
- Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
- Online students primarily from MT (95% in-state)
- Strong retention rates demonstrate student satisfaction and academic support
Ready to Learn More About Academics at Flathead Valley Community College?
Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.