Academic Programs & Learning

How does Gadsden State Community College in Gadsden, AL support student success? Retention rates, FTE analysis, and more.

What About Academic Quality at Gadsden State Community College?

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

17:1

Average students per faculty member

👨‍🏫

Full-Time Retention

62%

Students continuing to second year

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Part-Time Retention

37%

Part-time students continuing

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How Gadsden State Community College Compares

A 62% retention rate for full-time students is within the typical range at Gadsden State Community College. 37% of part-time students return as well — a useful sign of how the school accommodates non-traditional schedules. Compare this to specific peer schools in your search rather than a national benchmark.

Understanding Academic Quality Metrics

Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 17:1 means there are approximately 17 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: 34% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.

Who Teaches at Gadsden State Community College?

Total Teaching Staff
133
Instructional faculty
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
17:1
Students per instructor
Faculty Diversity
6%
Underrepresented minorities

Understanding Faculty Composition

With 133 instructors on staff, Gadsden State Community College maintains a teaching-focused faculty. 5% of faculty hold tenured positions.

How Successful Are Students at Gadsden State Community College?

Student Retention Rates

62.0%
First-Time Full-Time
Fair
37.0%
First-Time Part-Time
Needs Improvement

Retention Rate Comparison

First-Time Full-Time
62.0%

New full-time students returning for second year

First-Time Part-Time
37.0%

New part-time students returning for second year

Cohort Information

Cohort Year:2024 academic year

Student Success Analysis

Full-Time Success:62% 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 Gadsden State Community College, 62% of students continue — a figure worth considering alongside program quality and career outcomes.

Where Do Online Students at Gadsden State Community College Come From?

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

Exclusively Online
1,060
of 5,071 total (20.9%)
Some Online Courses
1,746
of 5,071 total (34.4%)

Where exclusively-online students are located

Same state (AL) 1,024 (96.6%)
Other US states 36 (3.4%)
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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.

97% of Gadsden State Community College's exclusively online students are located in AL. The school primarily serves local online learners.

What Is the Academic Load at Gadsden State Community College?

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis

3,449
Total FTE
3,449
Undergraduate FTE

FTE Analysis

Study Intensity:68.0% 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.

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) measures the total student enrollment at Gadsden State Community College by converting part-time students into a full-time equivalent count.

How Intensively Do Students Study at Gadsden State 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.

68.0%
FTE Ratio
Intensity LevelModerate

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

Undergraduate FTE
3,449
Total FTE
3,449
Headcount
5,071

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

At Gadsden State Community College, the FTE-to-headcount ratio is 0.68, which indicates how many students are attending full-time versus part-time.

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 Gadsden State Community College directly at 2565498200 or visit their website .

Key Academic Highlights

  • Student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1 supports personalized learning
  • 133 instructional staff with 5% holding tenured positions
  • Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
  • Online students primarily from AL (97% in-state)
  • Strong retention rates demonstrate student satisfaction and academic support

Ready to Learn More About Academics at Gadsden State Community College?

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

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