Academic Programs & Learning
A comprehensive look at the academic experience at Grand Rapids Community College: retention, enrollment intensity, and online learning options.
What About Academic Quality at Grand Rapids Community College?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
19:1
Average students per faculty member
Full-Time Retention
59%
Students continuing to second year
Part-Time Retention
50%
Part-time students continuing
How Grand Rapids Community College Compares
Retention at Grand Rapids Community College runs at 59%, fairly typical for the trade-college space. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio suggests an institution operating at familiar academic-quality benchmarks rather than pushing them.
Understanding Academic Quality Metrics
Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 19:1 means there are approximately 19 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: 32% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.
Who Teaches at Grand Rapids Community College?
Tenure Status
Academic Ranks
Understanding Faculty Composition
With 216 instructors, Grand Rapids Community College supports both research-oriented and teaching-focused academic programs.
Where Do Online Students at Grand Rapids 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.
98% of Grand Rapids Community College's exclusively online students are located in MI. The school primarily serves local online learners.
What Is the Academic Load at Grand Rapids Community College?
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis
FTE Analysis
Study Intensity:62.7% 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.
FTE enrollment at Grand Rapids Community College converts all student enrollment into full-time equivalents, providing a clearer picture of the school's actual academic workload.
How Intensively Do Students Study at Grand Rapids 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 0.63, Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids Community College directly at 6162344000 or visit their website .
Key Academic Highlights
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1 supports personalized learning
- 216 instructional staff with 2% holding tenured positions
- Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
- Online students primarily from MI (98% in-state)
Ready to Learn More About Academics at Grand Rapids Community College?
Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.