Academic Programs & Learning

Academic quality, retention, and learning environment at Great Falls College Montana State University in Great Falls, MT.

What About Academic Quality at Great Falls College Montana State University?

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

17:1

Average students per faculty member

👨‍🏫

Full-Time Retention

56%

Students continuing to second year

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Part-Time Retention

45%

Part-time students continuing

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How Great Falls College Montana State University Compares

Retention at Great Falls College Montana State University runs at 56%, fairly typical for the trade-college space. The 17:1 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 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: 16% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.

Who Teaches at Great Falls College Montana State University?

Total Teaching Staff
38
Instructional faculty
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
17:1
Students per instructor
Faculty Diversity
3%
Underrepresented minorities

Tenure Status

Tenured (8%) Non-Tenure (8%) Other

Academic Ranks

Instructors & Lecturers 3
Other Instructional Staff 35

Understanding Faculty Composition

With 38 instructors, Great Falls College Montana State University supports both research-oriented and teaching-focused academic programs.

How Successful Are Students at Great Falls College Montana State University?

Student Retention Rates

56.0%
First-Time Full-Time
Fair
45.0%
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
45.0%

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.

Great Falls College Montana State University 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 Great Falls College Montana State University Come From?

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

Exclusively Online
556
of 1,502 total (37%)
Some Online Courses
365
of 1,502 total (24.3%)

Where exclusively-online students are located

Same state (MT) 546 (98.2%)
Other US states 10 (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.

98% of Great Falls College Montana State University's exclusively online students are located in MT. The school primarily serves local online learners.

What Is the Academic Load at Great Falls College Montana State University?

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis

924
Total FTE
924
Undergraduate FTE

FTE Analysis

Study Intensity:61.5% 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 Great Falls College Montana State University 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 Great Falls College Montana State University?

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.

61.5%
FTE Ratio
Intensity LevelModerate-Low

Significant part-time enrollment, ideal for working professionals and students with other responsibilities.

Undergraduate FTE
924
Total FTE
924
Headcount
1,502

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

A 0.62 FTE-to-headcount ratio at Great Falls College Montana State University reflects the mix of full-time and part-time enrollment. Higher values indicate more full-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 Great Falls College Montana State University directly at 4062683700 or visit their website .

Key Academic Highlights

  • Student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1 supports personalized learning
  • 38 instructional staff with 8% holding tenured positions
  • Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
  • Online students primarily from MT (98% in-state)
  • Strong retention rates demonstrate student satisfaction and academic support

Ready to Learn More About Academics at Great Falls College Montana State University?

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

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