Academic Programs & Learning
Student success metrics and academic quality indicators for Highland Community College in Freeport, IL.
What About Academic Quality at Highland Community College?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Average students per faculty member
Full-Time Retention
70%
Students continuing to second year
Part-Time Retention
49%
Part-time students continuing
How Highland Community College Compares
70% of full-time students return to Highland Community College after their first year — a strong outcome for a trade or vocational school. Combined with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and 49% part-time retention, the picture is one of an environment students don't tend to leave prematurely.
Understanding Academic Quality Metrics
Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 13:1 means there are approximately 13 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: 67% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.
Who Teaches at Highland Community College?
Understanding Faculty Composition
Highland Community College employs 46 instructional staff members. About 83% hold tenured positions, which is typical for community and technical colleges where faculty are often hired on annual or multi-year contracts.
How Successful Are Students at Highland 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:70% 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 continue their education year over year. At 70%, Highland Community College shows a solid commitment to keeping students on track.
Where Do Online Students at Highland 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 Highland Community College's exclusively online students are located in IL. The school primarily serves local online learners.
What Is the Academic Load at Highland Community College?
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis
FTE Analysis
Study Intensity:80.2% FTE ratio indicates a mix of full-time and part-time students
Academic Load: FTE represents the equivalent of full-time students based on credit hours, helping compare institutional capacity regardless of part-time enrollment.
The FTE figure at Highland Community College gives a standardized view of enrollment by accounting for both full-time and part-time students in a single metric.
How Intensively Do Students Study at Highland 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.
Most students maintain full-time or near-full-time course loads, balancing academics with limited outside commitments.
FTE represents student enrollment adjusted for course load. Two half-time students equal 1 FTE.
FTE Ratio Scale
The enrollment intensity at Highland Community College — measured by a 0.80 FTE-to-headcount ratio — shows the balance between full-time and part-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 Highland Community College directly at 8152356121 or visit their website .
Key Academic Highlights
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1 supports personalized learning
- 46 instructional staff with 83% holding tenured positions
- Primarily full-time enrollment creates immersive learning environment
- Online students primarily from IL (98% in-state)
- Strong retention rates demonstrate student satisfaction and academic support
Ready to Learn More About Academics at Highland Community College?
Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.