Academic Programs & Learning
How does Howard Community College in Columbia, MD support student success? Retention rates, FTE analysis, and more.
What About Academic Quality at Howard Community College?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
14:1
Average students per faculty member
Full-Time Retention
69%
Students continuing to second year
Part-Time Retention
49%
Part-time students continuing
How Howard Community College Compares
Howard Community College's 69% full-time retention is right in the typical band for trade and vocational schools (most run between 50% and 70%). A 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 49% part-time retention tell a balanced story — academic quality is solid without being a clear standout.
Understanding Academic Quality Metrics
Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 14:1 means there are approximately 14 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: 34% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.
Who Teaches at Howard Community College?
Tenure Status
Academic Ranks
Understanding Faculty Composition
Howard Community College's teaching staff of 182 includes faculty at various academic ranks. Tenured professors make up 0% of instructional staff. The mix of ranked faculty and instructors supports diverse learning experiences.
How Successful Are Students at Howard 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:69% 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 Howard Community College, 69% of students continue — a figure worth considering alongside program quality and career outcomes.
Where Do Online Students at Howard 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.
97% of Howard Community College's exclusively online students are located in MD. The school primarily serves local online learners.
What Is the Academic Load at Howard Community College?
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis
FTE Analysis
Study Intensity:65.2% 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 Howard Community College by converting part-time students into a full-time equivalent count.
How Intensively Do Students Study at Howard 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.
A mix of full-time and part-time students, offering flexibility for those balancing work, family, and education.
FTE represents student enrollment adjusted for course load. Two half-time students equal 1 FTE.
FTE Ratio Scale
The enrollment intensity ratio at Howard Community College is 0.65. This figure helps prospective students understand the school's enrollment patterns and peer dynamics.
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 Howard Community College directly at 4435181000 or visit their website .
Key Academic Highlights
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1 supports personalized learning
- 182 instructional staff with 0% holding tenured positions
- Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
- Online students primarily from MD (97% in-state)
- Strong retention rates demonstrate student satisfaction and academic support
Ready to Learn More About Academics at Howard Community College?
Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.