Academic Programs & Learning

How does J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College in Huntsville, AL support student success? Retention rates, FTE analysis, and more.

What About Academic Quality at J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College?

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

13:1

Average students per faculty member

👨‍🏫

Full-Time Retention

51%

Students continuing to second year

📈

Part-Time Retention

40%

Part-time students continuing

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How J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College Compares

51% of full-time students return for a second year at J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College, in line with how most trade colleges perform. Part-time retention of 40% provides additional context for working students. Use these numbers as a baseline rather than a differentiator.

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: 19% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.

Who Teaches at J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College?

Total Teaching Staff
27
Instructional faculty
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
13:1
Students per instructor
Faculty Diversity
37%
Underrepresented minorities

Understanding Faculty Composition

J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College's 27 instructional staff members bring hands-on expertise to the classroom. Tenured faculty make up 15% of the teaching staff.

How Successful Are Students at J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College?

Student Retention Rates

51.0%
First-Time Full-Time
Fair
40.0%
First-Time Part-Time
Needs Improvement

Retention Rate Comparison

First-Time Full-Time
51.0%

New full-time students returning for second year

First-Time Part-Time
40.0%

New part-time students returning for second year

Cohort Information

Cohort Year:2024 academic year

Student Success Analysis

Full-Time Success:51% retention rate indicates opportunities to enhance student support services.

Retention Impact: Higher retention rates indicate student satisfaction, academic success, and effective institutional support systems.

At 51%, the retention rate at J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College falls in a typical range for similar institutions. Students should consider the support services available when making their decision.

Where Do Online Students at J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College Come From?

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

Exclusively Online
217
of 1,187 total (18.3%)
Some Online Courses
403
of 1,187 total (34%)

Where exclusively-online students are located

Same state (AL) 216 (99.5%)
Other US states 1 (0.5%)
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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.

100% of J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College's exclusively online students are located in AL. The school primarily serves local online learners.

What Is the Academic Load at J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College?

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis

715
Total FTE
715
Undergraduate FTE

FTE Analysis

Study Intensity:60.2% 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.

The FTE calculation at J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College provides a normalized enrollment figure — useful for understanding how many students are engaged on a full-time basis.

How Intensively Do Students Study at J. F. Drake State Community and Technical 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.

60.2%
FTE Ratio
Intensity LevelModerate-Low

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

Undergraduate FTE
715
Total FTE
715
Headcount
1,187

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

The enrollment intensity at J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College — measured by a 0.60 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 J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College directly at 2565398161 or visit their website .

Key Academic Highlights

  • Student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1 supports personalized learning
  • 27 instructional staff with 15% holding tenured positions
  • Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
  • Online students primarily from AL (100% in-state)
  • Strong retention rates demonstrate student satisfaction and academic support

Ready to Learn More About Academics at J. F. Drake State Community and Technical College?

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

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