Academic Programs & Learning
Academic quality, retention, and learning environment at Lake Superior College in Duluth, MN.
What About Academic Quality at Lake Superior College?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
19:1
Average students per faculty member
Full-Time Retention
61%
Students continuing to second year
Part-Time Retention
58%
Part-time students continuing
How Lake Superior College Compares
61% of full-time students return for a second year at Lake Superior College, in line with how most trade colleges perform. Part-time retention of 58% 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 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: 16% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.
Who Teaches at Lake Superior College?
Understanding Faculty Composition
Lake Superior College employs 73 instructional staff members. About 81% 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 Lake Superior 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:61% 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.
With a 61% retention rate, Lake Superior College keeps a moderate share of its students year to year. Look into advising and tutoring resources to get the most from your experience.
Where Do Online Students at Lake Superior 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.
89% of Lake Superior College's exclusively online students are located in MN. An additional 10% study from other US states.
What Is the Academic Load at Lake Superior College?
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis
FTE Analysis
Study Intensity:60.4% 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 enrollment at Lake Superior College standardizes headcount by weighting part-time students proportionally. This gives a more accurate view of institutional capacity.
How Intensively Do Students Study at Lake Superior 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
At Lake Superior College, the FTE-to-headcount ratio is 0.60, which indicates how many students are attending full-time versus part-time.
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 Lake Superior College directly at 8004322884 or visit their website .
Key Academic Highlights
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1 supports personalized learning
- 73 instructional staff with 81% holding tenured positions
- Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
- Online students from MN and beyond (10% out-of-state)
- Strong retention rates demonstrate student satisfaction and academic support
Ready to Learn More About Academics at Lake Superior College?
Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.