Academic Programs & Learning

Explore academic rigor, student retention, and distance education at Lawson State Community College in Birmingham, AL.

What About Academic Quality at Lawson State Community College?

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

19:1

Average students per faculty member

👨‍🏫

Full-Time Retention

59%

Students continuing to second year

📈

Part-Time Retention

34%

Part-time students continuing

📊

How Lawson State Community College Compares

59% of full-time students return for a second year at Lawson State Community College, in line with how most trade colleges perform. Part-time retention of 34% 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: 34% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.

Who Teaches at Lawson State Community College?

Total Teaching Staff
74
Instructional faculty
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
19:1
Students per instructor
Faculty Diversity
61%
Underrepresented minorities

Understanding Faculty Composition

With 74 instructors on staff, Lawson State Community College maintains a teaching-focused faculty. 1% of faculty hold tenured positions.

How Successful Are Students at Lawson State Community College?

Student Retention Rates

59.0%
First-Time Full-Time
Fair
34.0%
First-Time Part-Time
Needs Improvement

Retention Rate Comparison

First-Time Full-Time
59.0%

New full-time students returning for second year

First-Time Part-Time
34.0%

New part-time students returning for second year

Cohort Information

Cohort Year:2024 academic year

Student Success Analysis

Full-Time Success:59% retention rate indicates opportunities to enhance student support services.

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 Lawson State Community College, 59% of students continue — a figure worth considering alongside program quality and career outcomes.

Where Do Online Students at Lawson State Community College Come From?

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

Exclusively Online
746
of 3,453 total (21.6%)
Some Online Courses
1,126
of 3,453 total (32.6%)

Where exclusively-online students are located

Same state (AL) 745 (99.9%)
ℹ️

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 Lawson State Community College's exclusively online students are located in AL. The school primarily serves local online learners.

What Is the Academic Load at Lawson State Community College?

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis

2,399
Total FTE
2,399
Undergraduate FTE

FTE Analysis

Study Intensity:69.5% 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.

FTE enrollment at Lawson State Community College converts all student enrollment into full-time equivalents, providing a clearer picture of the school's actual academic workload.

How Intensively Do Students Study at Lawson State 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.

69.5%
FTE Ratio
Intensity LevelModerate

A mix of full-time and part-time students, offering flexibility for those balancing work, family, and education.

Undergraduate FTE
2,399
Total FTE
2,399
Headcount
3,453

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 ratio at Lawson State Community College is 0.69. 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 Lawson State Community College directly at 2059252515 or visit their website .

Key Academic Highlights

  • Student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1 supports personalized learning
  • 74 instructional staff with 1% 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 Lawson State Community College?

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

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