Academic Programs & Learning

Academic quality, retention, and learning environment at Los Angeles Southwest College in Los Angeles, CA.

What About Academic Quality at Los Angeles Southwest College?

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

22:1

Average students per faculty member

👨‍🏫

Full-Time Retention

52%

Students continuing to second year

📈

Part-Time Retention

21%

Part-time students continuing

📊

How Los Angeles Southwest College Compares

Los Angeles Southwest College reports 52% retention — middle-of-the-pack for trade colleges. Combined with a 22:1 student-faculty ratio, and 21% part-time retention, the school sits at expected levels on academic-quality indicators.

Understanding Academic Quality Metrics

Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 22:1 means there are approximately 22 students for every faculty member. This higher ratio may mean larger class sizes but can also indicate efficient resource utilization.

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: 5% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.

Who Teaches at Los Angeles Southwest College?

Total Teaching Staff
77
Instructional faculty
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
22:1
Students per instructor
Faculty Diversity
57%
Underrepresented minorities

Tenure Status

Tenured (1%) Non-Tenure (12%) Other

Academic Ranks

Instructors & Lecturers 9
Other Instructional Staff 68

Understanding Faculty Composition

With 77 instructors, Los Angeles Southwest College supports both research-oriented and teaching-focused academic programs.

How Successful Are Students at Los Angeles Southwest College?

Student Retention Rates

52.0%
First-Time Full-Time
Fair
21.0%
First-Time Part-Time
Needs Improvement

Retention Rate Comparison

First-Time Full-Time
52.0%

New full-time students returning for second year

First-Time Part-Time
21.0%

New part-time students returning for second year

Cohort Information

Cohort Year:2024 academic year

Student Success Analysis

Full-Time Success:52% retention rate indicates opportunities to enhance student support services.

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

Los Angeles Southwest College has a 52% retention rate, meaning a moderate share of students continue from one year to the next. Understanding what drives this can help prospective students plan ahead.

Where Do Online Students at Los Angeles Southwest College Come From?

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

Exclusively Online
3,596
of 5,371 total (67%)
Some Online Courses
700
of 5,371 total (13%)

Where exclusively-online students are located

Same state (CA) 3,487 (97%)
Outside the US 24 (0.7%)
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.

97% of Los Angeles Southwest College's exclusively online students are located in CA. The school primarily serves local online learners.

What Is the Academic Load at Los Angeles Southwest College?

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis

2,523
Total FTE
2,523
Undergraduate FTE

FTE Analysis

Study Intensity:47.0% 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.

At Los Angeles Southwest College, the FTE metric combines full-time and part-time enrollment into a single number, making it easier to compare with other institutions.

How Intensively Do Students Study at Los Angeles Southwest 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.

47.0%
FTE Ratio
Intensity LevelLow

Predominantly part-time students, designed for maximum scheduling flexibility and adult learners.

Undergraduate FTE
2,523
Total FTE
2,523
Headcount
5,371

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

A 0.47 FTE-to-headcount ratio at Los Angeles Southwest College reflects the mix of full-time and part-time enrollment. Higher values indicate more full-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 Los Angeles Southwest College directly at 3232415400 or visit their website .

Key Academic Highlights

  • Student-to-faculty ratio of 22:1 supports personalized learning
  • 77 instructional staff with 1% holding tenured positions
  • Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
  • Online students primarily from CA (97% in-state)
  • Strong retention rates demonstrate student satisfaction and academic support

Ready to Learn More About Academics at Los Angeles Southwest College?

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

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