Academic Programs & Learning

Student success metrics and academic quality indicators for McHenry County College in Crystal Lake, IL.

What About Academic Quality at McHenry County College?

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

25:1

Average students per faculty member

👨‍🏫

Full-Time Retention

71%

Students continuing to second year

📈

Part-Time Retention

47%

Part-time students continuing

📊

How McHenry County College Compares

McHenry County College's 71% retention is a strong signal of academic fit and student support. For trade colleges, anything above 70% is notable. The 25:1 student-faculty ratio adds context — smaller ratios and high retention typically reinforce each other.

Understanding Academic Quality Metrics

Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 25:1 means there are approximately 25 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: 20% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.

Who Teaches at McHenry County College?

Total Teaching Staff
92
Instructional faculty
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
25:1
Students per instructor
Faculty Diversity
2%
Underrepresented minorities

Understanding Faculty Composition

With 92 instructors on staff, McHenry County College maintains a teaching-focused faculty. 76% of faculty hold tenured positions.

How Successful Are Students at McHenry County College?

Student Retention Rates

71.0%
First-Time Full-Time
Good
47.0%
First-Time Part-Time
Needs Improvement

Retention Rate Comparison

First-Time Full-Time
71.0%

New full-time students returning for second year

First-Time Part-Time
47.0%

New part-time students returning for second year

Cohort Information

Cohort Year:2024 academic year

Student Success Analysis

Full-Time Success:71% 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.

McHenry County College retains 71% of its students from year to year — a strong indicator of academic quality and student satisfaction.

Where Do Online Students at McHenry County College Come From?

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

Exclusively Online
1,117
of 9,399 total (11.9%)
Some Online Courses
2,086
of 9,399 total (22.2%)

Where exclusively-online students are located

Same state (IL) 1,093 (97.9%)
Other US states 23 (2.1%)
Outside the US 1 (0.1%)
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.

98% of McHenry County College's exclusively online students are located in IL. The school primarily serves local online learners.

What Is the Academic Load at McHenry County College?

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis

5,105
Total FTE
5,105
Undergraduate FTE

FTE Analysis

Study Intensity:54.3% 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 figure at McHenry County College gives a standardized view of enrollment by accounting for both full-time and part-time students in a single metric.

How Intensively Do Students Study at McHenry County 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.

54.3%
FTE Ratio
Intensity LevelModerate-Low

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

Undergraduate FTE
5,105
Total FTE
5,105
Headcount
9,399

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

McHenry County College has an enrollment intensity of 0.54, reflecting the proportion of full-time to part-time students. This can signal the pace and rigor of available programs.

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 McHenry County College directly at 8154553700 or visit their website .

Key Academic Highlights

  • Student-to-faculty ratio of 25:1 supports personalized learning
  • 92 instructional staff with 76% holding tenured positions
  • Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
  • Online students primarily from IL (98% in-state)
  • Strong retention rates demonstrate student satisfaction and academic support

Ready to Learn More About Academics at McHenry County College?

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

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