Academic Programs & Learning
Explore academic rigor, student retention, and distance education at Normandale Community College in Bloomington, MN.
What About Academic Quality at Normandale Community College?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
31:1
Average students per faculty member
Full-Time Retention
62%
Students continuing to second year
Part-Time Retention
50%
Part-time students continuing
How Normandale Community College Compares
Retention at Normandale Community College runs at 62%, fairly typical for the trade-college space. The 31:1 student-faculty ratio suggests an institution operating at familiar academic-quality benchmarks rather than pushing them.
Understanding Academic Quality Metrics
Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 31:1 means there are approximately 31 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 Normandale Community College?
Tenure Status
Academic Ranks
Understanding Faculty Composition
With 147 instructors, Normandale Community College supports both research-oriented and teaching-focused academic programs. The 95% tenure rate indicates a blend of experienced career faculty and newer educators.
How Successful Are Students at Normandale Community 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:62% 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.
At 62%, the retention rate at Normandale Community 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 Normandale Community 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.
98% of Normandale Community College's exclusively online students are located in MN. The school primarily serves local online learners.
What Is the Academic Load at Normandale Community College?
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis
FTE Analysis
Study Intensity:67.6% 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 Normandale 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 Normandale 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.
A mix of full-time and part-time students, offering flexibility for those balancing work, family, and education.
FTE represents student enrollment adjusted for course load. Two half-time students equal 1 FTE.
FTE Ratio Scale
The enrollment intensity at Normandale Community College — measured by a 0.68 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 Normandale Community College directly at 9523588200 or visit their website .
Key Academic Highlights
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 31:1 supports personalized learning
- 147 instructional staff with 95% holding tenured positions
- Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
- Online students primarily from MN (98% in-state)
- Strong retention rates demonstrate student satisfaction and academic support
Ready to Learn More About Academics at Normandale Community College?
Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.