Academic Programs & Learning
Student success metrics and academic quality indicators for Parkland College in Champaign, IL.
What About Academic Quality at Parkland College?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
14:1
Average students per faculty member
Full-Time Retention
70%
Students continuing to second year
Part-Time Retention
55%
Part-time students continuing
How Parkland College Compares
A 70% full-time retention rate puts Parkland College above the typical trade-college range, where 50–65% is more common. The 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio reinforces the pattern: students are sticking around, and instructional capacity is structured to keep them engaged. Part-time retention runs at 55%, useful context for students balancing work and study.
Understanding Academic Quality Metrics
Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 14:1 means there are approximately 14 students for every faculty member. This low ratio typically allows for more individualized attention and smaller class sizes.
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: 37% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.
Who Teaches at Parkland College?
Tenure Status
Academic Ranks
Understanding Faculty Composition
Parkland College's teaching staff of 153 includes faculty at various academic ranks. Tenured professors make up 6% of instructional staff. The mix of ranked faculty and instructors supports diverse learning experiences.
Where Do Online Students at Parkland 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.
92% of Parkland College's exclusively online students are located in IL. The school primarily serves local online learners.
What Is the Academic Load at Parkland College?
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis
FTE Analysis
Study Intensity:66.7% 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 Parkland 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 Parkland 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
A 0.67 FTE-to-headcount ratio at Parkland 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 Parkland College directly at 2173512200 or visit their website .
Key Academic Highlights
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 14:1 supports personalized learning
- 153 instructional staff with 6% holding tenured positions
- Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
- Online students primarily from IL (92% in-state)
Ready to Learn More About Academics at Parkland College?
Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.