Academic Programs & Learning
Everything you need to know about the academic environment at Portland Community College: retention, online options, and enrollment data.
What About Academic Quality at Portland Community College?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
19:1
Average students per faculty member
Full-Time Retention
63%
Students continuing to second year
Part-Time Retention
41%
Part-time students continuing
How Portland Community College Compares
Trade colleges typically retain 50–70% of full-time students; Portland Community College's 63% lands within that band. Solid foundations, but not a school where retention itself is the standout selling point.
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: 31% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.
Who Teaches at Portland Community College?
Tenure Status
Academic Ranks
Understanding Faculty Composition
Portland Community College employs 408 instructional staff across a range of academic ranks. About 2% hold tenured positions, providing institutional stability and academic continuity.
How Successful Are Students at Portland 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:63% 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 63%, the retention rate at Portland 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 Portland 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.
94% of Portland Community College's exclusively online students are located in OR. The school primarily serves local online learners.
What Is the Academic Load at Portland 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.
Full-Time Equivalent enrollment at Portland Community College standardizes headcount by weighting part-time students proportionally. This gives a more accurate view of institutional capacity.
How Intensively Do Students Study at Portland 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
Enrollment intensity at Portland Community College sits at 0.68 — a measure of how much of the student body is enrolled full-time versus part-time.
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 Portland Community College directly at 9717226111 or visit their website .
Key Academic Highlights
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1 supports personalized learning
- 408 instructional staff with 2% holding tenured positions
- Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
- Online students primarily from OR (94% in-state)
- Strong retention rates demonstrate student satisfaction and academic support
Ready to Learn More About Academics at Portland Community College?
Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.