Academic Programs & Learning
A comprehensive look at the academic experience at Prairie State College: retention, enrollment intensity, and online learning options.
What About Academic Quality at Prairie State College?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
12:1
Average students per faculty member
Full-Time Retention
51%
Students continuing to second year
Part-Time Retention
49%
Part-time students continuing
How Prairie State College Compares
Prairie State College's 51% full-time retention is right in the typical band for trade and vocational schools (most run between 50% and 70%). A 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 49% part-time retention tell a balanced story — academic quality is solid without being a clear standout.
Understanding Academic Quality Metrics
Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 12:1 means there are approximately 12 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: 24% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.
Who Teaches at Prairie State College?
Tenure Status
Academic Ranks
Understanding Faculty Composition
With 73 instructors, Prairie State College supports both research-oriented and teaching-focused academic programs.
How Successful Are Students at Prairie State 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:51% retention rate indicates opportunities to enhance student support services.
Retention Impact: Higher retention rates indicate student satisfaction, academic success, and effective institutional support systems.
Prairie State College has a 51% 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 Prairie State 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.
96% of Prairie State College's exclusively online students are located in IL. The school primarily serves local online learners.
What Is the Academic Load at Prairie State College?
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis
FTE Analysis
Study Intensity:80.2% FTE ratio indicates a mix of full-time and part-time students
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 Prairie State 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 Prairie State 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.
Most students maintain full-time or near-full-time course loads, balancing academics with limited outside commitments.
FTE represents student enrollment adjusted for course load. Two half-time students equal 1 FTE.
FTE Ratio Scale
Prairie State College has an enrollment intensity of 0.80, 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 Prairie State College directly at 7087093500 or visit their website .
Key Academic Highlights
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 12:1 supports personalized learning
- 73 instructional staff with 5% holding tenured positions
- Primarily full-time enrollment creates immersive learning environment
- Online students primarily from IL (96% in-state)
- Strong retention rates demonstrate student satisfaction and academic support
Ready to Learn More About Academics at Prairie State College?
Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.