Academic Programs & Learning
Academic quality, retention, and learning environment at Riverland Community College in Austin, MN.
What About Academic Quality at Riverland Community College?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
20:1
Average students per faculty member
Full-Time Retention
75%
Students continuing to second year
Part-Time Retention
50%
Part-time students continuing
How Riverland Community College Compares
A 75% full-time retention rate puts Riverland Community College above the typical trade-college range, where 50–65% is more common. The 20:1 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 50%, useful context for students balancing work and study.
Understanding Academic Quality Metrics
Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 20:1 means there are approximately 20 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: 19% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.
Who Teaches at Riverland Community College?
Tenure Status
Academic Ranks
Understanding Faculty Composition
Riverland Community College's teaching staff of 64 includes faculty at various academic ranks. Tenured professors make up 2% of instructional staff. The mix of ranked faculty and instructors supports diverse learning experiences.
How Successful Are Students at Riverland 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:75% retention rate demonstrates strong student satisfaction and institutional support.
Retention Impact: Higher retention rates indicate student satisfaction, academic success, and effective institutional support systems.
Year-over-year retention at Riverland Community College stands at 75%, reflecting a learning environment where students feel supported and motivated to continue.
Where Do Online Students at Riverland 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.
96% of Riverland Community College's exclusively online students are located in MN. The school primarily serves local online learners.
What Is the Academic Load at Riverland Community College?
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis
FTE Analysis
Study Intensity:56.9% 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 Riverland 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 Riverland 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.
Significant part-time enrollment, ideal for working professionals and students with other responsibilities.
FTE represents student enrollment adjusted for course load. Two half-time students equal 1 FTE.
FTE Ratio Scale
At Riverland Community College, the FTE-to-headcount ratio is 0.57, which indicates how many students are attending 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 Riverland Community College directly at 5074330600 or visit their website .
Key Academic Highlights
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1 supports personalized learning
- 64 instructional staff with 2% holding tenured positions
- Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
- Online students primarily from MN (96% in-state)
- Strong retention rates demonstrate student satisfaction and academic support
Ready to Learn More About Academics at Riverland Community College?
Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.