Academic Programs & Learning

Student success metrics and academic quality indicators for Shelton State Community College in Tuscaloosa, AL.

What About Academic Quality at Shelton State Community College?

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

17:1

Average students per faculty member

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Full-Time Retention

57%

Students continuing to second year

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Part-Time Retention

33%

Part-time students continuing

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How Shelton State Community College Compares

Shelton State Community College reports 57% retention — middle-of-the-pack for trade colleges. Combined with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, and 33% part-time retention, the school sits at expected levels on academic-quality indicators.

Understanding Academic Quality Metrics

Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 17:1 means there are approximately 17 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: 35% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.

Who Teaches at Shelton State Community College?

Total Teaching Staff
105
Instructional faculty
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
17:1
Students per instructor
Faculty Diversity
29%
Underrepresented minorities

Understanding Faculty Composition

Shelton State Community College's 105 instructional staff members bring hands-on expertise to the classroom. Tenured faculty make up 6% of the teaching staff.

Where Do Online Students at Shelton State Community College Come From?

Geographic distribution of students enrolled exclusively in online courses (Fall 2024 census)

Exclusively Online
1,628
of 4,601 total (35.4%)
Some Online Courses
1,356
of 4,601 total (29.5%)

Where exclusively-online students are located

Same state (AL) 1,524 (93.6%)
Other US states 104 (6.4%)
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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 Shelton State Community College's exclusively online students are located in AL. The school primarily serves local online learners.

What Is the Academic Load at Shelton State Community College?

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis

3,147
Total FTE
3,147
Undergraduate FTE

FTE Analysis

Study Intensity:68.4% 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 Shelton State Community 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 Shelton State 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.

68.4%
FTE Ratio
Intensity LevelModerate

A mix of full-time and part-time students, offering flexibility for those balancing work, family, and education.

Undergraduate FTE
3,147
Total FTE
3,147
Headcount
4,601

FTE represents student enrollment adjusted for course load. Two half-time students equal 1 FTE.

FTE Ratio Scale

< 0.5
Low
0.5-0.65
Mod-Low
0.65-0.8
Moderate
0.8-0.95
High
≥ 0.95
Very High

With an FTE-to-headcount ratio of 0.68, Shelton State Community College's enrollment intensity reveals how committed students are to full-time study.

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 Shelton State Community College directly at 2053912211 or visit their website .

Key Academic Highlights

  • Student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1 supports personalized learning
  • 105 instructional staff with 6% holding tenured positions
  • Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
  • Online students primarily from AL (94% in-state)

Ready to Learn More About Academics at Shelton State Community College?

Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.

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