Academic Programs & Learning

A comprehensive look at the academic experience at South Piedmont Community College: retention, enrollment intensity, and online learning options.

What About Academic Quality at South Piedmont Community College?

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

19:1

Average students per faculty member

👨‍🏫

Full-Time Retention

57%

Students continuing to second year

📈

Part-Time Retention

48%

Part-time students continuing

📊

How South Piedmont Community College Compares

South Piedmont Community College's 57% full-time retention is right in the typical band for trade and vocational schools (most run between 50% and 70%). A 19:1 student-to-faculty ratio and 48% 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 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: 33% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.

Who Teaches at South Piedmont Community College?

Total Teaching Staff
70
Instructional faculty
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
19:1
Students per instructor
Faculty Diversity
16%
Underrepresented minorities

Understanding Faculty Composition

With 70 instructors on staff, South Piedmont Community College maintains a teaching-focused faculty. 73% of faculty hold tenured positions.

How Successful Are Students at South Piedmont Community College?

Student Retention Rates

57.0%
First-Time Full-Time
Fair
48.0%
First-Time Part-Time
Needs Improvement

Retention Rate Comparison

First-Time Full-Time
57.0%

New full-time students returning for second year

First-Time Part-Time
48.0%

New part-time students returning for second year

Cohort Information

Cohort Year:2024 academic year

Student Success Analysis

Full-Time Success:57% retention rate indicates opportunities to enhance student support services.

Retention Impact: Higher retention rates indicate student satisfaction, academic success, and effective institutional support systems.

Retention rates measure how many students return each year. At South Piedmont Community College, 57% of students continue — a figure worth considering alongside program quality and career outcomes.

Where Do Online Students at South Piedmont Community College Come From?

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

Exclusively Online
1,553
of 4,013 total (38.7%)
Some Online Courses
1,369
of 4,013 total (34.1%)

Where exclusively-online students are located

Same state (NC) 1,536 (98.9%)
Other US states 17 (1.1%)
ℹ️

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.

99% of South Piedmont Community College's exclusively online students are located in NC. The school primarily serves local online learners.

What Is the Academic Load at South Piedmont Community College?

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis

2,380
Total FTE
2,380
Undergraduate FTE

FTE Analysis

Study Intensity:59.3% 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.

FTE enrollment at South Piedmont Community 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 South Piedmont 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.

59.3%
FTE Ratio
Intensity LevelModerate-Low

Significant part-time enrollment, ideal for working professionals and students with other responsibilities.

Undergraduate FTE
2,380
Total FTE
2,380
Headcount
4,013

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

At South Piedmont Community College, the FTE-to-headcount ratio is 0.59, 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 South Piedmont Community College directly at 7042725300 or visit their website .

Key Academic Highlights

  • Student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1 supports personalized learning
  • 70 instructional staff with 73% holding tenured positions
  • Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
  • Online students primarily from NC (99% in-state)
  • Strong retention rates demonstrate student satisfaction and academic support

Ready to Learn More About Academics at South Piedmont Community College?

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

0 of 3
+ Add school+ Add school+ Add school
Compare Now