Academic Programs & Learning
Explore academic rigor, student retention, and distance education at South Plains College in Levelland, TX.
What About Academic Quality at South Plains College?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
16:1
Average students per faculty member
Full-Time Retention
47%
Students continuing to second year
Part-Time Retention
30%
Part-time students continuing
How South Plains College Compares
47% of full-time students return to South Plains College the next year — lower than the typical trade-college range. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio and 30% part-time retention are worth pairing with a direct conversation with the school about retention initiatives and student-success programs.
Understanding Academic Quality Metrics
Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 16:1 means there are approximately 16 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 South Plains College?
Tenure Status
Academic Ranks
Understanding Faculty Composition
With 258 instructors, South Plains College supports both research-oriented and teaching-focused academic programs.
Where Do Online Students at South Plains 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.
99% of South Plains College's exclusively online students are located in TX. The school primarily serves local online learners.
What Is the Academic Load at South Plains College?
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis
FTE Analysis
Study Intensity:65.2% 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 Plains 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 Plains 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
At South Plains College, the FTE-to-headcount ratio is 0.65, 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 Plains College directly at 80689496112542 or visit their website .
Key Academic Highlights
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 16:1 supports personalized learning
- 258 instructional staff with 3% holding tenured positions
- Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
- Online students primarily from TX (99% in-state)
Ready to Learn More About Academics at South Plains College?
Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.