Academic Programs & Learning
Everything you need to know about the academic environment at South Suburban College: retention, online options, and enrollment data.
What About Academic Quality at South Suburban College?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
17:1
Average students per faculty member
Full-Time Retention
63%
Students continuing to second year
Part-Time Retention
41%
Part-time students continuing
How South Suburban College Compares
Retention at South Suburban College runs at 63%, fairly typical for the trade-college space. The 17:1 student-faculty ratio suggests an institution operating at familiar academic-quality benchmarks rather than pushing them.
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: 33% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.
Who Teaches at South Suburban College?
Understanding Faculty Composition
South Suburban College's 60 instructional staff members bring hands-on expertise to the classroom. Tenured faculty make up 7% of the teaching staff.
How Successful Are Students at South Suburban 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:63% retention rate shows moderate student engagement with room for improvement.
Retention Impact: Higher retention rates indicate student satisfaction, academic success, and effective institutional support systems.
South Suburban College has a 63% 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 South Suburban 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 South Suburban College's exclusively online students are located in IL. The school primarily serves local online learners.
What Is the Academic Load at South Suburban College?
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis
FTE Analysis
Study Intensity:59.4% 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.
Full-Time Equivalent enrollment at South Suburban College standardizes headcount by weighting part-time students proportionally. This gives a more accurate view of institutional capacity.
How Intensively Do Students Study at South Suburban 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
South Suburban College has an enrollment intensity of 0.59, 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 South Suburban College directly at 7085962000 or visit their website .
Key Academic Highlights
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1 supports personalized learning
- 60 instructional staff with 7% holding tenured positions
- Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
- Online students primarily from IL (96% in-state)
- Strong retention rates demonstrate student satisfaction and academic support
Ready to Learn More About Academics at South Suburban College?
Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.