Academic Programs & Learning
A comprehensive look at the academic experience at South Suburban College: retention, enrollment intensity, and online learning options.
What About Academic Quality at South Suburban College?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
17:1
Average students per faculty member
Full-Time Retention
71%
Students continuing to second year
Part-Time Retention
54%
Part-time students continuing
How South Suburban College Compares
A 71% full-time retention rate puts South Suburban College above the typical trade-college range, where 50–65% is more common. The 17:1 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 54%, useful context for students balancing work and study.
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: 9% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.
Who Teaches at South Suburban College?
Understanding Faculty Composition
With 60 instructors on staff, South Suburban College maintains a teaching-focused faculty. 7% of faculty hold tenured positions.
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:56.8% 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.
The FTE figure at South Suburban College gives a standardized view of enrollment by accounting for both full-time and part-time students in a single metric.
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
Enrollment intensity at South Suburban College sits at 0.57 — a measure of how much of the student body is enrolled 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 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)
Ready to Learn More About Academics at South Suburban College?
Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.