Academic Programs & Learning
How does Southwest Tennessee Community College in Memphis, TN support student success? Retention rates, FTE analysis, and more.
What About Academic Quality at Southwest Tennessee Community College?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
20:1
Average students per faculty member
Full-Time Retention
46%
Students continuing to second year
Part-Time Retention
19%
Part-time students continuing
How Southwest Tennessee Community College Compares
46% of full-time students return to Southwest Tennessee Community College the next year — lower than the typical trade-college range. The 20:1 student-faculty ratio and 19% 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 20:1 means there are approximately 20 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: 56% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.
Who Teaches at Southwest Tennessee Community College?
Tenure Status
Academic Ranks
Understanding Faculty Composition
Southwest Tennessee Community College employs 152 instructional staff across a range of academic ranks. About 40% hold tenured positions, providing institutional stability and academic continuity.
Where Do Online Students at Southwest Tennessee Community 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 Southwest Tennessee Community College's exclusively online students are located in TN. The school primarily serves local online learners.
What Is the Academic Load at Southwest Tennessee Community College?
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis
FTE Analysis
Study Intensity:59.8% 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.
Full-Time Equivalent enrollment at Southwest Tennessee Community College standardizes headcount by weighting part-time students proportionally. This gives a more accurate view of institutional capacity.
How Intensively Do Students Study at Southwest Tennessee 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.
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 Southwest Tennessee Community College sits at 0.60 — 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 Southwest Tennessee Community College directly at 9013335000 or visit their website .
Key Academic Highlights
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1 supports personalized learning
- 152 instructional staff with 40% holding tenured positions
- Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
- Online students primarily from TN (96% in-state)
Ready to Learn More About Academics at Southwest Tennessee Community College?
Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.