Academic Programs & Learning
A comprehensive look at the academic experience at Southwestern Community College: retention, enrollment intensity, and online learning options.
What About Academic Quality?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
11:1
Average students per faculty member
Full-Time Retention
70%
Students continuing to second year
Part-Time Retention
40%
Part-time students continuing
Understanding Academic Quality Metrics
Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 11:1 means there are approximately 11 students for every faculty member. This low ratio typically allows for more individualized attention and smaller class sizes.
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: 12% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.
Who Teaches Here?
Understanding Faculty Composition
With 72 instructors on staff, Southwestern Community College maintains a teaching-focused faculty. 100% of faculty hold tenured positions.
Where Do Online Students 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 Southwestern Community College's exclusively online students are located in NC. The school primarily serves local online learners.
What Is the Academic Load?
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis
FTE Analysis
Study Intensity:58.7% 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 (FTE) measures the total student enrollment at Southwestern Community College by converting part-time students into a full-time equivalent count.
How Intensively Do Students Study?
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
The enrollment intensity ratio at Southwestern Community College is 0.59. This figure helps prospective students understand the school's enrollment patterns and peer dynamics.
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 Southwestern Community College directly at 8283394000 or visit their website .
Key Academic Highlights
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 11:1 supports personalized learning
- 72 instructional staff with 100% holding tenured positions
- Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
- Online students primarily from NC (99% in-state)
Ready to Learn More About Academics at Southwestern Community College?
Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.