Academic Programs & Learning
A comprehensive look at the academic experience at Southwestern Illinois College: retention, enrollment intensity, and online learning options.
What About Academic Quality at Southwestern Illinois College?
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
17:1
Average students per faculty member
Full-Time Retention
68%
Students continuing to second year
Part-Time Retention
55%
Part-time students continuing
How Southwestern Illinois College Compares
Southwestern Illinois College reports 68% retention — middle-of-the-pack for trade colleges. Combined with a 17:1 student-faculty ratio, and 55% part-time retention, the school sits at expected levels on academic-quality indicators.
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: 43% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.
Who Teaches at Southwestern Illinois College?
Tenure Status
Academic Ranks
Understanding Faculty Composition
Southwestern Illinois College employs 166 instructional staff across a range of academic ranks. About 40% hold tenured positions, providing institutional stability and academic continuity.
How Successful Are Students at Southwestern Illinois 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:68% 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.
Retention rates measure how many students return each year. At Southwestern Illinois College, 68% of students continue — a figure worth considering alongside program quality and career outcomes.
Where Do Online Students at Southwestern Illinois 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.
98% of Southwestern Illinois College's exclusively online students are located in IL. The school primarily serves local online learners.
What Is the Academic Load at Southwestern Illinois College?
Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis
FTE Analysis
Study Intensity:74.7% 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.
Understanding FTE at Southwestern Illinois College helps put enrollment numbers in context — it reflects the combined impact of full-time and part-time student activity.
How Intensively Do Students Study at Southwestern Illinois 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
Enrollment intensity at Southwestern Illinois College sits at 0.75 — 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 Southwestern Illinois College directly at 6182352700 or visit their website .
Key Academic Highlights
- Student-to-faculty ratio of 17:1 supports personalized learning
- 166 instructional staff with 40% holding tenured positions
- Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
- Online students primarily from IL (98% in-state)
- Strong retention rates demonstrate student satisfaction and academic support
Ready to Learn More About Academics at Southwestern Illinois College?
Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.