Academic Programs & Learning

How does Volunteer State Community College in Gallatin, TN support student success? Retention rates, FTE analysis, and more.

What About Academic Quality at Volunteer State Community College?

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

19:1

Average students per faculty member

👨‍🏫

Full-Time Retention

51%

Students continuing to second year

📈

Part-Time Retention

37%

Part-time students continuing

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How Volunteer State Community College Compares

Trade colleges typically retain 50–70% of full-time students; Volunteer State Community College's 51% lands within that band. Solid foundations, but not a school where retention itself is the standout selling point.

Understanding Academic Quality Metrics

Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 19:1 means there are approximately 19 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: 68% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.

Who Teaches at Volunteer State Community College?

Total Teaching Staff
162
Instructional faculty
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
19:1
Students per instructor
Faculty Diversity
11%
Underrepresented minorities

Tenure Status

Tenured (9%) Non-Tenure (23%) Other

Academic Ranks

Associate Professors 2
Assistant Professors 13
Instructors & Lecturers 22
Other Instructional Staff 125

Understanding Faculty Composition

Volunteer State Community College employs 162 instructional staff across a range of academic ranks. About 9% hold tenured positions, providing institutional stability and academic continuity.

How Successful Are Students at Volunteer State Community College?

Student Retention Rates

51.0%
First-Time Full-Time
Fair
37.0%
First-Time Part-Time
Needs Improvement

Retention Rate Comparison

First-Time Full-Time
51.0%

New full-time students returning for second year

First-Time Part-Time
37.0%

New part-time students returning for second year

Cohort Information

Cohort Year:2024 academic year

Student Success Analysis

Full-Time Success:51% retention rate indicates opportunities to enhance student support services.

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 Volunteer State Community College, 51% of students continue — a figure worth considering alongside program quality and career outcomes.

Where Do Online Students at Volunteer State Community College Come From?

Geographic distribution of students enrolled exclusively in online courses (Fall 2024 census)

Exclusively Online
2,322
of 6,963 total (33.3%)
Some Online Courses
2,114
of 6,963 total (30.4%)

Where exclusively-online students are located

Same state (TN) 2,287 (98.5%)
Other US states 18 (0.8%)
Outside the US 13 (0.6%)
ℹ️

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 Volunteer State Community College's exclusively online students are located in TN. The school primarily serves local online learners.

What Is the Academic Load at Volunteer State Community College?

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis

4,745
Total FTE
4,745
Undergraduate FTE

FTE Analysis

Study Intensity:68.1% 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 Volunteer State Community College by converting part-time students into a full-time equivalent count.

How Intensively Do Students Study at Volunteer State 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.

68.1%
FTE Ratio
Intensity LevelModerate

A mix of full-time and part-time students, offering flexibility for those balancing work, family, and education.

Undergraduate FTE
4,745
Total FTE
4,745
Headcount
6,963

FTE represents student enrollment adjusted for course load. Two half-time students equal 1 FTE.

FTE Ratio Scale

< 0.5
Low
0.5-0.65
Mod-Low
0.65-0.8
Moderate
0.8-0.95
High
≥ 0.95
Very High

Volunteer State Community College has an enrollment intensity of 0.68, 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 Volunteer State Community College directly at 6154528600 or visit their website .

Key Academic Highlights

  • Student-to-faculty ratio of 19:1 supports personalized learning
  • 162 instructional staff with 9% holding tenured positions
  • Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
  • Online students primarily from TN (98% in-state)
  • Strong retention rates demonstrate student satisfaction and academic support

Ready to Learn More About Academics at Volunteer State Community College?

Contact the admissions office to discuss academic programs, support services, and learning options.

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