Academic Programs & Learning

Academics at Waubonsee Community College — retention rates, distance education, enrollment intensity, and student support.

What About Academic Quality at Waubonsee Community College?

Student-to-Faculty Ratio

21:1

Average students per faculty member

👨‍🏫

Full-Time Retention

72%

Students continuing to second year

📈

Part-Time Retention

51%

Part-time students continuing

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How Waubonsee Community College Compares

A 72% full-time retention rate puts Waubonsee Community College above the typical trade-college range, where 50–65% is more common. The 21:1 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 51%, useful context for students balancing work and study.

Understanding Academic Quality Metrics

Student-Faculty Ratio: A ratio of 21:1 means there are approximately 21 students for every faculty member. This higher ratio may mean larger class sizes but can also indicate efficient resource utilization.

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: 27% of entering students are tracked for graduation outcomes.

Who Teaches at Waubonsee Community College?

Total Teaching Staff
88
Instructional faculty
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
21:1
Students per instructor
Faculty Diversity
6%
Underrepresented minorities

Understanding Faculty Composition

With 88 instructors on staff, Waubonsee Community College maintains a teaching-focused faculty. 88% of faculty hold tenured positions.

Where Do Online Students at Waubonsee Community College Come From?

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

Exclusively Online
1,250
of 8,305 total (15.1%)
Some Online Courses
2,290
of 8,305 total (27.6%)

Where exclusively-online students are located

Same state (IL) 1,225 (98%)
Other US states 23 (1.8%)
Outside the US 2 (0.2%)
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 Waubonsee Community College's exclusively online students are located in IL. The school primarily serves local online learners.

What Is the Academic Load at Waubonsee Community College?

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE) Analysis

5,891
Total FTE
5,891
Undergraduate FTE

FTE Analysis

Study Intensity:70.9% 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 Waubonsee Community 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 Waubonsee 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.

70.9%
FTE Ratio
Intensity LevelModerate

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

Undergraduate FTE
5,891
Total FTE
5,891
Headcount
8,305

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

The enrollment intensity ratio at Waubonsee Community College is 0.71. 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 Waubonsee Community College directly at 6304667900 or visit their website .

Key Academic Highlights

  • Student-to-faculty ratio of 21:1 supports personalized learning
  • 88 instructional staff with 88% holding tenured positions
  • Flexible scheduling options accommodate working students and adult learners
  • Online students primarily from IL (98% in-state)

Ready to Learn More About Academics at Waubonsee Community College?

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

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