Carl Sandburg College, located in Galesburg, Illinois, is a community college renowned for its commitment to student success and community engagement. Established in 1967, the college is named after the famous American poet and writer Carl Sandburg, who was known for his deep connection to the American landscape and its people. The college's mission is to provide accessible, high-quality education that meets the diverse needs of its students and the surrounding community. With a focus on lifelong learning, the college offers a range of programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and transfer options to four-year institutions, catering to various academic and career goals.

One of the standout features of Carl Sandburg College is its strong emphasis on student support and resources. The college boasts modern facilities, including well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, and a library that supports both study and research needs. Additionally, the college provides various student services, such as academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling, to ensure that students have the guidance they need to thrive academically and professionally. The vibrant campus culture encourages participation in extracurricular activities, including athletics, clubs, and community service, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among students. Furthermore, Carl Sandburg College takes pride in its dedicated faculty, who are committed to providing personalized attention and mentorship, helping students to achieve their academic aspirations and prepare for successful careers.

Analysis of Key Trends in Carl Sandburg College Data

The data from Carl Sandburg College reveals several significant trends over the years, particularly concerning tuition costs, student enrollment, graduation rates, and retention rates.

Firstly, tuition fees have seen a steady increase, with in-state undergraduate tuition rising from $5,650 in 2014 to $7,910 in 2024. This represents a growth of approximately 40% in a decade, highlighting the financial pressure on students and families. The out-of-state tuition has similarly risen from $6,602 to $8,810, indicating that the college is becoming less accessible to non-resident students.

In contrast, student enrollment has experienced a decline, dropping from 2,460 in 2013 to 1,688 in 2023. This trend could be attributed to the increasing financial burden of tuition, making higher education less attainable for prospective students. The consistent decline in enrollment raises concern about the college's long-term sustainability and its ability to maintain diverse academic programs.

Graduation rates have shown some improvement over the same period, with the on-time graduation rate rising from 6.4% in 2013 to 24.3% in 2023. While this is a positive sign, it still highlights a significant issue, as the rate remains low compared to national averages. The 150% graduation rate, which captures those who graduate within six years, also shows a modest increase, suggesting that while more students are completing their degrees, the college must enhance its support systems to ensure timely graduation.

Lastly, retention rates have fluctuated but show a favorable trend in recent years, with a retention rate of about 66.4% in 2023. This indicates that once students enroll, they are more likely to stay at the college compared to earlier years. This could reflect improvements in student support services or community engagement initiatives.

In conclusion, while Carl Sandburg College is making progress in graduation and retention rates, the rising tuition costs and declining enrollment numbers pose critical challenges. Addressing these issues will be essential for the college to ensure its future viability and to provide accessible education to its community.

Analysis of Graduation Data from Carl Sandburg College

The graduation data from Carl Sandburg College in 2023 reveals several noteworthy trends, particularly in the associate degree programs. The highest number of graduates is seen in the Liberal Arts and Sciences program, with 128 students earning their associate degrees. This significant figure highlights the popularity and importance of a well-rounded education in the current job market, where employers often seek versatile candidates.

In the medical and health-related fields, there are notable numbers as well. For instance, the Dental Hygiene program produced 27 graduates, while Registered Nursing also saw 27 graduates. These figures reflect a growing demand for healthcare professionals, which aligns with national trends emphasizing the need for skilled workers in these essential sectors. Despite the promising numbers in these areas, it's worth noting that no international students graduated in these programs, which could suggest a potential area for growth in attracting an international student body.

Conversely, programs within the fields of technology and industrial mechanics reported significantly lower graduation numbers, with many reaching zero. This lack of graduates in technical fields raises questions about the effectiveness of outreach and recruitment strategies for these programs, especially given the increasing demand for skilled technicians in various industries.

Overall, while the data indicates strong performance in liberal arts and healthcare disciplines, there is an evident need for Carl Sandburg College to enhance its offerings and recruitment strategies in technical fields to ensure a balanced educational environment that meets the evolving needs of the job market.

Analysis of Student Demographics at Carl Sandburg College in 2023

The student body composition at Carl Sandburg College for the year 2023 reflects notable trends in gender distribution and diversity among different classifications. For undergraduate freshmen, there are a total of 270 students, with a male representation of approximately 52.2% and female representation at 47.8%. This relatively balanced gender ratio indicates a healthy demographic mix among new entrants.

In stark contrast, the undergraduate juniors show a significant skew, with 70.4% female students and only 29.6% male students among 759 total students. This trend could suggest that female students are more likely to persist in their studies compared to their male counterparts, potentially reflecting broader societal patterns observed in higher education where women have increasingly outnumbered men in enrollment figures across many institutions.

The undergraduate transfer students, totaling 78, also exhibit a pronounced female majority, with 74.4% being women. Such figures may indicate that women are actively seeking opportunities for academic advancement through transfer programs.

However, the data on the graduate student population is incomplete, leaving a gap in understanding the dynamics at that level. The overall representation of various ethnic groups within these categories would further enhance our understanding of the diversity within Carl Sandburg College. It is essential to monitor these trends as they not only reflect the college's commitment to inclusivity but also align with ongoing discussions around gender equity and representation within educational environments.

Overall, these statistics provide a glimpse into the evolving landscape of student demographics, highlighting the importance of fostering an inclusive atmosphere that encourages diversity and equal opportunities for all students.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Carl Sandburg College in 2023

The age distribution data of students at Carl Sandburg College for 2023 reveals several noteworthy trends. A significant proportion of the student body, particularly in the younger age brackets, consists of those under 18 and those aged 18-19, with a combined total of 414 students in these categories. This indicates a strong presence of traditional college-age individuals, suggesting that the college is successfully attracting younger students.

As the age increases, the number of students declines notably. For instance, only 86 students are in the 20-21 age group, and the numbers continue to dwindle in subsequent categories, with just 3 students over the age of 65. This trend may reflect broader societal patterns, where younger individuals are more likely to pursue higher education immediately after high school, while older adults may face various barriers to returning to school.

Moreover, the data shows a complete absence of graduate male students, which raises questions about the enrollment strategies and support systems in place for graduate programs. While female students are present across all age ranges, the lack of male graduate students could suggest a need for targeted outreach to encourage diversity in graduate studies.

Overall, the data reflects a college demographic heavily skewed towards younger, undergraduate students. The implications of this could affect campus culture, resource allocation, and future program development, particularly in addressing the needs of non-traditional students and enhancing graduate enrollment.

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Carl Sandburg College

The data regarding international student enrollment at Carl Sandburg College over the years 2004 to 2009 reveals some intriguing trends. The total number of undergraduate students fluctuated, peaking at 3,575 in 2005 and dropping to 2,615 by 2009. This decline in total enrollment might reflect broader trends in higher education, particularly in the U.S., where global economic factors and changes in immigration policies may have influenced students' decisions to study abroad.

Interestingly, the number of international students also showed variability during this period, with a notable decrease from 10 students in 2004 to just 4 in 2009. Consequently, the percentage of international students within the undergraduate population exhibited similar fluctuations. The peak percentage of international students occurred in 2008, reaching 0.33%, suggesting a temporary increase in the attraction of the college to foreign students, possibly due to specific programs or outreach efforts.

Overall, the decreasing trend in both the total undergraduate population and the number of international students raises concerns about the college's ability to attract and retain diverse student demographics. As global competition for international students intensifies, it is crucial for institutions like Carl Sandburg College to adopt strategic initiatives that enhance their appeal to prospective international students, ensuring a vibrant and diverse academic community.

Here are some notable schools near Carl Sandburg College:

1. Knox College - Ranked 75th in the 2024 US News rankings, Knox College is a liberal arts college known for its strong emphasis on individualized education and vibrant campus life.

2. Bradley University - With a ranking of 185, Bradley University is a comprehensive university that offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, including renowned engineering and business programs.

3. University of Iowa - Ranked 93rd, the University of Iowa is a major public research university recognized for its strong liberal arts programs and exceptional writing program.

4. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - This prestigious university is ranked 35th and is renowned for its research initiatives and diverse academic offerings across various disciplines.

5. University of Wisconsin-Madison - Also ranked 35th, this university is known for its research contributions and strong programs in the sciences, humanities, and social sciences.

These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are highly regarded in their respective fields.

Analysis of Crime Rates at Carl Sandburg College

The crime statistics at Carl Sandburg College reveal a fluctuating trend over the years, with a notable spike in 2020 reaching a rate of 3.12 incidents per 1,000 students. This significant increase may correlate with broader societal issues, such as the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which saw a rise in various types of offenses as institutions shifted to remote operations and the community faced unprecedented challenges.

In the years prior to 2020, the college experienced low crime rates, with many years recording zero incidents, which can suggest a generally safe campus environment. However, the subsequent years show a gradual decline again, with 2021 and 2023 reporting 1.14 and 2.96 incidents per 1,000 students, respectively. This oscillation indicates that while the college may have experienced a unique surge in 2020, it is essential to continue monitoring these trends to ensure student safety and to address any underlying issues that contribute to crime.

The various types of offenses recorded, such as gun arrests, drug-related incidents, and domestic violence, highlight the multifaceted nature of campus safety. Addressing these concerns requires collaborative efforts from campus security, local law enforcement, and the student body. Moreover, the importance of proactive measures, such as education and awareness programs, cannot be overstated in fostering a safer environment for all students.

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