Great Falls College Montana State University (GFC MSU) is a prominent institution located in Great Falls, Montana. As a part of the Montana State University system, GFC MSU embodies a commitment to providing high-quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment. The college offers a variety of programs, including associate degrees and professional certificates, making it an excellent choice for students seeking to enter the workforce quickly or transfer to a four-year institution. The college prides itself on its strong emphasis on hands-on learning and real-world experience, ensuring that students are well-prepared for their careers.

The college's mission is deeply rooted in the values of accessibility and community service, striving to serve diverse populations and promote lifelong learning. GFC MSU’s vibrant campus culture encourages student involvement through various clubs, organizations, and extracurricular activities, fostering a sense of belonging and community among students. Additionally, the college's facilities are designed to support student success, featuring modern classrooms, laboratories, and technology resources. With its strong focus on student support and academic excellence, Great Falls College Montana State University continues to be a valuable educational resource in the region, contributing to the personal and professional development of its students.

Analysis of Key Educational Data Trends at Great Falls College

The data from Great Falls College Montana State University reveals several significant trends that merit attention. One of the most striking observations is the increase in tuition fees for both in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. Over a span of ten years, in-state tuition rose from $3,085 in 2014 to $3,904 in 2024, representing a 26.5% increase. Similarly, out-of-state tuition saw a substantial rise from $9,337 to $12,229, marking a 30.4% increase. This trend aligns with a nationwide pattern where college tuition continues to escalate, often outpacing inflation, which can create barriers for prospective students.

Another critical metric is the graduation rate for undergraduate students, which shows a remarkable improvement. From a dismal 10.1% in 2013, the on-time graduation rate climbed to 33.3% in 2023. This significant rise is encouraging and suggests that the college may have implemented effective support systems or academic policies that are helping students succeed. A higher graduation rate not only benefits the students but also enhances the institution's reputation and attractiveness to future enrollees.

Retention rates also warrant attention. While there have been fluctuations over the years, the retention rate for 2023 stands at approximately 53.8%. This data indicates that just over half of the students are choosing to remain at the college, which is vital for the institution's sustainability. A higher retention rate typically correlates with student satisfaction and indicates that the college is successfully meeting its students' needs.

Lastly, the student-faculty ratio, a crucial indicator of educational quality, has varied but is currently at 14:1. While this is a manageable ratio, it still indicates potential challenges in personalized student support that could impact learning outcomes.

In summary, while Great Falls College is grappling with rising tuition costs, it is simultaneously making strides in graduation and retention rates, which are essential metrics of student success and institutional health. Addressing the student-faculty ratio and ensuring that support mechanisms remain in place will be crucial for sustaining these positive trends in the future.

Analysis of Graduation Data at Great Falls College

The graduation data from Great Falls College reveals some significant insights into the academic landscape for 2023. Notably, all programs in the categories of bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees reported zero graduates, indicating a possible lack of offerings or student enrollment in these advanced studies. This situation could reflect broader trends within the educational system, where community colleges may focus more on associate degree programs to meet local workforce demands.

The associate degree programs demonstrated a variety of graduation numbers, with Liberal Arts and Sciences leading with 49 graduates, which may suggest a strong interest in general education pathways. In contrast, specialized fields such as Computer Programming and Computer Systems Analysis had minimal graduates, highlighting potential gaps in skill development for these in-demand sectors.

Interestingly, all international student categories (bachelor, master, doctorate) also reported zero graduates, indicating a significant opportunity for growth in attracting international students. This could be critical as many higher education institutions are increasingly reliant on this demographic for diversity and funding.

Overall, while the college successfully graduated a total of 146 students at the associate level, the absence of graduates in higher degree programs calls for a reevaluation of academic offerings and marketing strategies to enhance enrollment and address local workforce needs. This is particularly pertinent in a rapidly evolving job market that increasingly prioritizes advanced technical skills and higher education credentials.

Student Demographics at Great Falls College in 2023

In 2023, Great Falls College Montana State University showcases a diverse student body, reflecting broader trends in higher education demographics. The total number of undergraduate freshmen stands at 170, with a notable female representation of 61.2%, suggesting an increasing trend of women pursuing higher education, particularly in fields traditionally dominated by men.

The continuing undergraduate population, which includes 499 students, exhibits a significant gender disparity, with only 22.2% males compared to 77.8% females. This might indicate that the institution has become a more favorable environment for female students or that male enrollment in higher education is declining, a pattern observed across many colleges in the United States.

Transfer students, numbering 95, also demonstrate a similar trend with 71.6% being female. This consistent predominance of female students across different categories raises questions about the factors influencing these choices, including educational support systems, socio-economic dynamics, and changing career aspirations among young women.

Examining the racial and ethnic breakdown of the student body reveals that while most students identify as white, there is a growing representation of other ethnicities, including Asian, Latino, and African American students, although specific numbers were not disclosed. This diversity is crucial as it enriches the academic experience and prepares students for a multicultural workforce.

Overall, the data highlights important shifts in gender and racial dynamics within the student population at Great Falls College, reflecting larger societal trends in education and employment. As we move forward, understanding these trends will be vital in addressing the unique needs and challenges of an evolving student demographic.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Great Falls College

The age distribution data from Great Falls College Montana State University reveals interesting insights into the student demographics for the year 2023. Notably, the majority of the student body, particularly among undergraduates, falls under the age of 18, with 117 male and 240 female students, making this age group a significant portion of the total enrollment.

As we move into the 18-19 age category, we see a slight decrease with 74 male and 116 female students. This trend of decreasing numbers continues through the subsequent age brackets, with the 20-21 age group showing 34 male and 103 female students, and the 22-24 age group declining further to 25 male and 85 female students. The numbers reflect a pattern often seen in community colleges where younger students dominate the enrollment figures, possibly indicating that many students may choose to enter the workforce or pursue other opportunities before returning to education.

Interestingly, there is a stark absence of graduate students in all age brackets, which may suggest that the institution is primarily attracting undergraduates or that graduate programs are not a focus for this particular college. This trend could reflect broader educational trends, where many students are opting to enter the workforce directly after their undergraduate studies, especially in a changing job market shaped by recent economic factors.

Moreover, the data highlights a diminishing trend in the older age brackets, with minimal representation from ages 50-64, indicating that the college may need to consider strategies to attract non-traditional students. Overall, the age composition at Great Falls College showcases a predominantly young demographic, which could influence the types of programs and services the institution offers moving forward.

Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Great Falls College

The data reflects the trends in international student enrollment at Great Falls College Montana State University over a span of several years. Notably, the total number of undergraduate students has decreased from 1,748 in 2011 to 1,218 in 2020. Despite this decline, the proportion of international students has shown slight fluctuations, registering at 0.06% in both 2011 and 2018, and rising to 0.13% in 2019 before dropping back to 0.08% in 2020.

This suggests that while the overall undergraduate population is shrinking, the presence of international students has experienced a modest increase relative to the total, particularly in 2019. However, the very low percentages indicate that international representation remains minimal, which may not fully reflect the diverse global community that many institutions strive to foster.

The absence of data for graduate students limits our understanding of trends in that demographic. However, the noticeable decline in undergraduate enrollment could raise concerns about the college's appeal to international students, especially at a time when many institutions worldwide are actively seeking to enhance their international student population for both cultural diversity and financial stability.

The challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and shifting immigration policies may also contribute to these trends, highlighting the need for colleges to adapt their strategies to attract and support international students in an increasingly competitive landscape. Overall, the data underscores the importance of continuous efforts to create an inclusive and appealing environment for international students at Great Falls College.

Here are some notable schools near Great Falls College Montana State University:

1. University of Idaho - Ranked 185 in the 2024 US News rankings, the University of Idaho is a comprehensive university located in Moscow, Idaho. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

2. Washington State University - With a rank of 178, Washington State University is a well-respected comprehensive university in Pullman, Washington. It is known for its research initiatives and diverse academic offerings.

3. Gonzaga University - Ranked 93, Gonzaga University is a private Catholic university in Spokane, Washington. It is noted for its excellent programs in education, law, and business.

4. Whitman College - This liberal arts college is ranked 46 and is located in Walla Walla, Washington. Whitman College is recognized for its rigorous academics and beautiful campus.

5. University of Utah - The University of Utah holds a rank of 115 and is a major research university located in Salt Lake City, Utah. It offers a wide array of programs and is known for its vibrant campus life.

6. University of Washington-Seattle Campus - Ranked 40, this prestigious university is located in Seattle, Washington, and is recognized for its strong research programs and diverse academic environment.

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

Insights on Campus Crime Trends at Great Falls College

The crime data from Great Falls College Montana State University reveals interesting trends over the past decade. From 2013 to 2023, the college has experienced fluctuations in crime rates, with the average incidents per 1,000 students showing both peaks and troughs.

Notably, the year 2020 saw a spike in crime rates, with 2.46 incidents per 1,000 students, which is significantly higher than previous years. This increase may correlate with the unique challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which affected many aspects of campus life. However, the following years seem to indicate a return to lower rates, with 2021 and 2022 recording 0.93 and 0.84 incidents per 1,000 students, respectively.

When examining the types of offenses, arrests related to firearm possession were consistently reported, albeit in small numbers. The absence of serious violent crimes such as murder or sexual assault over these years is a positive indicator of campus safety. Nonetheless, the presence of domestic violence and drug-related arrests suggests that there are underlying issues needing attention, especially as these incidents could have broader implications for student well-being and campus climate.

Overall, while the data demonstrates a relatively safe environment, the college should continue to focus on preventative measures and support services to address the specific types of crimes occurring. As with many institutions, fostering a culture of safety and awareness will be critical in maintaining and improving campus security. For further understanding of crime rate calculations, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation Method.