Hazard Community and Technical College (HCTC) is located in Hazard, Kentucky, and is an integral part of the Kentucky Community and Technical College System. Established to provide accessible and high-quality education, HCTC offers a diverse range of programs that cater to the needs of its community. The college emphasizes hands-on learning and practical experience, equipping students with the skills necessary for the workforce. With a focus on affordability, HCTC ensures that education is attainable for all, making it a vital resource for local residents seeking career advancement or personal enrichment.

The campus boasts modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, and technology resources that enhance the learning experience. HCTC is committed to fostering a supportive and inclusive environment where students can thrive academically and socially. The college encourages involvement in various extracurricular activities and student organizations, promoting a vibrant campus culture. Moreover, HCTC has established strong partnerships with local businesses and industries, providing students with valuable internship and employment opportunities upon graduation. The college's mission is encapsulated in its dedication to lifelong learning, community service, and the development of a skilled workforce that contributes positively to society.

Key Observations on Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Student Retention

The data from Hazard Community and Technical College reveals significant trends regarding tuition costs, graduation rates, and student retention. Over the years, the tuition for in-state undergraduate students has increased from $3,456 in 2014 to $4,656 in 2024, reflecting a steady rise of approximately 34.7%. This upward trend in tuition can be concerning for prospective students and their families, especially as the cost of education continues to outpace wage growth in many sectors.

On the other hand, graduation rates show a promising increase. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates rose from approximately 15.2% in 2013 to 26.8% in 2023. This nearly doubling of the graduation rate highlights the college's potential improvements in academic support and student services, fostering a more conducive environment for student success. The 150% graduation rate also saw a notable increase, indicating that more students are completing their degrees within an extended timeframe, which may suggest an accommodating approach to education.

Additionally, student retention rates have improved, climbing from about 57.7% in 2013 to 64.8% in 2023. This increase suggests that the college is successfully engaging students and providing them with the necessary resources to continue their education. High retention rates often correlate with enhanced student satisfaction, which is crucial for fostering a positive academic culture.

In summary, while rising tuition costs present challenges, the concurrent improvements in graduation and retention rates at Hazard Community and Technical College indicate a commitment to enhancing student outcomes. These positive trends are essential for the institution as it aims to attract and retain students in an increasingly competitive educational landscape.

Analysis of Graduate Data from Hazard Community and Technical College

The 2023 graduation data from Hazard Community and Technical College reveals some noteworthy trends, particularly in the associate degree programs. The most significant number of graduates can be observed in the Liberal Arts and Sciences, with 134 students earning an associate degree. This reflects a growing trend in the importance of liberal arts education, as it provides students with essential critical thinking and communication skills that are applicable across various careers.

In contrast, fields related to health care, such as Registered Nursing and Diagnostic Medical Sonography, show moderate graduation figures, with 60 and 9 graduates respectively. This indicates that while there is still interest in health-related degrees, the numbers are not as high as one might expect given the ongoing demand for healthcare professionals, particularly in a post-pandemic context where healthcare roles are critical.

Notably, all bachelor's, master's, and doctorate programs reported zero graduates in 2023. This raises questions about institutional capacity or the attractiveness of advanced degree programs at this college. The lack of international students graduating across all levels further emphasizes a potential area for growth, especially as many colleges aim to enhance their diversity and global perspectives.

The absence of graduates in technical fields, such as Emergency Medical Technology and Automotive Mechanics, suggests either a lack of enrollment in these programs or perhaps a need for increased recruitment efforts to attract students to these essential and often high-demand career paths. Overall, while the data indicates a solid output of associate degree graduates, the college may want to investigate barriers affecting enrollment and graduation in higher degree programs to ensure a balanced educational offering.

Student Composition at Hazard Community and Technical College in 2023

The student demographics at Hazard Community and Technical College for the year 2023 reflect a diverse and evolving academic community. The data reveals a total of 2,636 students, with a notable presence of undergraduates. Among the new undergraduate students, there are 336 individuals, with a gender ratio highlighting a predominance of female students at 57.1%. In contrast, the continuing undergraduate population is significantly larger, comprising 988 students, and also shows a higher percentage of female students at 66.1%. This trend towards female representation is indicative of broader shifts in higher education, where women increasingly pursue and attain higher education degrees.

The transfer undergraduate population, while smaller at 55 students, maintains a similar gender ratio, with females representing 65.5% of the group. This consistency across different categories suggests that female students are not only entering but also persisting in their educational journeys at the college.

Additionally, the overall demographic breakdown indicates a balanced gender representation among the non-degree seeking students, with a near-equal distribution of male and female students at 50.2% and 49.8%, respectively. This could suggest that these students benefit from a more inclusive and supportive environment.

Overall, the data emphasizes the growing importance of female students within Hazard Community and Technical College and reflects ongoing societal changes in gender roles and educational aspirations. The shift towards a more diverse and balanced student body is promising, aligning with national trends that advocate for inclusivity and equal opportunities in education.

Analysis of Student Age Demographics at Hazard Community and Technical College

The age demographics of students at Hazard Community and Technical College reveal intriguing insights into the composition of the student body. A significant proportion of students are under the age of 18, with 330 male undergraduates and 465 female undergraduates, indicating that the college is attracting a younger demographic. This trend reflects a broader national phenomenon where community colleges serve as accessible entry points for high school graduates.

In the 18-19 age group, there are 240 male and 305 female undergraduates, continuing the trend of a larger female population within the college. As the age increases, the number of students gradually declines, with notable drops in the 20-21 age range to 113 male and 163 female students. This may suggest that as students progress in age, fewer remain enrolled, possibly due to the transition to the workforce or pursuing further studies elsewhere.

Among older age groups, particularly those aged 40-49, there are 77 male and 80 female students, indicating that community colleges also cater to non-traditional students seeking new skills or career changes. The presence of students aged 50-64 and above 65, although small with 78 males and 38 males respectively, points towards an inclusive educational environment that accommodates lifelong learning.

Overall, the data suggests that Hazard Community and Technical College is a vital educational institution for both young and older students, emphasizing its role in promoting educational access and opportunities across various age demographics. This inclusivity aligns with the nationwide push for higher education accessibility, particularly in underserved communities.

Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Hazard Community and Technical College

The data regarding international student enrollment at Hazard Community and Technical College reveals a consistent trend of low representation among the undergraduate population over the years analyzed. Starting in 2013, the percentage of international students was just 0.05%, and this figure exhibited minimal fluctuation, reaching a peak of 0.06% in 2015 before dwindling to 0.03% in subsequent years. The total number of undergraduate students also saw a decline from 3,803 in 2013 to 2,630 in 2021, indicating a possible decrease in overall student interest or enrollment at the college.

This consistent low percentage of international students may point to various underlying factors. For instance, the college may not yet be fully leveraging international recruitment strategies or marketing efforts to attract students from abroad. Additionally, changes in immigration policies or global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, could have further impacted international student mobility, leading to fewer enrollments.

While the data does not provide information on graduate student enrollment, the absence of figures for graduate students suggests that there may also be a lack of international interest or opportunities in graduate programs at the institution.

To enhance its international student body, Hazard Community and Technical College could consider expanding outreach programs, partnerships with foreign institutions, and support services tailored to the needs of international students. This would not only enrich the campus diversity but also improve the overall educational experience for all students.

Here are some notable schools near Hazard Community and Technical College:

1. Berea College - Ranked 30th in the 2024 US News rankings, Berea College is a liberal arts college known for its commitment to providing education to students from low-income backgrounds. It offers a unique work-study program where students can work to pay for their tuition.

2. University of Kentucky - This comprehensive university ranks 159th in the US News 2024 rankings. It is known for its research programs and diverse academic offerings, making it a prominent institution in the region.

3. The University of Tennessee-Knoxville - With a ranking of 105, this university is well-regarded for its strong emphasis on research and public service in Tennessee.

4. Centre College - Centre College is ranked 51st in the 2024 rankings and is a liberal arts college recognized for its academic rigor and vibrant campus life.

5. University of Cincinnati-Main Campus - This comprehensive university ranks 142nd and is known for its strong programs in areas such as business, engineering, and health sciences.

6. Xavier University - Ranked 201st, Xavier University is a Jesuit institution that emphasizes liberal arts education, social justice, and community service.

7. Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University - Known as Virginia Tech, this institution ranks 47th and is renowned for its engineering and technology programs.

8. University of Louisville - With a ranking of 195, the University of Louisville offers a range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is known for its research initiatives.

These institutions offer a variety of academic programs and opportunities for students in the region.

Analysis of Crime Rates at Hazard Community and Technical College

The crime data from Hazard Community and Technical College over the past decade exhibits a notable trend towards a reduction in incidents. Starting in 2013, the average crime rate per 1,000 students was 0.26, which gradually increased to a peak of 0.92 in 2015 before declining sharply in subsequent years. By 2018, the college recorded no incidents, a trend that continued through 2023.

The significant drop in crime rates, especially in a college environment, is a positive indicator of campus safety and could be attributed to various factors, including improved security measures, increased awareness and education on campus safety, and possibly a change in student demographics or behavior. Notably, the absence of violent crimes such as murder, rape, or robbery during this period highlights a relatively safe environment for students.

Moreover, the data suggests that offenses related to drug and alcohol arrests have also seen a decline. The focus on prevention and intervention strategies may have played a crucial role in fostering a safer campus culture.

In a broader context, this trend aligns with national statistics showing a general decline in crime rates on college campuses. However, it is essential for the institution to maintain these efforts and continue fostering a safe learning environment to ensure the well-being of its students.

For more detailed information on calculating crime rates, you can refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.