John Wood Community College (JWCC) is located in Quincy, Illinois, and serves as a vital educational institution for the surrounding communities. Established in 1974, JWCC offers a range of programs designed to meet the needs of students from diverse backgrounds. It focuses on providing high-quality education and training that prepares students for both immediate employment and further academic pursuits. The college prides itself on its commitment to student success, and its mission is reflected in its motto, "Learning for Life." This philosophy encourages lifelong learning and personal development, which resonates with many of its students.

The college has a strong emphasis on community engagement and provides various support services to enhance the student experience. With modern facilities, including well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, and recreational areas, JWCC creates an environment conducive to learning and personal growth. Additionally, the college fosters a vibrant campus culture through various extracurricular activities, including athletics, clubs, and events that promote student involvement. JWCC also emphasizes career readiness, with many of its programs designed in collaboration with local businesses to ensure that graduates are equipped with the skills necessary for the workforce. This focus on practical, hands-on experience significantly contributes to the high employment rates of JWCC graduates in their respective fields.

Analysis of Key Educational Metrics at John Wood Community College

Over the years, John Wood Community College has seen significant trends in various educational metrics that are worth discussing. One of the most prominent observations is the increase in undergraduate tuition fees. From 2014 to 2024, in-state and out-of-state tuition for undergraduates rose from $7,290 to $9,000, reflecting a total increase of approximately 23.5%. This rise in tuition can be attributed to factors such as inflation, increased operational costs, and perhaps a greater focus on enhancing educational facilities and services.

Concurrently, the student enrollment numbers have shown a decline in recent years. The number of undergraduate students decreased from 2,172 in 2013 to 1,718 in 2023. This trend raises concerns about accessibility and the institution's ability to attract and retain students, especially with rising tuition costs. The retention rate, although fluctuating, has mostly remained above 60%, indicating that those who do enroll generally find value in their education, but the declining enrollment numbers point towards potential barriers for new students.

Moreover, the graduation rates, especially the on-time graduation rate, have shown some improvement, climbing from around 18.2% in 2013 to approximately 28.6% in 2023. This increase suggests that while fewer students are enrolling, those who do are more likely to complete their programs within a reasonable timeframe. This could be indicative of improved academic support systems or curriculum relevance that resonates with current job market needs.

Lastly, the male-to-female ratio among undergraduate students has shown a consistent trend, with female students making up a significant portion of the student body. In recent years, the percentage of female undergraduates has hovered around 61%, which highlights the growing representation of women in higher education.

In summary, while John Wood Community College is successfully promoting better graduation outcomes, the simultaneous rise in tuition and decline in enrollment presents challenges that need addressing to ensure sustainable growth and accessibility for future students.

Analysis of Graduation Data from John Wood Community College

The graduation data from John Wood Community College for 2023 reveals several noteworthy trends across various fields of study. Notably, the health-related disciplines, such as Registered Nursing and Medical Laboratory Technician, produced a significant number of graduates, with 34 and 11 individuals respectively earning associate degrees. This trend aligns with the increasing demand for healthcare professionals, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has drawn attention to the critical need for nursing and allied health services.

In contrast, many programs, particularly in engineering and business, reported no graduates at the bachelor or master's levels. This lack of graduates could reflect a mismatch between enrollment numbers and the job market's current demands, or it may indicate that students are pursuing degrees elsewhere or opting for different educational pathways. For instance, the absence of graduates in Management Information Systems might point to a competitive job landscape that encourages students to seek more specialized or higher degrees.

Interestingly, while some technical fields like Welding Technology and Industrial Mechanics produced a few graduates, others, including Graphic Design, reported minimal output. This disparity suggests that vocational programs may be more attractive to students looking for quicker pathways into the workforce compared to more traditional academic routes.

Overall, this data highlights the dynamic nature of educational outcomes at community colleges, emphasizing the importance of aligning academic offerings with labor market needs to better prepare students for successful careers. As industries evolve, so too must educational institutions in their curriculum development and student support initiatives.

Student Demographics at John Wood Community College in 2023

The student body composition at John Wood Community College in 2023 reflects a diverse mix of undergraduate and graduate students, with a notable gender imbalance across different categories. The incoming class of first-year undergraduate students consists of 498 individuals, with females making up a significant 57.6% of this group, compared to 42.4% of males. This trend continues among the continuing students, where females represent 66.8% of the total 671 students.

The transfer students show a similar pattern, with 64% being female and 36% male among the 161 students. This consistent predominance of female students indicates a broader trend observed in higher education, where women's enrollment has been steadily increasing over the past decades.

Additionally, the overall demographic breakdown suggests a predominance of White students across the various categories, although specific numbers for other racial and ethnic groups were not provided in the data. This reflects ongoing challenges for institutions in promoting diversity and inclusivity within their student populations.

Overall, while John Wood Community College appears to be welcoming a diverse group of students, the significant gender disparity raises questions about the factors influencing these enrollment patterns, such as societal expectations, academic interests, and support systems for different genders in various fields of study. Addressing these disparities could enhance the educational experience for all students and foster a more balanced academic environment.

Analysis of Age Distribution at John Wood Community College

The student age composition at John Wood Community College reveals interesting insights into the demographic trends within the institution. Notably, the largest age group is students under 18, constituting approximately 41.7% of the total student population. This trend reflects a growing number of high school graduates opting for community college education, possibly due to its affordability and accessibility compared to traditional four-year institutions.

The 18-19 age bracket follows closely, comprising about 31.7% of the student body. This is indicative of the common pathway for recent high school graduates who are seeking to transition into higher education. The substantial representation of younger students highlights the college's role in providing foundational education and skills necessary for future academic and career opportunities.

Interestingly, as the age groups increase, the number of enrolled students significantly decreases, with the 25-29 age group accounting for just 10% and the 30-34 group at around 8.3%. This declining trend suggests that older students may be less inclined to pursue community college education, potentially due to various life commitments such as work and family responsibilities.

Moreover, the presence of students aged 50-64 and those over 65 is minimal, representing only a combined 1.7% of the total student population. This could reflect age-related barriers to education or a lack of programs specifically designed to attract older learners.

Overall, the data underscores the importance of community colleges in serving younger populations, while also pointing to opportunities for enhancing outreach and support for non-traditional students who may seek to return to education later in life.

Analysis of International Student Enrollment at John Wood Community College

The data on international student enrollment at John Wood Community College presents a fluctuating trend over the years. From 2004 to 2019, the number of international undergraduates has varied significantly, reflecting both the college's appeal to international students and broader global trends in education.

In the early years, particularly from 2004 to 2008, the percentage of international students remained relatively low, hovering around 0.25% to 0.40%. However, a notable increase occurred in 2011 when the percentage rose to 0.44%, indicating a growing interest among international students in the programs offered by the college. This trend continued to escalate in 2014, reaching a peak of 0.78%, suggesting that external factors such as changes in immigration policies or global economic conditions may have made the college a more attractive option for international students at that time.

Nevertheless, this upward trajectory was not sustained. The following years saw a decline, with international student enrollment dropping to just 0.10% in 2017 and 0.16% in 2019. This could be attributed to various challenges, including increased competition from other institutions, potential changes in visa regulations, or shifts in global enrollment trends influenced by geopolitical events.

Overall, the data illustrates the dynamic nature of international student enrollment at John Wood Community College. It underscores the importance for educational institutions to adapt to changing circumstances to maintain and enhance their appeal to prospective international students. As globalization continues to shape educational landscapes, the ability to attract a diverse student body remains crucial for the college's growth and reputation.

Here are some notable schools surrounding John Wood Community College:

1. Washington University in St Louis - Ranked 24th in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university is known for its strong academic programs and vibrant campus life.

2. University of Missouri-Columbia - With a rank of 124, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs and is a key research institution in the region.

3. Knox College - This liberal arts college is ranked 75th and is renowned for its commitment to experiential learning and a personalized educational experience.

4. Saint Louis University - Ranked 105th, this comprehensive university emphasizes research and community service, preparing students for leadership roles in various fields.

5. Grinnell College - A highly regarded liberal arts college, Grinnell is ranked 11th and is known for its rigorous academic programs and commitment to social justice.

6. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - Ranked 35th, this large comprehensive university is recognized for its research output and diverse academic offerings.

These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are notable features of the local academic landscape.

Analysis of Crime Data at John Wood Community College

The crime data from John Wood Community College reveals a generally positive trend in campus safety from 2013 to 2023. Notably, there were several years where no crimes were reported, particularly from 2013 to 2014, and from 2016 through 2021, indicating effective safety measures and a stable campus environment during those periods.

In 2017, a minor spike in crime was recorded, with a rate of 0.91 per 1,000 students, followed by a slight increase in 2019 to 1.14 per 1,000 students. This fluctuation suggests that while the college maintains a relatively safe environment, isolated incidents do occur and should be monitored closely. The types of incidents that were reported include gun-related arrests and drug-related activities, which, while limited, highlight the need for ongoing vigilance and preventative measures.

The return to zero reported incidents in years like 2020 and 2023 further reinforces the idea that the college's efforts in maintaining safety are successful. However, the presence of crimes, even at low rates, emphasizes the importance of continuous awareness and community engagement in safety programs.

Overall, this data paints a picture of a college that, despite occasional challenges, largely succeeds in providing a safe environment for its students. Continuous efforts in crime prevention and community involvement will be key to maintaining this positive trend. For more information on calculating crime rates, you can refer to this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.