Labette Community College (LCC) is a distinguished institution located in Parson, Kansas, known for its commitment to providing accessible education and fostering a supportive community for its students. Established in 1923, LCC offers a diverse range of academic programs, including associate degrees and certificate options across various fields such as health sciences, business, and technology. The college's mission emphasizes the importance of student success and lifelong learning, encapsulated in its motto "Empowered to Succeed." LCC prides itself on offering small class sizes, allowing for personalized attention from faculty, which significantly enhances the learning experience and contributes to higher graduation rates.

The college boasts a vibrant campus culture that promotes student engagement through various extracurricular activities and organizations. There are numerous opportunities for students to participate in sports, arts, and community service, fostering a sense of belonging. LCC also emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning, equipping students with the necessary skills to excel in their chosen professions. The college's strategic location in Southeast Kansas enables it to serve a diverse student body, including many from rural areas. Graduates of LCC benefit from robust employment opportunities in the region, often finding jobs in local healthcare facilities, businesses, and educational institutions. With a strong focus on student support services, including academic advising and career counseling, Labette Community College continues to be a pivotal institution in the community, empowering its students to achieve their educational and career aspirations.

Analysis of Key Educational Metrics

The data from Labette Community College reveals significant trends that warrant attention, particularly in tuition costs, graduation rates, and student retention. Over the years, there has been a noticeable increase in tuition fees for in-state and out-of-state undergraduate students. For instance, in 2014, the in-state tuition was $2,580, which rose to $3,968 by 2024, marking an increase of approximately 54% over a decade. This trend reflects the broader national concern regarding rising college costs, which can deter potential students from pursuing higher education.

Moreover, the graduation rates, particularly the on-time graduation rate, have exhibited fluctuations. In 2020, the on-time graduation rate peaked at 25%, a notable contrast to years like 2014, when it was just 7%. This increase could be indicative of improved academic support systems and resources, but the inconsistency suggests that further efforts are required to sustain this upward trajectory.

Retention rates have also shown variability, with the highest retention rate recorded in 2013 at around 60%, while more recent years have seen rates near 51%. This decline raises questions about student satisfaction and the effectiveness of retention strategies. Maintaining a stable retention rate is crucial, as it directly impacts graduation rates and overall institutional success.

Lastly, the student-to-faculty ratio has remained relatively stable, fluctuating between 12 to 17 students per faculty member. A lower ratio often correlates with higher quality education, suggesting that the college has successfully maintained a manageable classroom environment despite the changes in student enrollment numbers.

In summary, while some positive trends such as increased graduation rates and stable student-to-faculty ratios are evident, the rising tuition costs and declining retention rates highlight areas that require strategic improvements to enhance student success and institutional sustainability.

Analysis of Graduation Data from Labette Community College

The graduation data from Labette Community College in 2023 reveals interesting trends in various academic programs, particularly in the associate degree category. The highest number of graduates was in the field of Liberal Arts and Sciences, with a notable 110 students earning their associate degrees. This reflects the ongoing popularity and importance of liberal arts education in fostering critical thinking and communication skills, which are essential in various professions.

In the health-related fields, such as Registered Nursing and Physical Therapy, the numbers were relatively modest, with 27 and 10 graduates, respectively. This could indicate a growing demand for these professions, as the healthcare sector continually seeks qualified professionals, especially in light of recent global health challenges. The healthcare industry has seen significant shifts due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to increased interest in medical and health-related education.

Interestingly, the data shows a complete absence of bachelor's, master's, and doctorate graduates across all programs, which may suggest that Labette Community College primarily focuses on associate degrees and vocational training. This aligns with the community college mission to provide accessible education that meets local workforce needs.

Furthermore, the international student graduation numbers were quite low, with only a few associate degrees awarded. This may point to potential barriers for international students in accessing and completing programs, which is a critical area for institutions to address to enhance diversity and global perspectives within their student bodies.

Overall, the data underscores the importance of community colleges in providing foundational education and skills training, while also highlighting areas for growth and improvement in attracting a more diverse student population and expanding advanced degree offerings.

Student Demographics at Labette Community College in 2023

The student demographics at Labette Community College in 2023 reveal interesting trends in gender representation and diversity among various student categories. The total number of undergraduate freshmen stands at 216, with a notable 36.1% male and 63.9% female composition. This trend of a higher female population continues among undergraduate juniors, where 61.8% are female compared to 38.2% male, as the total number of students in this category reaches 1,091.

Undergraduate transfers show a similar gender disparity, with 35.3% male students and 64.7% female students among 102 individuals. This consistent pattern highlights a growing trend of female students pursuing higher education, which is indicative of broader societal shifts towards gender equality in education.

Interestingly, there is also a small group of non-degree seeking students, consisting of 16 individuals, where the male representation is significantly higher at 62.5%. This could suggest that male students may be more inclined to pursue specific non-degree programs or certifications.

In terms of racial and ethnic diversity, the available data points to a predominance of white students across all categories, particularly among undergraduate juniors, where they account for a substantial portion of the student body. This reflects national trends in the demographic composition of community colleges, where white students are often the majority.

Overall, Labette Community College's demographics in 2023 underline a significant gender imbalance favoring female students, while also highlighting the need for a more diverse student body that reflects the broader community. These insights are important as institutions continue to strive for inclusivity and representation in their student populations.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Labette Community College in 2023

The age distribution of students at Labette Community College reveals a significant concentration of younger students, with the majority being under 18 years old. This age group accounts for 43.6% of the total male and female students combined, highlighting the college's appeal to traditional-aged college students. The next largest group, those aged 18-19, makes up 27.7% of the total enrollment, which indicates that the college effectively attracts recent high school graduates.

Interestingly, the number of students aged 20-21 drops significantly to 12.5%, and this trend continues as we look at older age brackets. For instance, students aged 22-24 represent only 6.3% of the total, while the enrollment further declines for those aged 25-29 and above. This trend may suggest that as students progress in their academic careers, they either transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce, which aligns with national trends in higher education where younger students tend to dominate enrollment figures.

Moreover, the data shows a complete absence of graduate students, pointing towards a potential area for growth. As the demand for advanced degrees continues to rise in various fields, Labette Community College might consider developing programs to attract older, graduate-level students, thereby expanding its demographic reach.

Overall, the student age composition at Labette Community College illustrates a robust foundation of young learners, but also indicates opportunities for growth in attracting a more diverse age range, particularly among older students. This could enhance the learning environment and provide a broader perspective in academic discussions.

Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Labette Community College

The data on international student enrollment at Labette Community College reveals significant fluctuations over the years, particularly in undergraduate admissions. Starting in 2004, the percentage of international students in the undergraduate population was relatively low, peaking in 2010 with 3.47%, which indicates a brief period of increased international interest in the college. However, this spike was not sustained, as subsequent years showed a dramatic decline in both the number and proportion of international students.

From 2011 onward, the percentage of international students dropped consistently, reaching a concerning low of 0.34% in 2022. This trend raises questions about the college's international recruitment strategies and the broader implications of changing global dynamics in higher education. Factors such as geopolitical issues, visa regulations, and competition from other institutions may have contributed to this decline.

The absence of graduate international student data further limits the analysis, suggesting a potential area for improvement in the college's reporting and outreach efforts. As many institutions are actively working to enhance their international student populations, Labette Community College may need to reassess its approach to attract and support international students effectively.

Overall, the declining numbers could have long-term effects on the diversity and cultural exchange within the college community, which are vital components of a comprehensive educational experience. To remain competitive and inclusive, Labette must actively engage in strategies to revitalize its international student enrollment.

Here are some notable universities near Labette Community College:

1. University of Tulsa (塔尔萨大学) - Ranked 195 in 2024, this university is known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and law.

2. University of Arkansas (阿肯色大学) - With a ranking of 178, it offers a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate programs, particularly recognized for its research initiatives.

3. University of Kansas (堪萨斯大学) - Ranked 151, this university is known for its vibrant campus life and strong emphasis on research and community engagement.

4. Oklahoma State University-Main Campus (俄克拉荷马州立大学) - With a ranking of 185, it is well-regarded for its agricultural programs and business school.

5. University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus (俄克拉荷马大学) - Ranked 124, this university is famous for its comprehensive programs in the arts and sciences, and a strong athletic tradition.

6. Washington University in St Louis (圣路易斯华盛顿大学) - This prestigious institution is ranked 24 and is known for its exceptional programs in medicine, law, and business.

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

Analysis of Crime Rates at Labette Community College

The crime data from Labette Community College over the years reveals noteworthy trends in campus safety. From 2013 to 2016, the college reported zero incidents, demonstrating a commendable level of security during those years. However, in 2017, a minor infraction occurred, leading to a crime rate of 0.51 per 1000 students. This slight uptick marks the beginning of a gradual increase in reported crimes.

The following years exhibited a rising trend, with crime rates reaching 3.42 per 1000 students in 2021, the highest recorded in this dataset. This surge highlights a growing concern about safety on campus, particularly considering that incidents of gun arrests, drug-related arrests, and alcohol-related arrests have all contributed to these figures. In 2020, the college recorded four incidents, further emphasizing the need for effective crime prevention strategies.

Interestingly, the data indicates a decline in crime rates in 2022 and 2023, which may reflect the college's efforts to enhance safety measures or a shift in student behavior. However, the presence of crimes such as domestic violence, stalking, and theft requires continuous vigilance and proactive measures to ensure student safety.

This analysis reinforces the importance of maintaining a secure environment in educational institutions. As crime rates fluctuate, colleges must remain committed to fostering a safe atmosphere for their students, staff, and faculty. For further details on calculating crime rates, please refer to the following link: Crime Rate Calculation.