Prairie State College, located in Chicago Heights, Illinois, is a prominent institution known for its commitment to providing high-quality education and fostering a supportive learning environment. Founded in 1957, the college serves a diverse student body and offers a wide range of programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and professional development courses. With a focus on accessibility, Prairie State College aims to empower students from various backgrounds to achieve their educational and career goals. The college’s motto, "Inspiring Success," reflects its dedication to student achievement and community engagement.

The campus is equipped with modern facilities that enhance the learning experience, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and a comprehensive library. Prairie State College places a strong emphasis on workforce readiness, offering programs in high-demand fields such as healthcare, information technology, and business. The college also encourages student involvement in extracurricular activities, promoting a vibrant campus culture that includes clubs, organizations, and athletic programs. With a strong focus on student support services, Prairie State College provides resources such as academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling, ensuring that students have the tools they need to succeed both academically and professionally.

Analysis of Key Metrics at Prairie State College

Prairie State College has experienced notable trends in several key metrics over the years, particularly in tuition costs, student enrollment, graduation rates, and retention rates. The tuition fees for in-state undergraduate students have steadily increased from $6,984 in 2014 to $9,342 in 2023, reflecting a substantial rise of approximately 34%. This trend mirrors the broader national concern regarding the escalating costs of higher education, which often leads to increased student debt burdens.

In parallel, student enrollment has witnessed a significant decline, dropping from 5,416 undergraduate students in 2013 to just 2,680 in 2023. This nearly 50% decrease raises alarms about the college's attractiveness and competitiveness in the educational landscape. Factors contributing to this decline may include rising tuition costs, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and shifting demographics.

The graduation rates present a mixed picture. The on-time graduation rate fluctuated, reaching a low of 2.88% in 2019 but rebounding to 9.86% in 2023. This recovery may indicate improvements in academic support systems, allowing students to complete their degrees more effectively. However, the overall graduation rate remains a point of concern, suggesting that further efforts are necessary to enhance student success.

Lastly, the retention rate has shown some stability, hovering around 52% in recent years. While this figure is relatively consistent, indicating that just over half of the students return for their second year, it also highlights the need for enhanced support services to foster student engagement and commitment.

In summary, while Prairie State College has made strides in certain areas, the rising tuition and declining enrollment pose significant challenges that must be addressed to ensure the institution's future viability and success in supporting its students.

Analysis of Graduation Data from Prairie State College

The graduation data from Prairie State College for 2023 reveals several noteworthy trends, particularly in the fields of health and general studies. A significant number of graduates earned their associate degrees in various disciplines, with the highest being in Registered Nursing, where 30 graduates completed their studies. This reflects the increasing demand for healthcare professionals, a trend accelerated by the ongoing global health crisis, which has highlighted the critical need for skilled nurses and healthcare workers.

In contrast, fields such as Business Administration and Management and Liberal Arts showed strong numbers as well, with 3 and 157 graduates respectively. The latter suggests a continuing interest in liberal studies, which often serve as a foundation for various career paths. Interestingly, the data indicates a complete absence of international students receiving bachelor's, master's, or doctorate degrees in any of the listed programs, which could point to potential barriers for international enrollment in higher education or a lack of programs tailored to this demographic.

Furthermore, the representation of graduates in technical fields, such as Electrician and Automotive Mechanics, although fewer in number, indicates the college's commitment to vocational training, which is essential for workforce development. However, the absence of advanced degrees like master's and doctorate among all programs points to an area for potential growth, suggesting the college may benefit from expanding its graduate offerings to attract a broader range of students.

Overall, the data reflects a college focused on providing practical, career-oriented education, particularly in healthcare and liberal arts, while also highlighting areas for improvement in graduate education and international student enrollment.

Student Demographics at Prairie State College in 2023

In 2023, Prairie State College showcased a diverse student body, highlighting both the growth of undergraduate students and an encouraging gender balance. The total number of undergraduate freshmen stands at 429, with a near-equal distribution of male and female students (48.7% male and 51.3% female). This suggests a welcoming environment for new students, particularly for women, who slightly outnumber their male counterparts.

The data also reveals that undergraduate continuing students, numbering 1,762, have a more pronounced gender disparity, with only 35.8% being male and 64.2% female. This significant gap may indicate a trend where women are more likely to continue their education at this institution, reflecting broader societal shifts in education and career aspirations among women.

Among transfer students, the numbers are lower, with only 158 students enrolled. The gender ratio here again leans towards females, with 72.2% identifying as such. This trend across all categories underlines the growing participation of women in higher education, which aligns with national statistics indicating an increase in female enrollment in colleges and universities.

The ethnic breakdown of the student body, particularly among freshmen, reveals a colorful tapestry of backgrounds, with white students making up a significant portion of the demographics. This diversity is essential, as it enriches the learning environment and fosters cultural exchanges that benefit all students.

Overall, Prairie State College appears to be making strides in creating an inclusive and balanced educational atmosphere, particularly for women, while also embracing a variety of ethnic backgrounds among its students. As society continues to evolve, these trends will likely influence future enrollment strategies and institutional policies.

Analysis of Student Age Demographics at Prairie State College in 2023

The age distribution of students at Prairie State College in 2023 reveals significant insights into the demographics of the student body. Notably, the largest age group falls within the 18-19 year bracket, with 289 male undergraduates and 347 female undergraduates, indicating that this segment constitutes a substantial 42% of the total student population.

As we progress through the age categories, there is a noticeable decline in enrollment. The 20-21 age group follows closely, comprising 218 male and 305 female undergraduates. However, the numbers drop dramatically in the 22-24 age range, where we see only 136 male and 227 female students, suggesting that the transition from high school to college may be more prevalent among younger individuals.

Interestingly, there is a continued decline in student numbers for older age groups, with only 20 students aged over 65. This trend aligns with broader national patterns where higher education participation rates tend to decrease with age, largely due to career commitments or familial responsibilities.

Furthermore, the data indicates that there are no graduate students enrolled in the male category across all age ranges, highlighting a potential area for growth in graduate programs. The overall gender distribution shows a higher number of female students compared to male students, which is consistent with national trends in higher education, where women often outnumber men in undergraduate programs.

In conclusion, Prairie State College's age demographics suggest a vibrant and youthful student body, with opportunities to enhance recruitment and retention strategies for older and graduate students. Addressing these trends could help foster a more diverse educational environment.

Trends in International Enrollment at Prairie State College

The data regarding international students at Prairie State College reveals a noteworthy trend over the years, particularly from 2004 to 2023. Initially, the number of international undergraduate students was quite low, with only 17 students enrolled in 2004, representing 0.31% of the total undergraduate population. This percentage gradually decreased until 2007, hitting a low of 0.09% with just five international students.

However, a significant turnaround began around 2017. By 2018, the number of international students rose to 27, making up 0.61% of the undergraduate body. This increase continued, with a remarkable jump to 42 international students by 2023, which accounts for 1.57% of the total undergraduate enrollment. This trend is indicative of a growing interest in Prairie State College among international students, possibly driven by enhanced academic offerings or improved recruitment strategies.

The fluctuations in these numbers reflect not only institutional changes but also broader trends in global education. In recent years, many students have sought opportunities abroad, looking for quality education and diverse cultural experiences. The rise in international student enrollment at Prairie State College aligns with national patterns observed across many U.S. institutions, where colleges are increasingly becoming global hubs for education.

Overall, the data suggests that Prairie State College is successfully attracting a larger international student population, which is beneficial for fostering diversity and enriching the educational environment on campus. This trend could have positive implications for the college’s reputation and community, emphasizing the importance of international perspectives in higher education.

Here are some notable institutions surrounding Prairie State College:

1. University of Chicago - Ranked 12th in the 2024 US News rankings, this prestigious institution is known for its rigorous academic programs and distinguished faculty.

2. Northwestern University - With a rank of 9, Northwestern is renowned for its research initiatives and diverse academic offerings, making it a leading comprehensive university.

3. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - This university ranks 35th and is recognized for its strong engineering, business, and agriculture programs.

4. University of Notre Dame - Ranked 20th, Notre Dame is celebrated for its strong emphasis on liberal arts education and its vibrant campus life.

5. Illinois Institute of Technology - With a rank of 98, IIT offers a variety of technical and engineering programs that are highly regarded.

Each of these schools provides unique programs and a rich educational experience, contributing to a vibrant academic community in the area.

Crime Trends at Prairie State College

The crime data from Prairie State College over the past decade presents an intriguing landscape of safety and student behavior on campus. Notably, the years 2013 to 2014 reported no incidents, which reflects a commendable state of security. However, in 2015, there was a slight uptick with a recorded incident rate of 0.31 per 1,000 students, primarily attributed to a single drug-related arrest, indicating that while the college environment was largely safe, there were isolated incidents that required attention.

By 2017 and 2018, the data shows a more pronounced increase, with rates reaching 0.67 and 0.68 per 1,000 students, respectively. This rise is concerning and suggests a need for enhanced measures to address potential issues, especially regarding gun-related arrests and substance abuse. The spike in incidents could be reflective of broader societal trends, where college campuses are not immune to the challenges of drug use and violence that permeate the wider community.

Interestingly, the following years from 2019 to 2023 show a return to zero incidents, which might indicate effective interventions or a cultural shift among students towards safer behaviors. This remarkable recovery highlights the importance of ongoing support from the college administration and community in fostering a safe educational environment. Overall, while Prairie State College has faced challenges, the trend towards reduced crime rates in recent years is a positive sign, emphasizing the importance of vigilance and proactive measures in maintaining campus safety. For more on calculating crime rates, visit: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.