Rend Lake College, located in Ina, Illinois, is a prominent community college known for its commitment to providing quality education and a supportive learning environment. Established in 1967, the college offers a diverse range of academic programs, including associate degrees, certificates, and workforce training, catering to the needs of both traditional and non-traditional students. The college emphasizes a student-centered approach, ensuring that individuals receive personalized attention from faculty and staff. With a focus on affordability, Rend Lake College provides various financial aid options, making higher education accessible to a wider community.

The campus is equipped with modern facilities that enhance the learning experience, including advanced laboratories, a library, and recreational spaces. One of the standout features of Rend Lake College is its dedication to fostering a vibrant campus culture. The college hosts numerous events, clubs, and organizations that encourage student engagement and community involvement. Additionally, Rend Lake College is known for its strong emphasis on athletics, offering a variety of sports programs that promote physical fitness and teamwork among students. With a commitment to academic excellence and holistic development, Rend Lake College prepares its graduates for successful careers and lifelong learning, making it a valuable institution in the region.

Discussion on Key Data Points from Rend Lake College

Rend Lake College has experienced significant fluctuations in tuition costs over the years. From 2014 to 2024, in-state undergraduate tuition soared from $4,545 to $7,800, marking a staggering increase of approximately 71%. Correspondingly, out-of-state tuition rose from $4,590 to $7,800, indicating a similar trend. This escalating cost of education raises concerns about accessibility for prospective students, particularly as it may deter individuals from lower-income backgrounds from pursuing higher education.

The student enrollment figures depict a concerning decline. From a high of 3,815 undergraduate students in 2013, numbers have dropped to 2,017 by 2023. This decrease of about 47% may reflect broader trends in community college enrollment across the U.S., which have been influenced by various factors, including economic conditions and shifts in demographic patterns. Notably, retaining students becomes crucial, especially as retention rates have varied, peaking at approximately 70% in 2017 and hovering around 65% in 2023. This inconsistency suggests that while some years have witnessed effective student support systems, others may not have met students' needs adequately.

Graduation rates also warrant attention, as they have fluctuated throughout the years. The on-time graduation rate dipped to 37.5% in 2018 but has shown signs of recovery, reaching about 44.7% in 2023. This variability could reflect changes in institutional policies, resources available for students, or challenges faced by students in completing their degrees.

In summary, the data from Rend Lake College highlights significant tuition increases alongside declining student enrollment and fluctuating graduation rates. These trends indicate a need for the institution to address financial barriers and enhance support systems to attract and retain students effectively.

Analysis of Graduation Data at Rend Lake College

The graduation data from Rend Lake College for 2023 presents a clear picture of the academic landscape at the institution, particularly in vocational and technical fields. Notably, the highest number of graduates is seen in the fields of Biological and Physical Sciences and Liberal Arts and Sciences, with 145 and 151 graduates respectively. This indicates a strong interest in foundational disciplines that are critical for further academic pursuits and diverse career paths.

In terms of specialized vocational training, the college has produced a noteworthy number of graduates in areas such as Registered Nursing, with 28 graduates, and Medical Radiologic Technology, with 22 graduates. This aligns well with the increasing demand for healthcare professionals, a trend exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has heightened awareness of the vital roles these individuals play in society.

Furthermore, the absence of international students in the graduating figures across all categories points to a potential area for growth. As institutions increasingly seek to diversify their campuses and attract global talent, Rend Lake College may benefit from developing programs and partnerships that appeal to international students.

The data also highlights the importance of vocational training in technical fields, such as Welding and Automotive Mechanics, which have seen modest graduation numbers. As industries evolve, there is a growing need for skilled tradespeople, suggesting that these programs could be further emphasized to meet job market demands. Overall, the graduation data from Rend Lake College reflects a commitment to equipping students with practical skills while also indicating areas where the college could enhance its offerings.

Student Demographics at Rend Lake College in 2023

The student demographics at Rend Lake College for the year 2023 reveal interesting trends in both enrollment and gender representation among different classifications of students. The data shows a total of 479 new undergraduate students, with a nearly equal gender distribution (49.9% male and 50.1% female), indicating a balanced entry point for students into higher education.

In contrast, among returning undergraduate students, we see a significant gender disparity, with only 38.6% being male and 61.4% female. This trend could reflect broader societal shifts, where more females are pursuing higher education than males, a phenomenon observed in various educational institutions across the United States.

The transfer students' population also exhibits a higher percentage of females (65.2%) compared to males (34.8%), further emphasizing the growing trend of female representation in higher education.

The overall student demographics also highlight the importance of diversity. While specific statistics on the subcategories of race and ethnicity are not fully detailed, it is essential to consider how these aspects contribute to the educational environment. The predominance of white students among all classifications suggests that there is still work to be done in promoting inclusivity and representation for students of different ethnic backgrounds.

These trends are significant as they not only reflect the current state of the college but also indicate potential areas for growth and development in student recruitment and support services. As educational institutions strive for equity, understanding these dynamics will be crucial for shaping future policies and practices.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Rend Lake College

The age distribution of students at Rend Lake College reveals significant trends that reflect the broader demographic shifts in higher education. A striking feature of the data is the substantial number of students under the age of 18 and those in the 18-19 age bracket, who together account for nearly 54% of the total student body. This suggests that the college effectively attracts younger students, possibly due to its dual enrollment programs or community outreach efforts aimed at high school students.

As age increases, the number of students declines sharply. For instance, students aged 20-21 represent only about 11% of the total enrollment, while those aged 30-34 and beyond are even less represented, with only 3% and 1% respectively. This could indicate a trend where younger individuals are prioritizing immediate college education over older adults returning to school.

Furthermore, the absence of graduate male and female students in the data highlights a potential gap in graduate program offerings or interest among the student population. With a growing emphasis on lifelong learning and upskilling in today’s job market, this lack of graduate students could be an area for the college to explore, particularly in fields that cater to adult learners.

Overall, the data underscores the need for educational institutions like Rend Lake College to adapt their programs and marketing strategies to better serve a diverse age range of students, particularly older adults seeking to further their education or shift careers.

Analysis of International Student Enrollment at Rend Lake College

The data reflecting international student enrollment at Rend Lake College over the years presents a concerning trend. From 2005 to 2021, the number of international undergraduate students fluctuated significantly, peaking in 2007 with 21 students, which constituted 0.43% of the total undergraduate population. However, this participation rate has seen a steady decline in the subsequent years, particularly notable in the late 2010s and early 2020s, where the number of international students dwindled to just 1 student in several years, representing an alarming drop in diversity within the student body.

This decline in international enrollment could be attributed to several factors, including changing immigration policies, the global pandemic's impact on travel and study abroad programs, and possibly a lack of awareness about the college among international students. The data does not include graduate student statistics, which could provide further insight into the overall diversity and international appeal of the institution.

In an era where global education is increasingly valued, and institutions are striving to attract a diverse student population, Rend Lake College's significant decrease in international students might hinder its ability to foster a multicultural environment. Efforts to enhance recruitment strategies, improve international student services, and promote the institution's offerings could be essential steps for the college to reverse this trend and regain its standing as an attractive option for international students.

Here are some notable universities near Rend Lake College:

1. Southern Illinois University-Carbondale - Ranked 280 in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

2. Saint Louis University - With a rank of 105, this comprehensive university is known for its strong emphasis on research and community service.

3. Washington University in St Louis - This prestigious institution is ranked 24th in the nation and is recognized for its rigorous academics and vibrant campus life.

4. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign - Ranked 35, this comprehensive university is well-known for its research opportunities and diverse range of programs.

5. Vanderbilt University - A top-tier university ranked 18th, Vanderbilt is renowned for its strong academic programs and beautiful campus in Nashville, Tennessee.

These institutions provide a variety of educational opportunities and are excellent choices for students seeking higher education in the region.

Analysis of Crime Data at Rend Lake College

The crime data from Rend Lake College reveals a relatively low incidence of crime over the ten-year period from 2013 to 2023. Notably, the majority of the years reported zero incidents, indicating a stable and safe campus environment. The only recorded offenses occurred in 2015 and 2017, with each year documenting one gun-related arrest. This translates to an extremely low crime rate of 0.34 and 0.40 incidents per 1,000 students in those respective years.

Such low numbers may reflect the effectiveness of campus safety measures, community engagement, and possibly the demographic characteristics of the student population. The absence of more serious offenses like drug arrests, assaults, or thefts further underscores the college's commitment to maintaining a secure educational setting.

In comparison to national trends, where college campuses often face higher rates of crime, Rend Lake College stands out as a commendable example. Many institutions are grappling with issues like drug use, alcohol-related incidents, and sexual offenses, which have become pressing concerns in recent times.

Overall, the data suggests that Rend Lake College has fostered a culture of safety and responsibility among its students. Continuous monitoring and proactive measures are essential to uphold this status and address any emerging issues promptly. For those interested in understanding how crime rates are calculated, further details can be found at this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.