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Public, 2-year

National Park College

Hot Springs, Arkansas · www.np.edu

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Out-of-state tuition

$7,280

In-state $6,050

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

1,805

Student-faculty ratio 16:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

36.0%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 38.4%

Peer median 33.7%

“Peers” are all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S. (by Carnegie Classification).

About

National Park College (NPC) is a community college located in Hot Springs, Arkansas, known for its commitment to providing accessible, high-quality education to a diverse student body. The college offers a wide range of associate degrees and certificate programs, with a strong emphasis on career readiness and workforce development. NPC's programs are designed to meet the needs of the local economy, and the college has established partnerships with nearby businesses and industries to ensure that students gain relevant skills and experiences. The college promotes a supportive and inclusive environment, allowing students to thrive academically and socially.

One of the standout features of National Park College is its dedication to student success, as demonstrated by its numerous support services, including academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling. The campus is equipped with modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and recreational areas, which enhance the overall learning experience. NPC also places a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities, offering various clubs, organizations, and athletic programs that foster a sense of community and school spirit. With its picturesque location near the Ouachita Mountains and Hot Springs National Park, students at NPC can enjoy a unique blend of academic pursuits and outdoor activities, making it an ideal place for both personal and professional growth.

Analysis of Key Data Points

The data from National Park College reveals significant trends in tuition fees, student enrollment, and retention rates. Over the years, the tuition for in-state undergraduate students has increased from $3,320 in 2014 to $6,050 in 2024, marking an increase of approximately 82%. For out-of-state students, tuition rose from $4,490 to $7,280, a staggering 62% increase. This continuous rise in tuition could potentially deter prospective students, especially those from lower-income backgrounds, as higher education costs become increasingly burdensome.

Student enrollment has demonstrated a concerning decline, dropping from 3,559 students in 2013 to just 2,340 in 2023. This represents a decline of over 34%, indicating that the college may need to reassess its recruitment strategies and programs to attract more students. This downward trend is further compounded by the fluctuating graduation rates, which have seen a notable increase in on-time graduation rates, from about 11.5% in 2013 to 14.4% in 2023. However, the overall graduation rates remain low, suggesting that while some students are succeeding, many others are not completing their degrees.

Retention rates have exhibited some stability, hovering around 54% to 60% in recent years, with a slight dip to 53.9% in 2023. While this indicates that a portion of students are returning for their subsequent years, the retention rate is still relatively low, which may point to issues within the college’s support systems or student satisfaction.

In summary, the combination of rising tuition, decreasing enrollment, and fluctuating graduation and retention rates presents a challenging scenario for National Park College. Addressing these issues will be crucial for the institution's future sustainability and for providing accessible education to its community.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Suburb of a small city
Nearest major city
Little Rock, about 45 mi
Nearest international airport
Frederick W. Smith International Airport (MEM), about 180 mi
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Also known as
National Park College
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Wade Derden (President)
Phone
5017604222
City
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Address
101 College Dr, Hot Springs, AR 71913

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate2754 international (1.5%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
73
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
48
General Studies
28
Business/Commerce, General
19
Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer
15
Criminal Justice/Police Science
12
Digital Arts
12
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels
11
Business Administration and Management, General
11
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician
9

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from National Park College

The graduation data from National Park College for 2023 reveals some interesting trends, particularly in terms of degree attainment and the focus of various programs. Notably, there is a significant emphasis on associate degrees, with a total of 232 graduates across various disciplines. This aligns with the increasing trend of community colleges serving as accessible pathways for students pursuing higher education, especially in fields like healthcare and business where practical skills are paramount.

In the health-related fields, for instance, registered nursing stands out with 54 graduates, while emergency medical technology has produced 1 graduate. This indicates a robust interest in health professions, which is consistent with the growing demand for healthcare workers, especially in the wake of the global pandemic. The lack of international students in these programs suggests that local students are taking advantage of these opportunities, likely driven by the immediate job prospects in healthcare.

In contrast, fields such as computer and information systems security and various business disciplines show no graduates at the bachelor, master, or doctoral levels. This could point to either a lack of interest or a need for reevaluation of these programs to attract students. The absence of international students further highlights this trend, as institutions often rely on international enrollments to bolster program viability.

Overall, while the college seems to excel in certain vocational areas, there is an evident gap in attracting students to more advanced degrees, particularly in technology and business. Addressing these gaps could enhance the college's offerings and better prepare students for a competitive job market.

All majors, graduates and earnings IPEDS · College Scorecard

*Depends on whether majors have graduates in 2025 or not, Yes / No
**Move mouse on can check deitaled graudates number, click for major detailed information
***Due to privacy policy, graduate salaries are not shown for some majors that has few gradautes

Liberal arts has 101 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$17,193-$24,980
General Studies.$17,193-$24,980
Health professionshas 87 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician.-
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic).$52,446
Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist.$52,446
Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiographer.$52,446
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$73,340
Businesshas 31 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business/Commerce, General.-
Business Administration and Management, General.-
Hospitality Administration/Management, General.-
Homeland security has 14 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.-
Criminal Justice/Police Science.-
Forensic Science and Technology.-
Visual and Performing artshas 12 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Digital Arts.-
Educationhas 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 10 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Natural Sciences.-
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.-
Computer and information sciencehas 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance.-
Mechanic and repair has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Automobile/Automotive Mechanics Technology/Technician.$36,296

Students

1,805 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 36:64 · Freshman retention 50.6%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,805)

White
1,163 · 64.4%
Hispanic
246 · 13.6%
Black
206 · 11.4%
Two or more races
133 · 7.4%
International
24 · 1.3%
Asian
18 · 1.0%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at National Park College in 2023

The data from National Park College for the year 2023 reveals interesting insights into the composition of its student body. The total number of undergraduate freshmen stands at 542, with a fairly balanced gender distribution—47.2% male and 52.8% female. This gender ratio highlights a slight female majority, a trend commonly observed in many higher education institutions across the United States.

In contrast, the undergraduate juniors represent a significantly larger group at 1,107 students, showcasing a notable increase in enrollment as students progress in their academic journeys. However, the gender disparity becomes more pronounced here, with only 35.9% of the juniors being male, compared to 64.1% female. This raises questions about the retention rates of male students or possibly differing enrollment trends between genders.

The undergraduate transfer students total 160, and they too exhibit a similar gender distribution trend, with 36.3% male and 63.8% female. This consistency across the undergraduate categories suggests that female students may be more likely to pursue continued education or transfer, potentially reflecting broader societal patterns.

Additionally, the representation of different ethnic groups among students indicates a diverse campus environment, although specific data on these demographics remains scarce. The importance of diversity in educational settings cannot be overstated, as it enriches the learning experience and fosters a more inclusive atmosphere.

Overall, the data underscores the need for ongoing efforts to address gender disparities in retention and enrollment, particularly among male students, while also celebrating the diversity present at National Park College. These trends may mirror broader societal shifts in education and highlight areas for institutional growth and support.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at National Park College in 2023

The age composition of students at National Park College in 2023 reveals interesting trends regarding undergraduate and graduate enrollment. The data indicates a significant predominance of younger students, specifically those under 24, who form the majority of the student body. For instance, students aged 18-19 account for approximately 34.5% of the total female population and 43.5% of the total male population. This trend aligns with broader national patterns where colleges and universities typically attract a younger demographic, particularly those transitioning directly from high school to higher education.

Interestingly, there are no graduate students reported in the dataset, highlighting a potential area for growth in attracting mature learners who may seek advanced degrees. The absence of graduate enrollment could suggest either a lack of graduate programs offered or a need for greater outreach to adult learners.

Moreover, the age distribution shows a gradual decline in the number of students as age increases, with only a small fraction (about 3.5%) of the student population being over the age of 65. This might reflect broader societal trends where older adults are less likely to pursue full-time education, although many institutions are seeing a rise in non-traditional students.

In conclusion, National Park College’s student body is predominantly young, which is a common characteristic among many higher education institutions. However, the absence of graduate students presents an opportunity for the college to diversify its offerings and attract a wider age range of learners in the future. Addressing this gap could enhance the educational environment and foster a more inclusive academic community.

International Students

International share over the last 10 years · gray line: median of all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Undergraduates1.3%

24 in 2025 · 0.1% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.1%2017: 0.1%2018: 0.0%2019: 0.0%2020: 0.0%2021: 0.0%2022: 0.0%2023: 1.1%2024: 0.0%2025: 1.3%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at National Park College

The data on international student enrollment at National Park College reveals significant trends over the years. From 2004 to 2023, the number of undergraduate students has fluctuated, with a noticeable increase in the proportion of international students in recent years. Initially, in 2004, there were 3,175 undergraduate students, of which only 7 were international students, representing just 0.22%. This figure decreased over the next few years, reaching a low of only 1 international student in both 2007 and 2008.

However, a striking turnaround occurred by 2023, where the total undergraduate enrollment dropped to 2,340, yet the number of international students surged to 26, increasing their representation to 1.11%. This change indicates a growing interest and acceptance of international students at National Park College, possibly reflecting broader trends in higher education where institutions are increasingly recognizing the value of a diverse student body.

The shift could also be attributed to various factors, including changes in recruitment strategies, increased global mobility, and a more welcoming environment for international students. This trend is consistent with national statistics showing that international student enrollment has generally been on the rise, despite some fluctuations due to global events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Overall, the data suggests a positive trajectory for international student enrollment at National Park College, highlighting its potential as a destination for students from around the world. It will be interesting to see if this trend continues and how it may influence the college's academic environment and cultural diversity in the coming years.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$14,030

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$7,280
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$6,050
Room and board
$6,750
Out-of-state tuition and room and board over time

Peer median tuition + room and board $19,938 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Tuition rose 59% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose -3%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$31.7M

Government grants and contracts
$26.1M82.3%
Tuition and fees
$3.0M9.4%
Auxiliary enterprises
$2.0M6.3%
Investment return
$553K1.7%

Expenses$31.7M

Instruction
$11.0M34.8%
Institutional support
$5.8M18.4%
Student services
$3.5M10.9%
Auxiliary enterprises
$3.4M10.9%
Scholarships
$1.3M4.1%
Academic support
$738K2.3%
Public service
$4K0.0%
Other
$5.9M18.5%

Average faculty salary · 2025 (9-month equivalent)

Dark gray ticks: median pay for the same rank at all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

All faculty
$49,059peers $68,588

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
2025
NJCAA Division II MENWOMEN
Baseball55-
Soccer2912
Basketball1714
Softball-19
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)94
2024
NJCAA Division IIMENWOMEN
Baseball60-
Soccer3321
Basketball1814
Softball-21
Track and Field (Outdoor)33
Cross Country33
2023
NJCAA Division IIMENWOMEN
Soccer5522
Baseball69-
Basketball1714
Softball-17
Cross Country75

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable nearby institutions to National Park College:

  1. University of Arkansas - Ranked 178 in the 2024 US News rankings, this comprehensive university offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  2. Rhodes College - A liberal arts college ranked 56th, Rhodes is known for its rigorous academic programs and beautiful campus in Memphis, Tennessee.

  3. Southern Methodist University - Located in Dallas, Texas, this comprehensive university is ranked 89th and is recognized for its strong business and law programs.

  4. University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus - This comprehensive university, ranked 124th, offers a diverse array of programs and is known for its research initiatives.

  5. Baylor University - With a ranking of 93, Baylor is a comprehensive university located in Waco, Texas, known for its strong emphasis on the liberal arts and sciences.

These institutions provide various options for students seeking higher education opportunities in the region.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

Peer median 0.4 · all 908 public associate's colleges in the U.S.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Liquor referrals
6
Drug referrals
3
Rape
1
Robbery
1
Weapons referrals
1

From the Clery Act campus safety reports schools file, covering on-campus, non-campus and public property.

Data insights

Crime Trends at National Park College: An Overview

The crime data from National Park College over the years presents a mixed picture of campus safety. From 2013 to 2023, there were fluctuating rates of arrests and incidents, with noticeable peaks and valleys. Notably, the years 2013, 2014, 2017, and 2021 reported no recorded incidents, reflecting a period of relative tranquility on campus. In contrast, 2020 and 2022 saw the highest recorded rates of crime, with averages of 1.54 and 1.56 per 1000 students, respectively.

The increase in crime rates during these years may correlate with broader societal issues, including the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, which have impacted mental health and community dynamics. The types of offenses recorded, such as gun-related arrests and drug-related incidents, highlight areas of concern that colleges nationwide are facing.

Despite the spikes, the overall trend indicates that the college maintains a relatively low crime rate, especially in recent years where 2023 shows a decrease to 0.26 per 1000 students. This is a positive sign and suggests that the institution may be implementing effective safety measures.

While crime data can be unpredictable, the commitment to campus safety remains crucial. Continuous monitoring and proactive measures can help ensure that National Park College remains a safe environment for its students and staff. For more information on how crime rates are calculated, please refer to this link: https://www.forwardpathway.com/33447.

References and Data Sources

Data from IPEDS (U.S. Department of Education), U.S. News, THE, QS, ARWU and Clery Act campus safety reports. Data insights are written by the Forward Pathway data team from public data.