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Public, 2-year

North Arkansas College

Harrison, Arkansas · www.northark.edu

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Out-of-state tuition

$5,592

In-state $3,864

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

2,089

Student-faculty ratio 14:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

29.1%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 32.8%

Peer median 33.7%

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

About

North Arkansas College (NAC) is a prominent community college located in Harrison, Arkansas, that serves a diverse population of students. With its picturesque campus nestled in the Ozark Mountains, NAC offers a serene and inspiring environment conducive to learning. The college's mission emphasizes student success through quality education, and it is dedicated to providing a supportive atmosphere that fosters academic achievement and personal growth. NAC prides itself on its strong commitment to community engagement, offering various programs that cater to the needs of local residents and businesses.

One of the standout features of North Arkansas College is its comprehensive range of programs designed to meet the diverse interests and career goals of students. From associate degrees in fields such as health sciences, business, and technology to vocational training, NAC provides a solid foundation for students looking to enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year institution. The college boasts a dedicated faculty who are not only experts in their fields but also deeply committed to student mentorship and success. In addition to academics, NAC encourages student participation in various extracurricular activities, including athletics, clubs, and community service, fostering a vibrant campus culture. With a focus on holistic education and community involvement, North Arkansas College continues to play a significant role in shaping the future of its students and the surrounding area.

Analysis of Key Data Trends at North Arkansas College

Over recent years, North Arkansas College has exhibited significant changes in several key areas that are indicative of broader trends in higher education. One of the most striking trends is the increase in tuition costs. From 2014 to 2021, in-state undergraduate tuition rose from $2,472 to $3,840, representing a staggering increase of 55.4%. This sharp rise raises concerns about the accessibility of higher education, particularly for students from lower-income backgrounds, as tuition inflation often outpaces wage growth.

In contrast to rising tuition, the number of undergraduate students has experienced a decline, dropping from 2,167 in 2014 to 1,604 in 2021. This 26% decrease signals potential challenges for the institution, as lower enrollment can lead to reduced revenue and may impact the diversity and vibrancy of the campus community. It reflects a broader trend in many colleges where prospective students are increasingly cautious about incurring debt and are considering their options carefully in a competitive job market.

Additionally, the graduation rates have shown improvement, with the on-time graduation rate rising from 6.1% in 2013 to 20.7% in 2022. This increase is promising, suggesting that the college is becoming more effective in supporting students through to graduation. However, the retention rates have fluctuated, with a notable dip in 2023 to 54.9%, which could be indicative of ongoing challenges in student engagement and satisfaction.

Finally, the student-to-faculty ratio has also seen a noteworthy decrease, going from 18:1 in 2013 to 12:1 in 2021, which could enhance the quality of education by allowing more personalized attention for students.

In conclusion, while North Arkansas College is making strides in some areas, such as graduation rates and student-to-faculty ratios, rising tuition costs and declining enrollment present significant challenges that need to be addressed to ensure the institution's sustainability and accessibility for future students.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Remote town
Nearest major city
Fayetteville, about 60 mi
Nearest international airport
Tulsa International Airport (TUL), about 160 mi
Harrison, Arkansas
Also known as
Northark
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Rick Massengale (President)
Phone
8707433000
City
Harrison, Arkansas
Address
1515 Pioneer Drive, Harrison, AR 72601-5508

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate3121 international (0.3%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
76
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
58
General Studies
56
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels
18
Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist
14
Business/Commerce, General
12
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician
10
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
8
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
6
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping
6

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data from North Arkansas College

The graduation data from North Arkansas College reveals some interesting trends regarding the distribution of degrees conferred in various fields. Notably, the health-related programs stand out as the most populated, with Registered Nursing producing 46 graduates and Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician contributing 13. This trend aligns with the growing demand for healthcare professionals, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has heightened awareness around health services and the importance of a robust healthcare workforce.

In contrast, many programs, particularly those in business and technology fields, reported no graduates. For example, programs like Hospitality Administration and Computer and Information Systems Security did not yield any degree recipients. This could suggest a need for these programs to reevaluate their appeal or the alignment of their curriculum with current job market demands. As industries evolve, institutions may need to adapt their offerings to better prepare students for emerging career paths.

Furthermore, the absence of international students graduating in most disciplines could indicate that North Arkansas College has yet to attract a significant number of international learners, which may limit the diversity of perspectives and experiences within the student body. This aspect might be a potential area for growth, as international students often enrich academic environments and contribute to cultural exchange.

Overall, the data highlights both the strengths and areas for improvement at North Arkansas College, suggesting a focus on expanding successful programs while reassessing those that struggle to attract graduates.

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 132 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$32,441
General Studies.$32,441
Health professionshas 91 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic).$43,327
Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist.$43,327
Surgical Technology/Technologist.$43,327
Clinical/Medical Laboratory Technician.-
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$62,697
Businesshas 24 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business/Commerce, General.-
Business Administration and Management, General.-
Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management.-
Office Management and Supervision.-
Accounting Technology/Technician and Bookkeeping.-
Educationhas 18 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels.-
Homeland security has 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Criminal Justice/Law Enforcement Administration.-
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.-
Computer and information sciencehas 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Information Technology.-
Information Science/Studies.-
Agricultural has 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Agriculture, General.-
Turf and Turfgrass Management.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.-
Engineeringhas 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Engineering, General.-
Engineering technologieshas 4 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician.-
Communication has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Digital Communication and Media/Multimedia.-
Mechanic and repair has 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technology/Technician.-
Visual and Performing artshas 3 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Fine/Studio Arts, General.-

Students

2,089 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 42:58 · Freshman retention 54.3%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (2,089)

White
1,632 · 78.1%
Hispanic
234 · 11.2%
Two or more races
81 · 3.9%
Unknown
63 · 3.0%
Asian
32 · 1.5%
Black
30 · 1.4%
International
1 · 0.0%

Data insights

Student Demographics at North Arkansas College in 2023

The student composition at North Arkansas College for 2023 reflects a diverse academic environment. The undergraduate freshmen represent a significant portion of the student body, totaling 358 students, with a nearly balanced gender ratio of 50.8% male and 49.2% female. This suggests a welcoming atmosphere for new students, potentially indicating a supportive introduction to college life.

In contrast, the undergraduate upperclassmen demographic shows a more pronounced gender imbalance, with only 33.9% of the 669 students being male and a substantial 66.1% female. Such a disparity could point to various factors influencing enrollment trends, including shifts in educational engagement or career aspirations among different genders.

The undergraduate transfer students, comprising 94 individuals, also show a majority of females at 59.6%, which might reflect broader trends in higher education where women are increasingly pursuing degrees and transferring between institutions.

Additionally, the overall non-degree seeking student population stands at 735, with a gender ratio favoring males at 52.9%. This could indicate that non-degree programs attract a different demographic, perhaps individuals seeking specific skills or career changes rather than traditional degree paths.

While the data for racial and ethnic breakdowns of these groups is not fully available, the representation of diverse backgrounds is crucial for fostering an inclusive educational environment. As colleges continue to adapt to changing demographics and societal needs, understanding these dynamics will be essential for enhancing student engagement and success.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at North Arkansas College

The age composition of students at North Arkansas College reflects a predominantly young demographic, with the majority of students falling into the under-18 and 18-19 age categories. Specifically, 50.2% of the total male student body and 49.8% of the female student body are under 18, while 39.2% of males and 39.7% of females are between 18 and 19. This trend indicates that the college attracts a significant number of recent high school graduates, which is typical for community colleges across the United States.

As students age, there is a noticeable decline in enrollment numbers. For instance, the 20-21 age group sees a drop to just 6.4% of the male population and 8.1% of the female population. This pattern continues with even fewer students in the 22-24 age bracket, where only 2.6% of males and 5.6% of females are enrolled. This could suggest that as students progress in their education, many may choose to transfer to four-year universities or enter the workforce, leading to a decrease in the number of students who remain at the community college level.

Interestingly, the data shows a significant representation of older students, particularly in the 25-29 and 30-34 age groups, which together account for 21.5% of female students. This indicates that North Arkansas College serves as an important educational resource for non-traditional students seeking to further their education or change career paths.

Overall, the age distribution at North Arkansas College is indicative of broader trends in higher education, where community colleges play a vital role in providing accessible education to a diverse range of students, including both young adults and those returning to school later in life.

International Students

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

Undergraduates0.0%

1 in 2025 · 0.2% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.2%2017: 0.1%2018: 0.1%2019: 0.2%2020: 0.3%2021: 0.6%2022: 0.3%2023: 0.3%2024: 0.4%2025: 0.0%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at North Arkansas College

The data on international student enrollment at North Arkansas College reveals a fluctuating trend over the years, particularly in undergraduate programs. In 2010, the college had 2,429 undergraduate students, with only 7 being international students, representing a mere 0.29% of the total. This proportion saw a peak in 2021, where 10 out of 1,604 students were international, yielding an impressive 0.62%. However, the overall numbers tell a more complex story.

From 2010 to 2023, the total number of undergraduate students decreased significantly from 2,429 to 1,856, which could be indicative of broader trends affecting higher education enrollment in the United States, such as demographic shifts, economic factors, or changing perceptions about studying abroad, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic that has impacted global mobility.

The percentage of international students also saw considerable variation, dipping as low as 0.05% in 2018. This volatility suggests that the college may have faced challenges in attracting and retaining international students, which could be due to factors such as funding, support services, or even geopolitical issues affecting students’ ability to study abroad.

Overall, while there are moments of growth in international student representation, the data reflects a need for North Arkansas College to strategize and possibly enhance its appeal to prospective international students. As the global higher education landscape continues to evolve, maintaining a diverse student population is crucial for enriching the academic experience and fostering cultural exchange on campus.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$12,604

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$5,592
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$3,864
Room and board
$7,012
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 29% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 14%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$27.2M

Government grants and contracts
$20.7M75.9%
Tuition and fees
$3.4M12.4%
Gifts and private grants
$1.5M5.4%
Auxiliary enterprises
$1.2M4.3%
Investment return
$349K1.3%
Sales and services of educational activities
$0K0.0%
Other
$196K0.7%

Expenses$26.6M

Instruction
$10.5M39.4%
Student services
$3.6M13.4%
Institutional support
$3.4M12.9%
Scholarships
$3.0M11.4%
Academic support
$2.5M9.5%
Auxiliary enterprises
$2.0M7.7%
Public service
$751K2.8%
Other
$773K2.9%

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
$51,442peers $68,588
Professor
$56,477peers $79,972
Associate professor
$54,498peers $69,677
Assistant professor
$53,855peers $62,785
Instructor
$49,996peers $61,593

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
2025
NJCAA Division II MENWOMEN
Baseball35-
Basketball1613
Softball-16
Golf61
2024
NJCAA Division IIMENWOMEN
Baseball45-
Basketball1711
Soccer19-
Softball-17
2023
NJCAA Division IIMENWOMEN
Baseball37-
Basketball1812
Soccer19-
Softball-17

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools located near North Arkansas College:

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

  2. Missouri University of Science and Technology - With a rank of 185, this comprehensive university focuses on engineering and technology fields, providing students with hands-on experiences and research opportunities.

  3. University of Tulsa - Ranked 195, this comprehensive university is known for its strong programs in law, business, and engineering, offering a vibrant campus life for its students.

  4. Rhodes College - A highly regarded liberal arts college ranked 56th, Rhodes is known for its rigorous academics and beautiful campus, fostering a close-knit community of learners.

  5. University of Missouri-Columbia - With a ranking of 124, this comprehensive university is well-known for its research initiatives and diverse student body.

  6. Washington University in St Louis - A prestigious comprehensive university ranked 24th, it is recognized for its outstanding academic programs and state-of-the-art facilities.

  7. Saint Louis University - This comprehensive university, ranked 105, offers a rich array of programs and a commitment to service and community engagement.

These institutions represent a mix of comprehensive universities and liberal arts colleges, providing various educational opportunities for students in the region.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

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

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Data at North Arkansas College

The crime data from North Arkansas College reveals significant fluctuations in crime rates over the past decade. Notably, the year 2013 saw a crime rate of 1.30 incidents per 1,000 students, primarily due to gun-related arrests. This number peaked in 2018 with a rate of 3.84, indicating a troubling trend regarding substance abuse and potential violent incidents on campus. However, the years following 2018 reported a remarkable decrease in crime rates, culminating in zero reported incidents from 2020 to 2023.

This decline could be attributed to several factors, including enhanced campus security measures, increased awareness and education about campus safety, and possibly the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to reduced campus populations and activities. The absence of reported incidents in recent years is a positive development, suggesting that the college may have effectively implemented strategies to mitigate crime.

It is essential to consider the broader context of crime in educational institutions. National statistics often show that college campuses can experience higher rates of certain crimes, particularly those related to substance abuse and interpersonal violence. The proactive measures taken by North Arkansas College could serve as a model for other institutions aiming to improve campus safety.

Overall, while the data reflects a challenging situation in the past, the recent trends indicate a promising shift towards a safer campus environment. Institutions must continue to prioritize student safety and well-being, fostering a supportive and secure educational atmosphere. For more information on calculating crime rates, please visit: 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.