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Public, 2-year

Southeast Arkansas College

Pine Bluff, Arkansas · www.seark.edu

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Out-of-state tuition

$8,650

In-state $5,200

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

916

Student-faculty ratio 8:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

18.2%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 26.0%

Peer median 33.7%

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

About

Southeast Arkansas College (SEARK) is a prominent community college located in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Established in 1991, SEARK serves a diverse student population and is dedicated to providing quality education and vocational training. The college offers a variety of academic programs, including associate degrees and certificates in fields such as healthcare, business, technology, and the arts. This wide range of programs allows students to tailor their educational experiences to meet their career goals and aspirations. SEARK is committed to fostering a supportive learning environment, which is evident through its dedicated faculty and staff who focus on student success and engagement.

The college also emphasizes the importance of a strong community connection, offering various outreach programs and partnerships with local businesses and organizations. This not only enhances the educational experience but also creates ample internship and job placement opportunities for students. Additionally, SEARK provides various student support services, including academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling, ensuring that students have the resources they need to thrive. The campus culture at Southeast Arkansas College is vibrant and inclusive, with numerous clubs and organizations that promote student involvement and foster a sense of belonging. Through its commitment to education, community engagement, and student support, SEARK plays a vital role in enhancing the educational landscape of Southeast Arkansas.

Trends in Tuition, Enrollment, and Graduation Rates at Southeast Arkansas College

The data from Southeast Arkansas College reveals notable trends in tuition fees, student enrollment, and graduation rates over the years. Firstly, tuition fees for in-state undergraduate students have increased significantly, rising from $2,980 in 2014 to $4,960 in 2024, marking a 66% increase. This sharp rise in costs may deter potential students, especially given the regional economic conditions and the financial constraints many families face today.

Enrollment numbers also reflect this trend. From 2014 to 2023, the undergraduate student population decreased from 1,601 to just 898, indicating a significant decline of approximately 44%. This drop raises concerns about the college's ability to attract and retain students, which could be linked to rising tuition and potentially inadequate support services to enhance student experience and success.

Graduation rates present a sobering picture as well. The on-time graduation rate for undergraduates was only 5.5% in 2023, a decrease from 21.3% in 2014. Such low rates might reflect systemic issues within the institution, including academic support, financial difficulties faced by students, or a lack of engagement and retention strategies.

Moreover, the retention rate fluctuated over the years, reaching a peak of 63.1% in 2018 but dropping to 53.8% in 2023. This inconsistency suggests that while some years saw improvements, the overall trend does not inspire confidence in the institution's ability to keep its students enrolled and progressing toward graduation.

In summary, the combination of soaring tuition, declining enrollment, and troubling graduation rates at Southeast Arkansas College highlights critical challenges that the institution must address to ensure its sustainability and effectiveness in serving its student population.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Distant town
Nearest major city
Little Rock, about 40 mi
Nearest international airport
Frederick W. Smith International Airport (MEM), about 130 mi
Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Also known as
SEARK College
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Dr. Tyrone Jackson (President)
Phone
8705435900
City
Pine Bluff, Arkansas
Address
1900 S Hazel Street, Pine Bluff, AR 71603

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate1870 international (0.0%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
General Studies
93
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
23
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
17
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels
9
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance
6
Business/Commerce, General
6
Surgical Technology/Technologist
6
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies
6
Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist
6
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications
5

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at Southeast Arkansas College

The graduation data from Southeast Arkansas College for 2023 reveals some notable trends and insights regarding program popularity and student demographics. Primarily, the institution has seen a total of 6 graduates in Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications at the associate level, while the fields of industrial mechanics and business did not produce any graduates at the bachelor or higher levels this year.

Interestingly, the healthcare-related programs, including Registered Nursing and Respiratory Care Therapy, recorded a solid output of 13 and 8 graduates, respectively. This highlights the ongoing demand for healthcare professionals, especially in light of the recent global health challenges that have intensified the need for skilled practitioners.

Moreover, general studies and liberal arts also demonstrated a significant number of graduates, with 53 and 19 students earning their associate degrees. This suggests a strong interest in foundational education, which often serves as a stepping stone for further academic pursuits or diverse career paths.

It is also important to note that there were no international students graduating from any of the programs, indicating a potential area for growth in attracting international scholars, which could enrich the academic environment and diversify the student body.

Overall, the data indicates a focus on practical and healthcare-related fields at Southeast Arkansas College, reflecting broader trends in workforce needs. As the demand for skilled professionals continues to rise, it will be crucial for academic institutions to adapt and expand their offerings to meet these evolving needs.

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 116 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$24,880
General Studies.$24,880
Health professionshas 31 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist.$48,660
Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist.$48,660
Surgical Technology/Technologist.$48,660
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.-
Computer and information sciencehas 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Computer Systems Networking and Telecommunications.-
Computer and Information Systems Security/Auditing/Information Assurance.-
Educationhas 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels.-
Homeland security has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.-
Businesshas 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business/Commerce, General.-
Human science has 5 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Child Care Provider/Assistant.-
Engineering technologieshas 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Industrial Technology/Technician.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.-

Students

916 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 40:60 · Freshman retention 44.4%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (916)

Black
567 · 61.9%
White
199 · 21.7%
Hispanic
117 · 12.8%
Two or more races
12 · 1.3%
Asian
10 · 1.1%
International
4 · 0.4%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
6.0%
18–19
17.0%
20–21
14.6%
22–24
10.5%
25 and over
51.9%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at Southeast Arkansas College (2023)

The student demographics at Southeast Arkansas College for the year 2023 reveal significant insights into the composition of the student body. Among the undergraduate freshmen, there are 157 students, with a nearly balanced gender ratio of 46.5% male and 53.5% female. This suggests a welcoming environment for new students, particularly women, which is encouraging for institutions aiming for gender equity in higher education.

In contrast, the undergraduate juniors are predominantly female, comprising 80.1% of the 542 students. This stark gender imbalance raises questions regarding the retention of male students in the undergraduate programs and suggests potential challenges that these students may face during their academic journey. Additionally, the undergraduate transfer students exhibit a similar trend, with 68.9% being female, reflecting a consistent pattern of higher female enrollment across various levels of undergraduate education.

The overall enrollment figures highlight a diverse student population, with a focus on inclusivity. However, the data also points to a need for targeted strategies to support male students, particularly at the junior level, to ensure their success and retention. The absence of data on the ethnic breakdown for upperclassmen and transfer students limits a comprehensive understanding of diversity within these groups, indicating an area for further exploration.

Overall, these demographic insights are crucial for Southeast Arkansas College as they inform recruitment strategies, support services, and retention initiatives aimed at fostering a balanced and inclusive academic environment for all students.

Analysis of Student Age Composition at Southeast Arkansas College

The age composition of students at Southeast Arkansas College reveals interesting trends in enrollment patterns. Notably, the majority of the student body is represented by younger age groups, particularly those under 24 years old. In the <18 age category, there are 74 male and 70 female undergraduate students, indicating a healthy balance in gender representation among the youngest learners.

As we examine the 18-19 age group, it is striking to see a significant increase in the number of female undergraduates (96) compared to male undergraduates (59). This trend continues in the 20-21 age bracket, where 85 females are enrolled against 47 males. This growing female representation may reflect broader societal trends in higher education, where women are increasingly pursuing degrees at higher rates than men.

In the 22-24 age group, the enrollment remains predominantly female (95 females vs. 28 males), highlighting a consistent pattern of female dominance in these young adult categories. However, as the age groups progress to 25-29 and beyond, the overall enrollment begins to decline, which could be indicative of various factors such as work commitments or changes in life priorities that prevent older students from continuing their education.

The data also suggests that older age groups (30 and above) have significantly lower numbers of students, with the 50-64 age group only comprising 7 males and 21 females. The representation of students aged 65 and above is minimal, with only 2 students each for both genders. This could point to a need for institutions to provide resources and support for non-traditional students who may wish to return to education later in life.

Overall, the student age composition at Southeast Arkansas College reflects a youthful demographic, with notable female enrollment trends that align with national patterns in higher education. This data can serve as a foundation for further research into the factors influencing these trends and how they might shape the future of education at the college.

International Students

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

Undergraduates0.4%

4 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

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

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at Southeast Arkansas College

The data on international student enrollment at Southeast Arkansas College reveals a notable evolution over the years. In the early 2000s, the number of international undergraduates was minimal, with only one student enrolled in both 2004 and 2005, representing a mere 0.04% of the total undergraduate population. This trend continued with only slight increases in subsequent years, highlighting a lack of significant growth in this demographic.

However, a significant leap occurred in 2011 when the number of international students surged to 14, accounting for 0.69% of the total undergraduate population. This dramatic rise suggests that the college may have implemented more effective recruitment strategies or that the global educational landscape was becoming increasingly favorable for international students seeking opportunities in the United States.

In the following years, the numbers fluctuated again, with only one international student enrolled in 2017 and 2018, which brings into question the sustainability of the previous growth. This inconsistency may reflect broader trends in international education, including changes in visa regulations, geopolitical factors, or the rising cost of education in the U.S., all of which can impact international student enrollment.

Overall, while there was a momentary spike in enrollment, the long-term trend suggests challenges in attracting a diverse international student body. This situation calls for a strategic approach by Southeast Arkansas College to enhance its appeal to potential international students in a competitive global market.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$19,950

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$8,650
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$5,200
Room and board
$11,300
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 55% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 95%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$16.7M

Government grants and contracts
$13.0M77.8%
Tuition and fees
$3.1M18.3%
Investment return
$212K1.3%
Other
$442K2.6%

Expenses$18.2M

Institutional support
$5.3M29.2%
Instruction
$5.3M29.0%
Student services
$3.0M16.8%
Scholarships
$2.9M16.0%
Academic support
$1.3M7.4%
Other
$295K1.6%

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
$46,052peers $68,588
Professor
$46,052peers $79,972

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NCAA · EADA
2025
NJCAA Division II MENWOMEN
Baseball43-
Basketball2115
Softball-12
Golf2-
2024
NJCAA Division IIMENWOMEN
Baseball35-
Softball-15

No athlete data available for 2023.

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable colleges and universities near Southeast Arkansas College:

  1. Rhodes College - Ranked 56th in the 2024 US News rankings, Rhodes College is a private liberal arts college located in Memphis, Tennessee. Known for its rigorous academics and beautiful campus, it offers a diverse range of undergraduate programs.

  2. University of Memphis - With a rank of 269, the University of Memphis is a public research university that provides a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs. It is situated in Memphis, Tennessee, and is recognized for its strong programs in business, law, and engineering.

  3. University of Mississippi - Ranked 163rd, the University of Mississippi, also known as Ole Miss, is a public research university in Oxford, Mississippi. It is celebrated for its vibrant campus life and diverse academic programs.

  4. University of Arkansas - This public research university ranks 178th and is located in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The University of Arkansas is known for its strong emphasis on research and offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs.

  5. Mississippi State University - Ranking 216th, Mississippi State University is a public research university in Starkville, Mississippi. It is recognized for its engineering, agricultural, and veterinary programs.

  6. University of Tulsa - With a rank of 195, the University of Tulsa is a private university in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It is known for its strong programs in engineering, business, and law.

  7. Southern Methodist University - Ranked 89th, SMU is a private research university located in Dallas, Texas. It offers a variety of programs and is known for its strong business school and vibrant campus culture.

These institutions offer a range of educational opportunities and contribute to the rich academic landscape surrounding Southeast Arkansas College.

Campus safety · incidents per 1,000 students

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

Incidents, 2023–2025

Burglary
3
Motor vehicle theft
2
Domestic violence
1
Stalking
1

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

Data insights

Analysis of Crime Rates at Southeast Arkansas College

The crime data from Southeast Arkansas College reveals a fluctuating trend in incidents over the years, with a notable increase in reported offenses starting in 2016. From 2013 to 2015, the college reported zero incidents, indicating a period of relative safety. However, in 2016, the average crime rate per 1,000 students rose to 2.58, primarily due to incidents involving gun arrests, as indicated by the subdata.

The year 2019 marked a significant spike in crime, with an average rate of 6.43 per 1,000 students. This increase raises concerns, especially when compared to national trends in campus safety, which often emphasize the importance of preventative measures and student awareness programs. Following this peak, the crime rates dropped again in 2020 and 2021, suggesting that the college may have implemented effective strategies to address safety concerns.

Interestingly, the data for 2022 and 2023 indicates a return to a lower crime rate, with an average of 1.00 and 0.00 respectively. This could imply that recent efforts to enhance campus safety and student engagement have been effective. However, it is crucial to continue monitoring these trends and engaging with the campus community to ensure a safe environment.

Overall, the data reflects the necessity of ongoing vigilance and proactive measures in maintaining campus safety. The crime rate calculation method can be further explored at 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.