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Public, 2-year

South Arkansas Community College

El Dorado, Arkansas · www.southark.edu

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Out-of-state tuition

$5,532

In-state $3,684

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

1,207

Student-faculty ratio 12:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

24.8%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 35.7%

Peer median 33.7%

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

About

South Arkansas College (SAC) is a prominent community college located in El Dorado, Arkansas. Established in 1991, SAC offers a wide range of academic programs and services that cater to the diverse needs of its student population. The college is known for its strong emphasis on workforce development and community engagement, which is reflected in its extensive technical and vocational training programs. With a commitment to providing accessible education, SAC serves both traditional and non-traditional students, contributing to the local economy by equipping graduates with the skills necessary for high-demand jobs in the region.

The college is characterized by its supportive learning environment and personalized attention from faculty members. With a favorable student-to-faculty ratio, students benefit from hands-on learning experiences and close mentorship. SAC offers various academic programs, including associate degrees and certificates in fields such as healthcare, business, and information technology. Additionally, the campus is equipped with modern facilities, including state-of-the-art classrooms, laboratories, and recreational areas that foster a vibrant campus life. The college also encourages student involvement through various clubs and organizations, promoting leadership and teamwork among the student body. Overall, South Arkansas College stands out as an institution that prioritizes student success and community development.

Analysis of Key Metrics at South Arkansas College

South Arkansas College has exhibited noticeable trends in several key metrics over the years, particularly in tuition costs, graduation rates, and student retention rates. The tuition for in-state undergraduate students rose from $2,488 in 2014 to $3,540 in 2024, representing an increase of approximately 42.3%. Similarly, out-of-state tuition increased from $4,264 to $5,364, a rise of about 25.8%. These escalating costs highlight a growing financial burden on students and may impact enrollment figures in the future.

In terms of graduation rates, the percentage of students graduating within 150% of the standard time showed fluctuations over the years, reaching a peak of around 33.6% in 2021 before dropping to approximately 26.7% in 2023. This inconsistency raises concerns about the effectiveness of the college’s support systems and resources aimed at helping students complete their degrees.

Retention rates have also seen a downward trend, dropping from about 61.6% in 2018 to around 48.8% in 2023. This decline suggests that students may be struggling to remain engaged or may face other challenges that prompt them to leave the institution.

Furthermore, the gender ratio among undergraduate students remained skewed towards females, with women constituting approximately 68.2% of the undergraduate population in 2023. This disparity may influence campus culture and could be a point of focus for recruitment efforts aimed at balancing enrollment.

Overall, these metrics are crucial indicators of the college's health and effectiveness. The increasing tuition alongside decreasing retention and graduation rates may necessitate strategic changes to enhance student support and improve educational outcomes.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Remote town
Nearest major city
Little Rock, about 110 mi
Nearest international airport
Frederick W. Smith International Airport (MEM), about 200 mi
El Dorado, Arkansas
Also known as
SouthArk
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Dr. Stephanie Tully-Dartez (President)
Phone
8708628131
City
El Dorado, Arkansas
Address
300 S West Ave, El Dorado, AR 71731-7010

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate1594 international (2.5%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
General Studies
52
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
45
Physical Therapy Assistant
10
Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist
10
Criminal Justice/Police Science
9
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
7
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels
6
Industrial Technology/Technician
6
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic)
4
Early Childhood Education and Teaching
3

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at South Arkansas College

The graduation data from South Arkansas College reveals some intriguing patterns regarding the degrees awarded in various fields. Notably, the institution appears to have a strong focus on associate degrees, particularly in the medical and health fields. Registered Nursing stands out with 45 graduates, while Emergency Medical Technology and Medical Radiologic Technology also show significant numbers with 16 and 8 graduates, respectively. This highlights a strong emphasis on health professions, likely aligning with the increasing demand for healthcare workers in the United States, especially in the post-pandemic context.

Interestingly, there is a complete absence of bachelor's, master's, and doctorate degrees across all programs, indicating that the college primarily serves as a two-year institution, focused on providing foundational education rather than advanced degrees. This aligns with the role of community colleges in the U.S., where they often serve as stepping stones for students aiming to transfer to four-year colleges or directly enter the workforce.

Furthermore, the data shows that international students are notably underrepresented, as indicated by the zero figures in international graduates for all degree levels. This raises questions about the institution's recruitment strategies and the overall attractiveness of the college for international students, especially in a time when global education has been reshaped by factors such as COVID-19 and shifting immigration policies.

Overall, the statistics present a clear picture of South Arkansas College as a dedicated provider of associate-level education, with a significant concentration in health-related fields, while also highlighting areas for potential growth, particularly in attracting a more diverse international student body.

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

Health professionshas 72 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Physical Therapy Assistant.$44,960
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic).$48,155-$59,627
Medical Radiologic Technology/Science - Radiation Therapist.$48,155-$59,627
Surgical Technology/Technologist.$48,155-$59,627
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$73,048
Liberal arts has 52 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
General Studies.$32,240
Homeland security has 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Criminal Justice/Police Science.-
Educationhas 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels.-
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.-
Businesshas 7 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other.-
Engineering technologieshas 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Industrial Technology/Technician.-
Computer and information sciencehas 2 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Web Page, Digital/Multimedia and Information Resources Design.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.-
Visual and Performing artshas 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Cinematography and Film/Video Production.-

Students

1,207 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 31:69 · Freshman retention 57.2%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (1,207)

White
639 · 52.9%
Black
407 · 33.7%
Hispanic
84 · 7.0%
Two or more races
54 · 4.5%
International
11 · 0.9%
Asian
4 · 0.3%
Unknown
4 · 0.3%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
26.8%
18–19
21.5%
20–21
9.9%
22–24
10.3%
25 and over
31.5%

Data insights

Demographic Insights of South Arkansas College Students in 2023

In 2023, South Arkansas College's student composition reflects both diversity and gender disparities among its undergraduate and graduate populations. The total number of undergraduate freshmen stands at 201, with a notable female representation of 59.2%, while males comprise 40.8%. This trend of higher female enrollment is particularly pronounced among undergraduate juniors, where females make up 79.6% of the 544 students. Such a significant gender gap raises important questions about the factors leading to this disparity, including societal norms and academic encouragement for different genders.

Undergraduate transfer students also display a majority of females at 72.3%, with only 27.7% being male. The graduate student population, which totals 269 individuals, exhibits a more balanced gender ratio of 50.6% male and 49.4% female. This balance in graduate studies could indicate that as students advance in their education, gender dynamics may shift, possibly due to differing career aspirations or the academic environment at higher levels.

The demographic breakdown by race shows that white students represent a significant portion of the population across various categories, underscoring the need for institutions to promote inclusivity and support for underrepresented groups. Understanding these trends is crucial for developing effective outreach and support programs, ensuring that all students have access to opportunities that foster their success in higher education and beyond.

Age Composition of Students at South Arkansas College

The age distribution of students at South Arkansas College reveals interesting trends in enrollment patterns. Notably, the largest group of students is under 18 years old, with 125 male undergraduates and 131 female undergraduates, indicating a strong presence of young students, likely recent high school graduates. This trend continues in the 18-19 age bracket, where there are 123 male undergraduates and 160 female undergraduates, showing a growing female representation in this age group.

As we examine older age brackets, there is a notable decline in the number of students. For instance, in the 20-21 category, there are only 38 male undergraduates and 91 female undergraduates, and this decline continues with just 23 males and 84 females in the 22-24 age group. This phenomenon may reflect a shift where younger students are entering college directly from high school while older individuals may be opting for different pathways, such as entering the workforce or pursuing vocational training.

The data also reveals minimal representation of graduate students, as there are no male graduate students reported across any age category, and the numbers remain low for female graduate students as well. The absence of graduate males is particularly striking, which may suggest a need for targeted programs to attract this demographic.

Overall, the age composition indicates that South Arkansas College primarily serves a younger population, particularly women, while the presence of older students remains limited. This could inform the college's future strategies in student recruitment and support services.

International Students

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

Undergraduates0.9%

11 in 2025 · 0.0% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 0.0%2017: 0.3%2018: 0.0%2019: 0.7%2020: 0.8%2021: 1.0%2022: 1.5%2023: 0.9%2024: 0.8%2025: 0.9%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

International Student Trends at South Arkansas College

The data concerning international students at South Arkansas College reveals notable trends over the years. From 2017 to 2023, the total number of undergraduate students has shown a decline, dropping from 1,536 to 1,162. Interestingly, the number of international students has fluctuated, with an increase observed in 2022 when the percentage of international students reached 1.50%. This indicates a growing interest in the college among international applicants, despite the overall decline in total undergraduate enrollment.

The percentage of international students in the undergraduate population peaked in 2022 and maintained a significant presence in 2020 and 2021 as well. This could reflect the college's efforts to attract a diverse student body, aligning with broader trends in higher education where institutions are increasingly valuing international perspectives. However, the decline in total enrollment raises questions about the factors influencing this trend, such as economic conditions, competition from other colleges, or changes in student preferences.

Moreover, the absence of data for graduate students suggests a gap in understanding the complete picture of international student enrollment at South Arkansas College. As many universities are actively working to enhance their graduate programs for international students, it would be beneficial for South Arkansas College to consider strategies to expand this segment as well.

Overall, while the increasing percentage of international students at South Arkansas College is encouraging, it will be essential for the institution to address the declining total enrollment to sustain and grow its international student community in the future.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$15,087

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$5,532
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$3,684
Room and board
$9,555
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 22% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose 29%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$29.4M

Government grants and contracts
$16.0M54.5%
Tuition and fees
$1.7M5.9%
Investment return
$654K2.2%
Auxiliary enterprises
$617K2.1%
Sales and services of educational activities
$231K0.8%
Gifts and private grants
$119K0.4%
Other
$10.0M34.1%

Expenses$18.2M

Instruction
$6.0M32.8%
Institutional support
$2.5M13.5%
Student services
$2.0M11.2%
Auxiliary enterprises
$1.9M10.4%
Academic support
$1.7M9.2%
Scholarships
$1.1M6.1%
Public service
$45K0.2%
Other
$3.0M16.4%

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
$46,376peers $68,588
Professor
$57,386peers $79,972
Associate professor
$50,885peers $69,677
Assistant professor
$42,799peers $62,785
Instructor
$44,106peers $61,593

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
2025
NJCAA Division II MENWOMEN
Baseball50-
Basketball1311
Tennis-1
2024
NJCAA Division IIMENWOMEN
Baseball43-
Basketball1211
2023
NJCAA Division IIMENWOMEN
Baseball44-
Basketball1212
Softball-14

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools surrounding South Arkansas College:

  1. University of Mississippi (密西西比大学) - Ranked 163 in the 2024 US News rankings, this university is a comprehensive institution known for its vibrant campus life and strong academic programs.

  2. Rhodes College (罗德学院) - With a rank of 56, Rhodes College is a liberal arts college that emphasizes undergraduate education and offers a picturesque campus in Memphis, Tennessee.

  3. University of Memphis (孟菲斯大学) - Ranked 269, this university provides a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs, with a strong emphasis on research and community engagement.

  4. Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College (路易斯安那州立大学) - This institution is ranked 185 and is known for its strong programs in agriculture, engineering, and business.

  5. University of Arkansas (阿肯色大学) - With a rank of 178, the University of Arkansas offers a diverse range of programs and is recognized for its research initiatives.

  6. Southern Methodist University (南卫理公会大学) - This university, ranked 89, is located in Dallas, Texas, and is known for its rigorous academic standards and strong business programs.

  7. Texas A & M University-College Station (德州农工大学) - Ranked 47, Texas A&M is a large public research university with a rich tradition and a strong emphasis on engineering and military science.

These institutions not only provide quality education but also enrich the academic landscape of the region surrounding South 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

Motor vehicle theft
1
Drug arrests
1

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

Data insights

Crime Trends at South Arkansas College

The crime data from South Arkansas College over the past decade presents a mixed picture of campus safety. Starting from 2013, the college maintained a crime-free environment until 2015, when four incidents were reported, translating to a rate of 2.36 per 1,000 students. This spike in crime was notably marked by arrests related to gun possession, which indicates a potential concern for safety on campus.

In subsequent years, there was a fluctuating pattern. The year 2016 saw a return to zero incidents, but 2017 recorded another four incidents, with an average rate of 2.60 per 1,000 students. This inconsistency may reflect either an actual rise in criminal activities or improved reporting and accountability mechanisms within the institution.

The year 2020 experienced a similar situation with four reported incidents, but the rate increased to 2.77 per 1,000 students, despite the ongoing global pandemic, which generally saw a reduction in public activities. Interestingly, the years 2021 and 2022 returned to a crime-free status, indicating the college's efforts in enhancing campus safety measures might have been effective.

The most recent data from 2023 indicates two incidents, resulting in a rate of 1.72 per 1,000 students, suggesting a slight resurgence of issues that campus authorities will need to address. Overall, while South Arkansas College has demonstrated periods of low crime rates, the sporadic spikes highlight the need for ongoing vigilance and proactive strategies to maintain student safety. For those interested in understanding crime rates further, the calculation method can be explored here.

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.