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Public, 2-year

NorthWest Arkansas Community College

Bentonville, Arkansas · www.nwacc.edu

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Out-of-state tuition

$5,238

In-state $4,926

Peer median $8,816

Undergraduates

8,412

Student-faculty ratio 13:1

Peer median 18 : 1

Graduation rate

27.3%

Within 150% of normal time; 200%: 29.8%

Peer median 33.7%

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

About

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) is a vibrant institution located in Bentonville, Arkansas, nestled in the scenic Ozarks region. Established in 1990, NWACC serves a diverse student population, offering a wide range of programs designed to meet the educational and vocational needs of the community. The college is well-known for its strong emphasis on accessibility and affordability, ensuring that higher education is within reach for everyone. With a commitment to student success, NWACC provides robust support services including academic advising, tutoring, and career counseling, enabling students to thrive both academically and professionally.

The campus culture at NWACC is rich with opportunities for student engagement, fostering a sense of community among its diverse student body. The college encourages participation in various clubs and organizations, promoting leadership skills and networking among peers. Additionally, NWACC is dedicated to providing modern facilities and resources, including well-equipped classrooms, laboratories, and a library that supports research and learning. The college's approach to education is underpinned by its mission to empower students through quality education, preparing them for further academic pursuits or immediate entry into the workforce. With a focus on innovation and excellence in teaching, NWACC continues to be a cornerstone of higher education in Northwest Arkansas, contributing significantly to the local economy and community development.

Trends in Tuition, Graduation Rates, and Retention

The data from NorthWest Arkansas Community College offers valuable insights into the trends affecting students over the years. Notably, the tuition fees for in-state undergraduate students have experienced fluctuations, starting at $4,423 in 2014, peaking at $4,663 in 2018, and eventually dropping to $4,450 in 2023. This decline in tuition could potentially make higher education more accessible, attracting a broader demographic of students.

Graduation rates illustrate a troubling trend, with the percentage of students graduating on time (within 100% of the expected time) hovering around 8.8% in 2023, only slightly above the 3.6% recorded in 2013. This stagnation raises concerns about the effectiveness of support systems in place to facilitate student success. On the other hand, the 150% graduation rate, which accounts for students who take longer to finish their degrees, shows an increase from 11.7% in 2013 to 22.9% in 2023. This disparity suggests that while more students may be completing their studies eventually, many are struggling to graduate within a traditional timeframe.

Retention rates have shown a gradual improvement, increasing from approximately 55.3% in 2013 to 60.9% in 2023. This positive development indicates that more students are choosing to continue their education at the institution, which may reflect an enhanced campus experience or improved student services. However, the overall low graduation rates pose a challenge, as retaining students without ensuring their timely completion of degrees may ultimately limit their long-term success.

The student-to-faculty ratio has also worsened, dropping from 19:1 in 2013 to 13:1 in 2023, suggesting a decrease in classroom attention per student, which could further impact graduation rates. Balancing these factors—affordability, student support, and faculty availability—will be essential for the institution to enhance educational outcomes and foster a thriving academic community.

This collegeRanked colleges nearby

Setting
Small city
Nearest major city
Fayetteville, about 20 mi
Nearest international airport
Tulsa International Airport (TUL), about 100 mi
Bentonville, Arkansas
Also known as
NWACC
Academic calendar
Semester
Religious affiliation
Not applicable
President
Dr. Dennis Rittle (President)
Phone
4799864000
City
Bentonville, Arkansas
Address
One College Drive, Bentonville, AR 72712-5091

Degrees & Majors

Graduates in 2025 (first major)

Associate1,1133 international (0.3%)
Top 10 Associate majors by graduates
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies
503
General Studies
181
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse
113
Business Administration and Management, General
101
Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General
24
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician
22
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General
19
Business/Commerce, General
18
Physical Therapy Assistant
16
Commercial and Advertising Art
13

U.S. studentsInternational

Data insights

Analysis of Graduation Data at NorthWest Arkansas Community College

The graduation data from NorthWest Arkansas Community College in 2023 reveals some intriguing insights into various academic programs. Notably, the largest number of graduates achieved an associate degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences, with 610 students completing this program. This suggests a strong interest in foundational education, which often serves as a stepping stone for students pursuing higher degrees or diverse career paths.

In the health-related fields, the Registered Nursing program produced 71 graduates, indicating that healthcare continues to be a vital area of study, likely fueled by ongoing demand for healthcare professionals, especially in light of recent public health challenges. On the other hand, the Emergency Medical Technology program graduated only 9 students, highlighting a potential area for growth in training and recruitment efforts.

Interestingly, the data shows a total absence of international students graduating from most programs, which may reflect the ongoing challenges in global mobility and international education, particularly post-pandemic. This lack of diversity in the student body could affect the college's reputation and its ability to attract future international students, which is essential for a well-rounded educational environment.

Furthermore, the business administration sector also demonstrates a promising interest, with 99 students graduating. This aligns with broader trends in the workforce, where business acumen is increasingly valued across industries.

Overall, this data underscores both the strengths and areas for potential growth at NorthWest Arkansas Community College, particularly in expanding international student enrollment and diversifying program offerings to meet the evolving needs of the 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 684 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Liberal Arts and Sciences/Liberal Studies.$38,877-$43,528
General Studies.$38,877-$43,528
Health professionshas 180 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Health Services/Allied Health/Health Sciences, General.$58,398
Health Information/Medical Records Technology/Technician.$35,680-$35,979
Physical Therapy Assistant.$47,191
Emergency Medical Technology/Technician (EMT Paramedic).$62,256-$62,690
Respiratory Care Therapy/Therapist.$62,256-$62,690
Registered Nursing/Registered Nurse.$67,962
Businesshas 119 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Business/Commerce, General.$42,887
Business Administration and Management, General.$46,550
Engineering technologieshas 33 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Automation Engineer Technology/Technician.-
Environmental/Environmental Engineering Technology/Technician.-
Construction Engineering Technology/Technician.$55,287
Drafting and Design Technology/Technician, General.-
Culinary has 24 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Cooking and Related Culinary Arts, General.-
Educationhas 21 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Teacher Education, Multiple Levels.-
Early Childhood Education and Teaching.-
Visual and Performing artshas 19 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Visual and Performing Arts, General.-
Commercial and Advertising Art.-
Computer and information sciencehas 11 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Computer and Information Sciences, General.-
Legal professionshas 9 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Legal Assistant/Paralegal.-
Agricultural has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Agricultural/Animal/Plant/Veterinary Science and Related Fields, Other.-
Homeland security has 6 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Criminal Justice/Safety Studies.-
Multi/inerdisciplinary studies has 1 graduates in 2025
MajorGraduate SalaryAssociate
Multi-/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.-

Students

8,412 students in 2025 · Undergraduate men to women 43:57 · Freshman retention 61.6%

Undergraduate race and ethnicity (8,412)

White
4,528 · 53.8%
Hispanic
1,990 · 23.7%
Unknown
941 · 11.2%
Asian
309 · 3.7%
Two or more races
290 · 3.4%
Black
196 · 2.3%
International
22 · 0.3%

Age distribution

Bachelor's

Under 18
33.2%
18–19
21.0%
20–21
13.2%
22–24
9.3%
25 and over
23.3%

Data insights

Analysis of Student Demographics at NorthWest Arkansas Community College in 2023

The student population at NorthWest Arkansas Community College in 2023 exhibits a diverse demographic composition. The institution has a total of 6,593 students, with the largest group being undergraduate freshmen, comprising 21% of the total. Notably, female students dominate the population across all categories, with percentages ranging from 56.1% to 60.8%, illustrating a growing trend of female participation in higher education.

The distribution of students by ethnicity reveals significant representation of various racial and ethnic groups, although specific numbers for these subcategories were not fully disclosed for all classifications. Among undergraduate freshmen, 51.8% identify as White, while other backgrounds, including Asian, Latinx, Pacific Islander, and African American, contribute to the college's cultural tapestry. It is important to recognize and support this diversity, as it enriches the educational experience for all students and prepares them for a globalized workforce.

Moreover, the male-to-female ratios indicate slight disparities, with males constituting approximately 39.2% to 43.9% across different student classifications. This data reflects broader societal trends and gender dynamics in education, where female enrollment often surpasses that of males at the undergraduate level.

Overall, NorthWest Arkansas Community College's demographics signal a need for ongoing efforts in fostering an inclusive environment that embraces all students, regardless of gender or ethnic background. This will not only benefit the college community but also contribute to the personal and professional growth of its students in an increasingly interconnected world.

Age Demographics at NorthWest Arkansas Community College in 2023

The age distribution of students at NorthWest Arkansas Community College reveals some compelling insights into the demographic landscape of the institution. A significant portion of the student body, specifically 40.5%, consists of individuals under the age of 18, highlighting the college's appeal to high school graduates and younger students. This trend mirrors a broader national pattern where community colleges attract a considerable number of younger learners seeking accessible education options.

As we examine the subsequent age brackets, the enrollment numbers decline progressively. For instance, students aged 18-19 make up 31.6% of the total, while those aged 20-21 represent 16.5%. Notably, as students age, the numbers in the 22-24 and 25-29 categories continue to diminish, with only 10.6% and 8.1% respectively. This could suggest that many students prefer to complete their education within a shorter timeframe, possibly leading to a higher retention rate among younger populations.

Interestingly, there are no graduate male or female students enrolled, indicating a potential area for growth within advanced studies at the college. The absence of graduate programs may limit the institution's appeal to those seeking further education, especially as many community colleges are expanding their offerings to include bachelor's and master's degrees.

In conclusion, NorthWest Arkansas Community College seems to primarily attract younger students, which may inform the college's future strategies for course offerings and support services aimed at this demographic. Understanding these age trends is essential for addressing the educational needs and aspirations of the community it serves.

International Students

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

Undergraduates0.3%

22 in 2025 · 2.1% in 2016

0% 5% 10% 2016: 2.1%2017: 2.0%2018: 1.8%2019: 1.5%2020: 1.3%2021: 0.7%2022: 0.8%2023: 0.6%2024: 0.2%2025: 0.3%
2016Peer median 0.6%2025

Data insights

Trends in International Student Enrollment at NWACC

The data on international student enrollment at NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) reveals a fluctuating trend over the years from 2009 to 2023. Initially, in 2009, there were only 29 international students out of 7,216 total undergraduates, resulting in a mere 0.40% representation. This percentage saw a notable increase in 2010 to 1.21%, as the number of international students rose to 97. The peak occurred in 2014, with 264 international students, translating to 3.29% of the total undergraduate population, highlighting the college's growing appeal to international students during that period.

However, after 2014, the trend began a gradual decline. By 2023, the international student count had dwindled to just 46, representing only 0.61% of the total undergraduate enrollment of 7,593. This decline may reflect broader trends in higher education, where factors such as changing immigration policies, global events, and the competitive landscape of international education could have influenced enrollment figures.

The data does not provide insights into graduate student enrollment; however, it suggests a need for NWACC to reassess its strategies for attracting international students, especially given the demographic shifts and the increasing competition from institutions worldwide. Supporting international students through tailored programs, scholarships, and community integration could enhance NWACC's appeal and stabilize its international student population in the future.

Cost

2025 cost per year (out-of-state)

$14,238

Undergrad tuition (out-of-state)
$5,238
Undergraduate tuition (in-state)
$4,926
Room and board
$9,000
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 11% from 2016 to 2025; room and board rose -20%.

Finances · fiscal year 2024

Revenue$67.9M

Government grants and contracts
$43.8M64.5%
Tuition and fees
$17.5M25.7%
Gifts and private grants
$4.5M6.6%
Sales and services of educational activities
$959K1.4%
Investment return
$866K1.3%
Auxiliary enterprises
$265K0.4%

Expenses$59.7M

Instruction
$23.3M39.1%
Institutional support
$8.8M14.7%
Academic support
$7.1M11.9%
Student services
$6.1M10.3%
Scholarships
$4.5M7.5%
Other
$9.8M16.5%

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
$62,105peers $68,588
Professor
$69,175peers $79,972
Associate professor
$63,198peers $69,677
Assistant professor
$58,043peers $62,785
Instructor
$67,363peers $61,593

Campus Life

Athletics and varsity athletes NJCAA
2025
NJCAA Division II MENWOMEN
Track and Field and Cross Country (combined)1914
2024
NJCAA Division IIMENWOMEN
Cross Country65
2023
NJCAA Division IIMENWOMEN
Cross Country105

Nearby & Safety

Ranked colleges nearby

Data insights

Here are some notable schools located near NorthWest Arkansas Community 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. University of Tulsa - With a ranking of 195, this comprehensive university is known for its strong programs in business, law, and engineering.

  3. Oklahoma State University-Main Campus - Ranked 185, this comprehensive university offers diverse academic programs and is renowned for its research initiatives.

  4. University of Oklahoma-Norman Campus - This comprehensive university is ranked 124 and offers a variety of programs with a strong emphasis on research and community engagement.

  5. Washington University in St Louis - A top-tier university ranked 24, it is known for its rigorous academics and outstanding faculty across various disciplines.

  6. Kansas State University - Ranked 170, this comprehensive university provides a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs with a focus on research and innovation.

These institutions provide excellent educational opportunities and resources 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.

Incidents, 2023–2025

Drug arrests
23
Liquor arrests
4
Stalking
4
Weapons referrals
2
Motor vehicle theft
1
Drug referrals
1

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

Data insights

Crime Trends at NorthWest Arkansas Community College

The crime data from NorthWest Arkansas Community College indicates some fluctuations in criminal incidents over the years. Starting from 2013, the overall crime rate per 1,000 students was relatively low, with the year 2014 showing a notably low figure of 0.27. However, there was a significant spike in 2018, where the rate rose to 1.19, the highest recorded within the observed period. This trend raises questions about potential underlying factors that may have contributed to the sudden increase in crime, including socioeconomic changes or shifts in campus policies.

Subsequent years displayed a decrease in crime rates, although 2021 saw a resurgence to 0.94. Interestingly, 2023 recorded a substantial increase to 1.37, suggesting that crime remains a pertinent concern for the college community. The nature of the offenses, including arrests related to firearms, drugs, alcohol, and domestic violence, highlights the need for ongoing campus safety measures and community engagement to address these issues proactively.

Comparatively, the crime rates at NorthWest Arkansas Community College align with national trends where community colleges often experience varying crime rates due to their diverse student populations and campus environments. The statistics suggest that while the college has experienced both highs and lows in crime, continued vigilance and strategic interventions will be essential in fostering a safe educational environment. For more information on crime rate calculations, please refer to this link: Crime Rate Calculation.

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.