- National Park Community College emerged as a result of the blending of Garland County Community College and Quapaw Technical Institute into a comprehensive two-year institution by Act 678 of the 2003 Arkansas General Assembly effective July 1, 2003. Nestled in the Ouachita Mountains, the college is located in Mid-America Park, just outside the city limits of Hot Springs, America's oldest national park service site.
School Highlights
National Park College serves 2,325 students (53% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 10:1 is higher than the state community college average of 9:1.
Minority enrollment is 96% of the student body (majority Asian), which is equal to the state average of 96%.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Enrollment: 2,325 students
- In-state tuition: $3,490
- Out-state tuition: $4,540
- Student:teacher ratio: 10:1
- Minority enrollment: 96%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
National Park College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arkansas for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
School Overview
The teacher population of 243 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
National Park College
(AR) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associates Colleges
Associates Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Public
Public
Total Faculty
243 staff
162 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of National Park College has grown by 11% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 10:1 has increased from 9:1 over five years.
The National Park College diversity score of 0.46 is less than the state average of 0.55. The school's diversity has grown by 11% over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,325 students
1,217 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
10:1
9:1
# Full-Time Students
1,224 students
481 students
# Part-Time Students
1,101 students
736 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
169 students
564 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,224 students
481 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
12 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,101 students
736 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
32 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
180 students
160 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
2%
2%
% Asian
12%
17%
% Hispanic
n/a
n/a
% Black
9%
10%
% White
4%
4%
% Hawaiian
72%
64%
% Two or more races
1%
2%
% Unknown races
n/a
1%
Diversity Score
0.46
0.55
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.2609%
0.3644%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.2308%
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$28,600
$28,600
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $3,490 is more than the state average of $2,994. The in-state tuition has declined by 14% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $4,540 is less than the state average of $4,750. The out-state tuition has declined by 14% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,490
$2,994
Out-State Tuition Fees
$4,540
$4,750
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
93%
94%
Median Debt for Graduates
$11,000
$9,750
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,239
$5,300
Acceptance Rate
n/a
100%
SAT Reading
n/a
540
SAT Math
n/a
520
SAT Writing
n/a
515
ACT Composite
n/a
22
ACT English
n/a
22
ACT Math
n/a
21
Source: 2023 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Notes
- National Park Community College averages approximately 3,000 credit students per semester enrolled in college courses blending liberal arts with occupational education to prepare students to enter the workforce or transfer to a four-year institution. NPCC is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. NPCC's academic programs are designed for students who plan to earn a two-year associate degree or a one-year technical certificate leading to employment, as well as for those who plan to transfer to four-year colleges and universities. The programs are, in some cases, flexible. The Adult Education assists adults to prepare for postsecondary education, successful careers, and productive lives. Instruction is conducted in an informal learning environment, with an emphasis on individual or small group instruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does National Park College cost?
National Park College's tuition is approximately $3,490 for In-State students and $4,540 for Out-State students.
What is National Park College's ranking?
National Park College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Arkansas for: Largest student body.
Recent Articles
What is a Community College?
This comprehensive guide explains what a community college is, its history, and its role in higher education. It covers the types of programs offered, differences from four-year colleges, benefits of attending, and important considerations for prospective students, providing valuable insights for those exploring educational options.
Value of an Associates vs. Bachelors Degree
This comprehensive guide compares the value of associate's and bachelor's degrees, exploring factors such as program length, cost, earning potential, and career opportunities. It provides valuable insights for students deciding between these two educational paths, emphasizing the importance of aligning degree choice with personal and professional goals.
How to Earn Your GED and College Degree Simultaneously
This comprehensive guide explores how students can earn their GED and college degree simultaneously through community college programs. It discusses the economic benefits, admission requirements, and steps to enroll in such programs, providing valuable information for those seeking to advance their education and career prospects.