- 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 1,805 students (69% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is lower than the state community college average of 22:1.
Minority enrollment is 23% of the student body (majority Black), which is less than the state average of 38%.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Enrollment: 1,805 students
- In-state tuition: $3,490
- Out-state tuition: $4,540
- Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
- Minority enrollment: 23%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 135 teachers has declined by 44% over five years.
National Park College
(AR) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges
Associate's 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
135 staff
61 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of National Park College has declined by 5% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 has increased from 9:1 over five years.
The National Park College diversity score of 0.39 is less than the state average of 0.57. The school's diversity has grown by 12% over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,805 students
1,285 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
22:1
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Full-Time Students
1,243 students
440 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Part-Time Students
562 students
845 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Enrollment Undergraduate
1,805 students
1,308 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,243 students
440 students
Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
562 students
860 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
180 students
160 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
1%
Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Asian
1%
2%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Hispanic
6%
12%
% Black
9%
17%
Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% White
77%
62%
Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
% Two or more races
3%
4%
Diversity Score
0.39
0.57
Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
26%
38%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$28,600
$28,800
Tuition & Financial Aid
The public in-state tuition of $3,490 is more than the state average of $2,994. The in-state tuition has declined by 30% 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 27% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,490
$2,994
Out-State Tuition Fees
$4,540
$4,750
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
92%
92%
Showing 2013–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓
Median Debt for Graduates
$11,000
$9,673
Showing 2008–2020. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,239
$5,300
Showing 2008–2020. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Source: 2025 (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.
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