- 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 2,740 students (48% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the state community college average of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 28% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 39%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 2,740 students
- In-state tuition: $3,490
- Out-state tuition: $4,540
- Student:teacher ratio: 11:1
- Minority enrollment: 28%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
School Overview
The teacher population of 243 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
National Park College
(AR) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Traditional
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-High Traditional
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 31% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 11:1 has increased from 8:1 over five years.
The National Park College diversity score of 0.46 is less than the state average of 0.58. The school's diversity has grown by 11% over five years.
Total Enrollment
2,740 students
1,611 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
13:1
# Full-Time Students
1,319 students
595 students
# Part-Time Students
1,421 students
1,058 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
274 students
217 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,319 students
595 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
15 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,421 students
1,058 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
38 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
180 students
160 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
2%
1%
% Asian
2%
2%
% Hispanic
9%
11%
% Black
10%
18%
% White
72%
61%
% Hawaiian
3%
1%
% Two or more races
1%
4%
% Non Resident races
1%
1%
% Unknown races
1%
1%
Diversity Score
0.46
0.58
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.2556%
0.3818%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
0.3095%
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 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
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: 2024 (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.
Recent Articles
Obtaining Your Bachelor's Degree at a Community College
Explore the evolving landscape of community colleges offering bachelor's degrees, addressing affordability, accessibility, and workforce needs.
A to Z of Community College Certificates and Courses
From business and healthcare to technology and skilled trades, the article showcases the breadth of options available to students seeking to enhance their knowledge, develop new skills, or pursue career advancement.
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.
