- 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 1,912 students (62% of students are full-time).
The college's student:teacher ratio of 8:1 is lower than the state community college average of 9:1.
Minority enrollment is 20% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the state average of 34%.
Quick Stats (2024)
- Enrollment: 1,912 students
- In-state tuition: $3,490
- Out-state tuition: $4,540
- Student:teacher ratio: 8:1
- Minority enrollment: 20%
- 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
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 declined by 7% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 8:1 has decreased from 9:1 over five years.
The National Park College diversity score of 0.35 is less than the state average of 0.53. The school's diversity has declined by 15% over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,912 students
1,250 students
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
9:1
# Full-Time Students
1,181 students
519 students
# Part-Time Students
731 students
731 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
169 students
564 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
1,181 students
519 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
11 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
731 students
723 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
180 students
160 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
2%
1%
% Asian
1%
2%
% Hispanic
10%
10%
% Black
6%
16%
% White
80%
66%
% Two or more races
n/a
3%
% Non Resident races
n/a
1%
% Unknown races
1%
1%
Diversity Score
0.35
0.53
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
20%
35%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
1.36%
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 7% 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 8% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$3,490
$2,994
Out-State Tuition Fees
$4,540
$4,750
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
94%
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: 2021 (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
Retaining Students through Innovation
Community colleges are heeding President Obama's call for student retention. Learn about the innovative programs some community campuses are creating that keep students in their classroom seats.
Community Colleges Fight Back Against For-Profit Attacks: The Rebuttal
After being attacked by private colleges, community colleges are mounting a defense and publishing studies that clearly outline the differences between the public and private institutions.
June 17, 2024
A to Z of Community College Certificates and CoursesFrom 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.
