- South Arkansas Community College is a public, two-year institution with an open-door policy, providing educational programs, services, and resources for the residents of Union County and the surrounding area. With a philosophy that affirms the value of education, the importance of academic freedom for students and faculty, the worth and dignity of each individual, and an abiding belief in the ideals of a democratic society, the college encourages innovation, excellence, and leadership in its mission as a comprehensive community college.
School Highlights
South Arkansas College serves 1,733 students (42% 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 50% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 39%.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Enrollment: 1,733 students
- In-state tuition: $2,642
- Out-state tuition: $4,442
- Student:teacher ratio: 11:1
- Minority enrollment: 50%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
South Arkansas College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arkansas for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
The teacher population of 162 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
South Arkansas College
(AR) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: Mixed Transfer/Career & Technical-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
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
162 staff
162 staff

School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of South Arkansas College has grown by 20% over five years.
The student:teacher ratio of 11:1 has increased from 8:1 over five years.
The South Arkansas College diversity score of 0.60 is more than the state average of 0.58. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,733 students
1,611 students

Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
13:1

# Full-Time Students
725 students
595 students

# Part-Time Students
1,008 students
1,058 students



# Enrollment Undergraduate
173 students
217 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
725 students
595 students

# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
15 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,008 students
1,058 students
# Part-Time Graduate Students
n/a
38 students
Total Dormitory Capacity
n/a
160 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
1%
1%

% Asian
1%
2%

% Hispanic
6%
11%

% Black
38%
18%

% White
50%
61%

% Hawaiian
n/a
1%

% Two or more races
3%
4%

% Non Resident races
1%
1%

% Unknown races
1%
1%


Diversity Score
0.60
0.58

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
0.2804%
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)
$29,300
$28,600

Tuition and Acceptance Rate
The public in-state tuition of $2,642 is less than the state average of $2,994. The in-state tuition has declined by 13% over four years.
The public out-state tuition of $4,442 is less than the state average of $4,750. The out-state tuition has declined by 8% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$2,642
$2,994

Out-State Tuition Fees
$4,442
$4,750

% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
76%
94%

Median Debt for Graduates
$9,596
$9,750

Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,028
$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
- South Arkansas Community College promotes excellence in service, teaching, and learning; prepares the current and future workforce; provides lifelong educational opportunities. The Workforce Development Center at South Arkansas Community College serves as a link between the college and area businesses, industries, and government agencies. Customized training is developed in response to a specific demand by local business and industry. The center has the capability to deliver training whenever and wherever it best meets the client's needs. In addition to the traditional academic and occupational education available at South Arkansas Community College, the Office of Community Service/Continuing Education offers a variety of opportunities which earn no college credit, but provide training for business and industry, skill development, continuing education for professionals and government agencies, and courses for personal enrichment. The non-credit courses, seminars, and workshops are designed to be informative and enjoyable. The college is a member of, and accredited by, the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does South Arkansas College cost?
South Arkansas College's tuition is approximately $2,642 for In-State students and $4,442 for Out-State students.
What is South Arkansas College's ranking?
South Arkansas College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Arkansas for: Diversity in US community colleges.
Recent Articles

Retrain For A New Career In Weeks? Yes!
In as little as three weeks, you could be retrained for a new job through community colleges. Learn about the retraining programs available and how quickly you can gain new skills.

Why Low-Income Community College Students Achieve Success at Universities
Overcoming the odds, low-income community college students are poised to become top performers once they transfer to a four-year university. Learn about the new study that has identified the successful qualities of low-income community college students.

Why Accreditation Matters: Securing Your Educational Investment and Future Career
Accreditation is crucial for college selection, affecting financial aid eligibility, credit transferability, and future employment prospects. This article explains the importance of choosing an accredited institution and provides resources for verifying a school's accreditation status.