South Arkansas College

300 S West Ave
El Dorado, AR 71731
Top Ranked (2025): View Rankings
  • 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 51% 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
  • Acceptance Rate: 25%
  • Student:teacher ratio: 11:1
  • Minority enrollment: 51%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Top Rankings

South Arkansas College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arkansas for:

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: High Transfer-Mixed Traditional/Nontraditional
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
165 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
1,653 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
194 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
725 students
595 students
# Full-Time Graduate Students
n/a
15 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
1,008 students
1,055 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
49%
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)
28%
36%
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in 4 years or more than 4 years)
n/a
31%
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
$9,596
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,028
$5,300
Acceptance Rate
25%
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

  • School Mascot: Wild Boars
  • 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.
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • John Doe, Nobel Laureate (Graduated: 1995) -
    • Jane Smith, Oscar Winner (Graduated: 2000) -

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 the acceptance rate of South Arkansas College?
The acceptance rate of South Arkansas College is 25%, which is lower than the state average of 100%. South Arkansas College's acceptance rate is ranked among the top community colleges in Arkansas with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from South Arkansas College?
South Arkansas College famous alumni include: John Doe, Nobel Laureate (Graduated: 1995) and Jane Smith, Oscar Winner (Graduated: 2000).
What is South Arkansas College's ranking?
South Arkansas College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Arkansas for: Lowest acceptance rates and Diversity in US community colleges.

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Quick Stats (2025)

  • Enrollment: 1,733 students
  • In-state tuition: $2,642
  • Out-state tuition: $4,442
  • Acceptance Rate: 25%
  • Student:teacher ratio: 11:1
  • Minority enrollment: 51%
  • Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)

Related School Videos

Did You Know?

For Arkansas public community colleges, the average tuition is approximately $2,994 per year for in-state students and $4,750 for out-of-state students. For private community colleges, the average yearly tuition is approximately $9,645 per year. Read more about average community college tuition costs across the country.

The average community college acceptance rate in Arkansas is 77%. Read more about national community college acceptance rates.

Arkansas community colleges have a diversity score of 0.58, which is lower than the national average of 0.74. The most diverse community college in Arkansas is University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College. Read more about community college diversity statistics in the USA.

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