South Arkansas College

300 S West Ave
El Dorado, AR 71731
Top-Ranked (2026-27): 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 1,207 students (34% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 22:1 is same as the state community college average of 22:1.
Minority enrollment is 48% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 38%.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Enrollment: 1,207 students
  • In-state tuition: $2,642
  • Out-state tuition: $4,442
  • Student-teacher ratio: 22:1
  • Minority enrollment: 48%
  • 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

School Overview

The teacher population of 56 teachers has declined by 65% over five years.
South Arkansas 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
56 staff
61 staff
School Calendar

Student Body

The student population of South Arkansas College has stayed relatively flat over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 22:1 has increased from 9:1 over five years.
The South Arkansas College diversity score of 0.59 is more than the state average of 0.57. The school's diversity has grown by 7% over five years.
Total Enrollment
1,207 students
1,285 students

Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

Student-Teacher Ratio
22:1
22:1

Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

# Full-Time Students
406 students
440 students

Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

# Part-Time Students
801 students
845 students

Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

# Enrollment Undergraduate
1,207 students
1,308 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
406 students
440 students

Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
801 students
860 students
% Hispanic
6%
12%
% Black
37%
17%

Showing 2008–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

% White
52%
62%

Showing 2010–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

% Two or more races
3%
4%
% Non Resident races
1%
1%
Diversity Score
0.59
0.57

Showing 2011–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
28%
38%

Showing 2015–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

Average Graduate Earnings (10 Years)
$29,300
$28,800

Tuition & Financial Aid

The public in-state tuition of $2,642 is less than the state average of $2,994. The in-state tuition has declined by 14% 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 9% over four years.
In-State Tuition Fees
$2,642
$2,994
Out-State Tuition Fees
$4,442
$4,750
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
95%
92%

Showing 2012–2025. Full 19-year historical data available below ↓

Median Debt for Graduates
$9,596
$9,673
Median Debt for Dropouts
$5,028
$5,300
Source: 2025 (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.

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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Enrollment: 1,207 students
  • In-state tuition: $2,642
  • Out-state tuition: $4,442
  • Student-teacher ratio: 22:1
  • Minority enrollment: 48%
  • 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 89%. Read more about national community college acceptance rates.

Arkansas community colleges have a diversity score of 0.57, 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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