Arkansas State University-Newport: $2,856 Tuition

$2,856Tuition

1,262Students

42%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$41,524Earnings

#9 in ArkansasPublic2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Arkansas State University-Newport

Arkansas State University-Newport serves as a stepping stone for students seeking affordable career training in rural Arkansas. The college enrolls 1,262 students in a small-town setting where personal attention comes standard. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, professors know students by name rather than ID number. The school has built its reputation on practical programs that connect directly to local job markets.

Students pay an average net price of $9,730 after financial aid, making this one of Arkansas's most affordable options. Graduates earn a median of $41,524 ten years after completing their programs. Students typically leave with $8,002 in debt and monthly loan payments of just $85. The employment rate hits 92%, suggesting strong job placement in the region. About 41% of students receive Pell Grants, reflecting the school's mission to serve working-class families.

The student body is 70% women, typical for a community college emphasizing healthcare and service programs. Nearly all students (99%) come from Arkansas, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The Aviators field just two varsity sports with 30 total athletes, but campus life revolves more around career preparation than athletics. Housing is extremely limited with only 34 on-campus beds available.

Academics & Faculty

Arkansas State University-Newport specializes in career-focused two-year programs that prepare students for immediate employment in northeast Arkansas. The college emphasizes hands-on training in technical fields like manufacturing, healthcare support, and business applications. With a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention in small classes that mirror workplace environments. The school's 42% graduation rate reflects the challenges many rural community college students face balancing work and family obligations with their studies. Nearly all students are Arkansas residents who typically stay in the region after completing their programs. The college's aviation program connects to its Aviators nickname, offering training for aircraft maintenance and pilot careers.

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1
Full-Time Faculty: 52.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 42.4%
Median Earnings (10 years): $41,524

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$52,733
Ground Transportation.	Certificate	$50,000
Electrical and Power Transmission Installers.	Certificate	$40,593
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$32,843
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Certificate	$32,162
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$19,045

View all 36 programs →

Campus Life

Newport sits in the Arkansas River Valley about 90 miles northeast of Little Rock. Women make up nearly 70% of the student body at this rural community college. The campus housing serves just 34 students, meaning most of the 1,262 enrolled commute from nearby towns and farms. Arkansas summers reach the 90s with high humidity, while winters dip into the 30s with occasional snow.

The Aviators compete in just two NCCAA sports with only 30 total athletes. Weekend life revolves around outdoor activities like fishing the White River or exploring the Ozark foothills. Many students work part-time jobs while taking classes, contributing to the 92% employment rate after graduation. The 12:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name in small classrooms. Newport's Main Street offers basic amenities, but students often drive to Batesville or Jonesboro for shopping and entertainment. The tight-knit community feel extends beyond campus, with local businesses often hiring ASU-Newport students and graduates.

Setting: Rural-Fringe
Housing Capacity: 34 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1976

Campus Safety (2023)

5 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Residential	Noncampus	Public Property
Aggravated Assault	0	0	0	2
Domestic Violence	0	0	0	2
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	0	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 28°–45°F
July Avg: 72°–90°F
Annual Precipitation: 98.3"
Annual Snowfall: 3.5"

Student Demographics

Arkansas State University-Newport draws overwhelmingly from Arkansas, with 99% of students calling the state home. The college serves a predominantly female student body, with women making up nearly 70% of enrollment. This gender split reflects the school's focus on healthcare programs like nursing and medical assisting, fields that traditionally attract more women. The student body is racially diverse for rural Arkansas, with Black students comprising over one-fifth of enrollment. Nearly 41% of students receive Pell Grants, showing the college's mission to serve working-class families seeking career training and advancement.

Men: 30.4%
Women: 69.7%
White: 63.4%
Black: 22.1%
Hispanic: 6.5%
Asian: 0.8%
In-State Students: 99.3%
Pell Grant Recipients: 40.8%

Location

Newport sits in northeastern Arkansas, about 90 miles from Little Rock and 100 miles from Memphis. The town of roughly 8,000 residents serves as the Jackson County seat in the Arkansas Delta region. This rural-fringe community lies along the White River, known for its fishing and outdoor recreation opportunities. The area maintains strong agricultural roots with rice, soybeans, and cotton farming dominating the landscape. Newport's small-town atmosphere means most of the 1,262 students interact regularly with locals. The campus houses only 34 students in dormitories, reflecting the commuter-focused nature of this two-year institution. Students considering colleges in Arkansas may also compare Arkansas State University-Newport with similar schools in the region.

Address: Newport, Arkansas 72112

After College

Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education

Median Earnings (10 years): $41,524
Median Earnings (5 years): $43,385
Loan Repayment Rate: 48.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $85/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $8,002

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Arkansas State University-Newport?

Arkansas State University-Newport maintains open enrollment as a two-year community college, welcoming students who need accessible higher education options. The school serves 1,262 students with a strong commitment to workforce development in rural Arkansas. Nearly all students are Arkansas residents at 99.31%, reflecting the college's role as a regional education center.

How much does Arkansas State University-Newport cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $9,730 annually after financial aid is applied. In-state tuition starts at just $2,856, making it one of the most affordable college options in Arkansas. About 41% of students receive Pell Grants, and graduates typically leave with only $8,002 in debt.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Arkansas State University-Newport?

The college maintains a 12:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in technical and academic programs. Students can choose from career-focused associate degrees and certificate programs designed for regional job markets. The small class sizes support hands-on learning in fields like automotive technology and health sciences.

What are the job prospects for Arkansas State University-Newport graduates?

Graduates achieve a 92% employment rate, demonstrating strong connections to regional employers. The median earnings reach $41,524 within ten years, reflecting the value of technical training programs. Monthly loan payments average just $85, making the education investment highly manageable for working graduates.

Where do students live at Arkansas State University-Newport?

Campus housing accommodates only 34 students, as most attend as commuters from surrounding communities. The rural-fringe setting in Newport provides a quiet environment focused on academics rather than traditional college social life. Women make up 69.65% of enrollment, typical for community colleges with strong health science programs.

Does Arkansas State University-Newport have competitive athletics?

The Aviators compete in the NCCAA with just 2 varsity sports and 30 total student-athletes. Athletic scholarships total $109,315, providing opportunities for student-athletes in this small college setting. The limited sports program reflects the institution's primary focus on academic and technical career preparation.