About Black River Technical College
The financial picture makes sense for working-class families. Students from households earning under $30,000 pay just $4,070 net price annually. Even middle-income families earning $48,000-$75,000 face only $9,670 in net costs. Graduates earn a median of $34,818 ten years after enrollment. Students typically leave with $9,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $101. The college maintains a 94.9% employment rate for graduates.
Women make up 64.7% of the student body, reflecting strong enrollment in health and human services programs. Nearly all students come from Arkansas, with 98.15% claiming in-state residency. The 33.6% six-year graduation rate reflects the college's open-access mission and part-time student population. Many students balance work and family responsibilities while pursuing certificates and associate degrees.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 16:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 59.1%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 33.6%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $34,818
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $55,547 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $32,925 |
| Precision Metal Working. | Certificate | $29,141 |
| Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other. | Associate | $25,967 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $22,329 |
| Business Operations Support and Assistant Services. | Associate | $21,850 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,561 |
Campus Life
Women make up 64.71% of students, reflecting the college's strong nursing and healthcare programs alongside traditional trades. Nearly all students (98.15%) come from Arkansas, creating a tight-knit community where everyone understands rural life. You'll need a winter coat for January lows in the 20s and shorts for summer highs reaching 90 degrees.
Most students commute from surrounding counties since campus housing is limited. Weekends often mean heading home or gathering at local spots like Pocahontas State Park. The employment rate of 94.9% keeps conversations focused on landing jobs after graduation. Monthly loan payments average just $101, making this one of the more affordable paths to technical careers in Arkansas. Campus life revolves around hands-on training rather than traditional college social scenes.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1972
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 25°–45°F
- July Avg
- 69°–89°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 51.5"
- Annual Snowfall
- 6.3"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 35.3%
- Women
- 64.7%
- White
- 89.0%
- Black
- 2.4%
- Hispanic
- 3.7%
- Asian
- 0.3%
- In-State Students
- 98.2%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 40.4%
Location
- Address
- Pocahontas, Arkansas 72455
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $34,818
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $38,319
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $25,600
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 44.7%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $101/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,500
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Black River Technical College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $6,053 annually, making it one of the more affordable technical colleges in Arkansas. Students from low-income families pay even less, with those from households earning under $30,000 paying just $4,070 net price. The school focuses on keeping costs low for working-class students seeking technical training.
What programs is Black River Technical College known for?
Black River specializes in technical and workforce training programs designed to meet rural Arkansas employment needs. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, the college provides hands-on training in trades and technical fields. The school has built strong connections with regional employers since its founding in 1972.
What are the job prospects after graduating from Black River Technical College?
Graduates have a 94.9% employment rate, reflecting strong demand for technical skills in the region. The median earnings after 10 years reach $34,818, which is competitive for two-year technical programs. Monthly loan payments average just $101, making the debt burden manageable for most graduates.
Is Black River Technical College difficult to get into?
As a community technical college, Black River maintains open enrollment policies typical of two-year institutions. With 938 students enrolled, the college serves primarily local Arkansas residents, who make up 98.15% of the student body. The school prioritizes workforce development over selective admissions.
Where do most Black River Technical College students come from?
Nearly all students are Arkansas residents, with 98.15% coming from in-state. The student body is 89.02% white, reflecting the demographics of rural northeastern Arkansas where the college serves. Women make up 64.71% of enrollment, which is common for many technical and healthcare programs.
How long does it take to complete programs at Black River Technical College?
The six-year graduation rate stands at 33.60%, though this figure includes students who transfer or enter the workforce before completing degrees. Many technical programs are designed as shorter certificate programs rather than traditional two-year degrees. The college operates on a semester system to accommodate both full-time and working students.
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