Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas

$3,906Tuition

835Students

48%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$33,775Earnings

#15 in ArkansasPublic2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas

Cossatot Community College serves rural southwestern Arkansas with practical, career-focused programs designed to get students working quickly. The college enrolls 835 students in a remote town setting where everyone knows each other. Open enrollment means any high school graduate can start here, making it a gateway to higher education for first-generation college students across the region. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on training in fields like nursing, welding, and business that match local job markets.

Students pay an average net price of $5,200 after financial aid, with lower-income families paying just $4,122. Graduates earn a median of $33,775 ten years after enrollment, which represents solid return on investment for a two-year degree. The 90% employment rate shows employers value the practical skills students learn here. With no federal loan debt reported, most students avoid the burden of student loans entirely.

Women make up 67% of the student body, reflecting the college's strong programs in healthcare and education. The Colts compete in six NCCAA sports with 63 total athletes receiving $25,315 in athletic scholarships. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally and can provide individual attention that helps explain the 48% six-year graduation rate.

Academics & Faculty

Cossatot Community College serves rural southwestern Arkansas with career-focused programs designed to get students into the workforce quickly. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention that's crucial for students often balancing work and family responsibilities. About 48% of students complete their programs within six years. The college emphasizes practical training in fields like nursing, welding, and automotive technology that meet local employer needs. With 100% in-state enrollment, the school understands the economic realities of its region. Students can start careers immediately or transfer to four-year universities after completing associate degrees in traditional academic subjects.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 16:1
Full-Time Faculty: 56.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 48.0%
Median Earnings (10 years): $33,775

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$55,964
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$48,432
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Associate	$33,993
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$27,281
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.	Associate	$26,585
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$20,140
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods.	Associate	$14,230

View all 49 programs →

Campus Life

Campus life at Cossatot revolves around a close-knit community where everyone knows each other among just 835 students. The De Queen campus sits in rural southwestern Arkansas, about two hours from Little Rock and three hours from Dallas. Students experience all four seasons here, needing both winter coats for January lows in the 30s and plenty of sunscreen for summer highs reaching the 90s.

With 67% female enrollment, the student body reflects the college's strong nursing and allied health programs. The 16:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students by name, not just student ID numbers. Most students commute from surrounding rural communities since this is primarily a commuter campus. Weekend activities center around the six varsity sports teams competing as the Colts in NCCAA athletics, with 63 total athletes representing about 8% of the student body. Students often gather for basketball games or community events in this small town of 6,000 residents. The $25,315 in athletic scholarships helps local students afford their education while staying close to home.

Setting: Town-Remote
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 30°–53°F
July Avg: 70°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 55.0"
Annual Snowfall: 2.5"

Student Demographics

This small Arkansas community college draws students from across southwestern Arkansas who need affordable, practical education close to home. Women make up 67% of the student body, reflecting strong enrollment in health sciences and early childhood education programs that dominate rural community colleges. The student population is 46% white and 31% Hispanic, mirroring the changing demographics of this border region near Texas. About 35% receive Pell Grants, showing Cossatot serves working families seeking career training without leaving their communities.

Men: 32.6%
Women: 67.4%
White: 45.6%
Black: 14.9%
Hispanic: 30.9%
Asian: 0.4%
In-State Students: 100.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 35.3%

Location

Cossatot Community College sits in De Queen, Arkansas, a small town near the Oklahoma border about 130 miles southwest of Little Rock. The campus serves rural southwestern Arkansas, where timber and agriculture dominate the local economy. De Queen has a population of roughly 6,600 residents and functions as a regional center for the surrounding Sevier County area. The school draws from heavily forested hill country dotted with small communities. All students come from in-state, reflecting the college's deep local roots. The remote setting means students experience true small-town college life away from urban distractions. Students considering colleges in Arkansas may also compare Cossatot Community College with similar schools in the region.

Address: De Queen, Arkansas 71832

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $33,775
Median Earnings (5 years): $40,389
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $23,800

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas?

Cossatot Community College maintains open enrollment, meaning all students are accepted regardless of previous academic performance. The college serves 835 students in rural southwestern Arkansas with a focus on making higher education accessible to everyone in the region.

How much does Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $5,200 annually after aid is applied. In-state tuition runs $3,906 while out-of-state costs $4,746, though the college draws 100% of its students from Arkansas communities.

What academic programs is Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas known for?

The college emphasizes career-focused programs designed to prepare students for immediate workforce entry. With a 16:1 student-faculty ratio, students receive personalized attention in technical and professional training programs that serve the economic needs of southwestern Arkansas.

What are the employment outcomes for Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas graduates?

Graduates achieve a 90% employment rate, reflecting the college's strong connections to regional employers. Median earnings reach $33,775 ten years after graduation, demonstrating the value of the college's practical, workforce-oriented education.

Where is Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas located?

The campus sits in De Queen, Arkansas, a remote town setting that serves as an educational center for rural southwestern Arkansas. This location allows the college to maintain strong ties with local industries and provide education access to students who might otherwise lack college opportunities.

Does Cossatot Community College of the University of Arkansas offer athletics?

The Colts compete in the NCCAA with 6 varsity sports programs involving 63 total athletes. The college awards $25,315 in athletic scholarships, providing opportunities for student-athletes in this rural region to continue their education while competing.