About East Arkansas Community College
The financial picture makes sense for most students. After financial aid, families earning under $30,000 pay around $6,449 annually, while those earning $30,000-$48,000 pay $6,819. Graduates typically earn $28,471 ten years after leaving school, with median debt of just $6,000. Monthly loan payments average only $64, making the investment manageable for most graduates. The employment rate reaches 94.2%, indicating strong job placement success.
The student body reflects the local demographics, with 45.53% Black students and 44.31% White students. Women make up 68.29% of enrollment, typical for community colleges nationwide. Nearly 99% of students come from Arkansas, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere. The 47.10% six-year graduation rate aligns with national community college averages, though the small size allows faculty to provide extra support for struggling students.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 38.7%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 47.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $28,471
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $57,318 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $31,133 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $20,687 |
Campus Life
Arkansas weather means hot, humid summers requiring sunscreen and air conditioning, plus mild winters where a light jacket usually suffices. Most students commute from the surrounding rural areas since this is primarily a commuter school. The 10:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and notice when you're absent.
Weekends often involve trips to Memphis for entertainment or staying local for community events. With 98% of students from Arkansas, many have deep roots in the area. The campus culture revolves around career preparation rather than traditional college social life. Students frequently work part-time jobs while completing their two-year programs, preparing for either immediate employment or transfer to four-year universities.
- Setting
- Town-Distant
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 1974
Campus Safety (2023)
No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 31°–49°F
- July Avg
- 72°–91°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 50.6"
- Annual Snowfall
- 2.0"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 31.7%
- Women
- 68.3%
- White
- 44.3%
- Black
- 45.5%
- Hispanic
- 2.0%
- Asian
- 0.4%
- In-State Students
- 98.7%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 26.9%
Location
- Address
- Forrest City, Arkansas 72335-2204
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $28,471
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $33,929
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $22,300
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 32.3%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $64/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $6,000
Frequently Asked Questions
How competitive is admission to East Arkansas Community College?
East Arkansas Community College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of high school GPA or test scores. The college serves a diverse student body where 45.53% of students are Black and 44.31% are White. With 492 total students enrolled, the college provides accessible higher education to rural eastern Arkansas communities.
How much does East Arkansas Community College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $6,769 after financial aid, with in-state tuition set at $3,960 annually. About 26.89% of students receive Pell Grants, and the typical graduate leaves with just $6,000 in debt. Monthly loan payments average only $64, making this one of the more affordable pathways to higher education in Arkansas.
What is the student-faculty ratio at East Arkansas Community College?
The student-faculty ratio stands at 10:1, providing personalized attention in small class settings. The college focuses on career training programs and transfer pathways to four-year universities. Women make up 68.29% of the student body, reflecting strong participation in the college's health sciences and education programs.
What are the job prospects for East Arkansas Community College graduates?
Graduates achieve a 94.2% employment rate, demonstrating strong workforce preparation in rural Arkansas. Median earnings reach $33,549 one year after graduation and climb to $28,471 ten years later. The college's career-focused programs align with local industry needs in agriculture, manufacturing, and healthcare.
Where do East Arkansas Community College students come from?
Nearly all students are Arkansas residents, with 98.68% coming from in-state. The college serves the town of Forrest City and surrounding rural communities in eastern Arkansas. Founded in 1974, it has become a vital educational resource for students who might not otherwise have access to higher education.
Does East Arkansas Community College have good graduation rates?
The six-year graduation rate is 47.10%, which reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and education. However, only 3.05% of students take out federal loans, indicating most can afford their education without significant debt. The college operates on a semester system and focuses on helping students either transfer or enter the workforce quickly.
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