About National Park College
The financial picture looks solid for a community college. Students pay an average net price of $11,442 after aid, with in-state tuition at just $5,600. Graduates earn a median of $32,444 ten years after starting, which represents decent value for the investment. Those who borrow graduate with a manageable $10,500 in debt, leading to monthly payments of only $111. About 47% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves many first-generation and lower-income families.
The Nighthawks compete in 10 varsity sports through the NCCAA, with 173 total athletes receiving $242,406 in athletic scholarships. Women make up 62% of the student body, reflecting typical community college demographics. The 36% six-year graduation rate aligns with national community college averages, though the 92% employment rate suggests graduates find work in the local economy.
Academics & Faculty
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 14:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 100.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 36.0%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $32,444
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $53,045 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $45,696 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $42,682 |
| Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants. | Certificate | $36,312 |
| Criminal Justice and Corrections. | Associate | $31,305 |
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Associate | $28,960 |
| Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies. | Certificate | $28,598 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $18,771 |
Campus Life
The 14:1 student-faculty ratio creates smaller class sizes typical of community colleges. Women make up 62% of the student body, reflecting national trends in two-year institutions. The Nighthawks compete in 10 varsity sports through the NCCAA, with 173 total athletes receiving $242,406 in athletic scholarships. Students often work while attending classes, as evidenced by the 92% employment rate. Weekends might involve exploring Hot Springs National Park's hiking trails and thermal springs, or catching Nighthawks games. The semester system allows for traditional college rhythms despite the commuter-heavy population.
- Setting
- Suburb-Small
- Housing Capacity
- 180 beds
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Founded
- 2003
Campus Safety (2023)
3 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rape | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Robbery | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 32°–52°F
- July Avg
- 72°–93°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 52.9"
- Annual Snowfall
- 1.1"
Student Demographics
- Men
- 37.7%
- Women
- 62.3%
- White
- 79.8%
- Black
- 10.8%
- Hispanic
- 6.5%
- Asian
- 1.4%
- In-State Students
- 97.4%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 46.8%
Location
- Address
- Hot Springs, Arkansas 71913
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $32,444
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $39,482
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $24,900
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 36.8%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $111/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $10,500
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the admission process like at National Park College?
National Park College operates as an open-access community college, meaning students can enroll without traditional admission barriers. The college serves 1,706 students with a 14:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention. Nearly 97% of students come from Arkansas, reflecting the college's strong ties to the local Hot Springs community.
How much does National Park College cost after financial aid?
Students pay an average net price of $11,442 annually after aid is applied. In-state tuition starts at just $5,600, while 47% of students receive Pell Grants to help cover costs. The total cost of attendance including room and board reaches $13,825, but low-income families often pay around $11,000 after federal aid.
What academic programs is National Park College known for?
The college offers career-focused programs designed to prepare students for immediate employment or transfer to four-year universities. With a 92% employment rate among graduates, the school emphasizes practical training in high-demand fields. Students benefit from small class sizes with the 14:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring individualized instruction.
What are the graduation and earnings outcomes at National Park College?
The college reports a 36% six-year graduation rate, which is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer before completing degrees. Graduates earn a median of $32,444 ten years after enrollment, with lower debt burdens averaging just $10,500. Monthly loan payments of $111 reflect the school's affordable approach to higher education.
What is campus life like at National Park College?
The small suburban campus houses only 180 students in residence halls, creating an intimate college environment. The Nighthawks compete in 10 varsity sports through the NCCAA with 173 total athletes receiving $242,406 in athletic scholarships. Women make up 62% of the student body, while the campus serves a predominantly white student population at 80%.
Is National Park College connected to the nearby national park?
Despite its name and Hot Springs location near Hot Springs National Park, the college was founded in 2003 as a traditional community college rather than a specialized park service institution. The school focuses on practical career training and transfer programs for local Arkansas students. The proximity to natural attractions does provide unique outdoor recreation opportunities for the student body.
