About NorthWest Arkansas Community College
NorthWest Arkansas Community College serves 4,632 students in Bentonville, the heart of Walmart country. The college has built strong connections with major employers in the region since opening in 1989. Students can choose from workforce development programs designed to meet local industry needs or transfer pathways to four-year universities. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in a small city setting.
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students from low-income households pay just $4,080 after aid, while even higher-income students rarely exceed $10,240. Graduates earn a median of $43,505 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $9,506 quite reasonable. Monthly loan payments average only $101, and 93.5% of graduates find employment.
The student body reflects the region's changing demographics, with 28.24% Hispanic enrollment alongside a 55.83% white majority. Women make up 58.44% of students, typical for community colleges. Nearly all students come from Arkansas, creating a close-knit community atmosphere. With only 11 total athletes across two sports, this isn't a traditional college sports experience, but the focus remains on practical education and career preparation.
The financial picture looks manageable for most families. Students from low-income households pay just $4,080 after aid, while even higher-income students rarely exceed $10,240. Graduates earn a median of $43,505 ten years out, making the typical debt load of $9,506 quite reasonable. Monthly loan payments average only $101, and 93.5% of graduates find employment.
The student body reflects the region's changing demographics, with 28.24% Hispanic enrollment alongside a 55.83% white majority. Women make up 58.44% of students, typical for community colleges. Nearly all students come from Arkansas, creating a close-knit community atmosphere. With only 11 total athletes across two sports, this isn't a traditional college sports experience, but the focus remains on practical education and career preparation.
Academics & Faculty
NorthWest Arkansas Community College serves as a regional workforce development center in the heart of Walmart's corporate headquarters territory. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides solid support for students navigating career training and university transfer programs. However, the 27% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work, family, and education. The college excels in preparing students for Arkansas's growing logistics, healthcare, and business sectors. Transfer agreements with University of Arkansas and Arkansas State smooth the path for students seeking bachelor's degrees. Popular programs include nursing, business administration, and automotive technology, all designed to meet regional employer demands in this rapidly growing economic corridor.
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 13:1
- Full-Time Faculty
- 27.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 27.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,505
Popular Programs by Earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing. | Associate | $50,356 |
| Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions. | Associate | $41,937 |
| Computer and Information Sciences, General. | Associate | $36,848 |
| Business/Commerce, General. | Associate | $33,993 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Associate | $28,598 |
| Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities. | Associate | $25,615 |
| Culinary Arts and Related Services. | Associate | $20,140 |
Campus Life
NWCC sits in the heart of Walmart's corporate hometown, where 4,632 students split between transfer programs and career training. The campus sprawls across Bentonville's growing tech corridor, just 30 minutes from the Crystal Bridges Museum and Razorback Regional Greenway trail system. Students bundle up for Arkansas winters but enjoy mild springs perfect for outdoor study sessions.
With 94% of students living off-campus, the college maintains a commuter feel where most students balance classes with work or family obligations. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom discussions, especially popular in the nursing and business programs that feed into local healthcare systems and corporate headquarters. Weekend life centers around Bentonville's downtown square and the extensive mountain biking trails that draw students outdoors. Many transfer-focused students spend time at coffee shops working on applications to University of Arkansas or Arkansas State. The campus quiets on weekends as students return to jobs across Northwest Arkansas's booming retail and logistics economy.
With 94% of students living off-campus, the college maintains a commuter feel where most students balance classes with work or family obligations. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates intimate classroom discussions, especially popular in the nursing and business programs that feed into local healthcare systems and corporate headquarters. Weekend life centers around Bentonville's downtown square and the extensive mountain biking trails that draw students outdoors. Many transfer-focused students spend time at coffee shops working on applications to University of Arkansas or Arkansas State. The campus quiets on weekends as students return to jobs across Northwest Arkansas's booming retail and logistics economy.
- Setting
- City-Small
- Calendar System
- Semester
- Study Abroad
- Available
- Founded
- 1989
Campus Safety (2023)
4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education
| Offense | On Campus | Residential | Noncampus | Public Property |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stalking | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Domestic Violence | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Motor Vehicle Theft | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Climate & Weather
- January Avg
- 24°–45°F
- July Avg
- 65°–88°F
- Annual Precipitation
- 95.0"
- Annual Snowfall
- 9.2"
Student Demographics
Northwest Arkansas Community College draws heavily from the local community, with 94% of students coming from Arkansas. The student body reflects the changing demographics of northwest Arkansas, where nearly three in ten students are Hispanic and the remainder are primarily white. Women make up nearly 60% of enrollment, reflecting strong interest in the college's health sciences and business programs. Most students work while attending classes, attracted by affordable tuition under $3,000 annually and the college's reputation for career-focused training that leads directly to jobs in the region's booming economy.
- Men
- 41.6%
- Women
- 58.4%
- White
- 55.8%
- Black
- 3.1%
- Hispanic
- 28.2%
- Asian
- 3.6%
- In-State Students
- 94.3%
- Pell Grant Recipients
- 19.7%
Location
Bentonville sits in northwest Arkansas, about 30 miles from Fayetteville and roughly 200 miles from Little Rock. The city serves as Walmart's global headquarters, creating a unique blend of corporate influence and small-town Arkansas culture. Over 94% of NWCC's 4,632 students come from in-state, reflecting the college's deep local roots. The Ozark Mountains provide a scenic backdrop to this rapidly growing region. Bentonville has transformed from a quiet Arkansas town into a business center, while maintaining affordable living costs that help keep net prices low for students. The area offers internships and job opportunities with major retailers and suppliers. Students considering colleges in Arkansas may also compare NorthWest Arkansas Community College with similar schools in the region.
- Address
- Bentonville, Arkansas 72712-5091
After College
Source: College Scorecard / U.S. Department of Education
- Median Earnings (10 years)
- $43,505
- Median Earnings (5 years)
- $45,144
- Mean Earnings (6 years after entry)
- $30,800
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 43.1%
- Monthly Loan Payment
- $101/mo
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $9,506
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the admission requirements at NorthWest Arkansas Community College?
The college maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of academic background. With 4,632 students enrolled, NWACC serves as an accessible entry point for higher education in northwest Arkansas.
How much does NorthWest Arkansas Community College cost after financial aid?
The average net price is $5,719, though students from families earning under $30,000 pay just $4,080 after aid. In-state tuition starts at $2,982, making this one of the most affordable college options in Arkansas.
What is the student-faculty ratio at NorthWest Arkansas Community College?
The student-faculty ratio is 13:1, providing relatively small class sizes for personalized attention. The college focuses on workforce development programs and transfer pathways to four-year universities.
What are the job prospects after graduating from NorthWest Arkansas Community College?
Graduates earn a median salary of $43,505 ten years after enrollment, with a 93.5% employment rate. The college's strong ties to northwest Arkansas employers, including major corporations in the region, help students transition into the workforce.
Where is NorthWest Arkansas Community College located and what is the campus like?
The campus sits in Bentonville, Arkansas, in the heart of a rapidly growing region home to Walmart's headquarters. With 94.28% in-state students, the college serves the local community's educational and workforce needs.
Does NorthWest Arkansas Community College offer athletic programs?
The college offers 2 varsity sports through the NCCAA with just 11 total athletes competing. Athletic scholarships total $11,000, reflecting the school's primary focus on academics and career preparation rather than athletics.
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