Shorter College: $6,246 Tuition

$6,246Tuition

290Students

7%Grad Rate (6-yr)

Private nonprofit2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24HBCUAfrican Methodist Episcopal

About Shorter College

Shorter College carries the legacy of one of Arkansas's historic African Methodist Episcopal institutions, founded in 1886 to serve students who needed educational opportunities. This small HBCU enrolls just 290 students in North Little Rock, creating an intimate academic environment. The college focuses on two-year programs with a 13:1 student-faculty ratio that allows for personal attention. Nearly all students come from Arkansas, with 96% hailing from in-state.

The financial picture presents serious challenges for students and families. While tuition costs $6,246, the average net price reaches $12,993 after aid. Graduates earn a median of just $16,502 one year after completion and $26,241 five years out. Students typically borrow $29,500 during their time here, leading to monthly loan payments of $313. Only 25% of borrowers successfully repay their loans, signaling financial strain for many alumni.

The college maintains its athletic tradition with two varsity sports competing in the NCCAA, supporting 21 student-athletes total. Campus housing accommodates 48 students, though most commute from the surrounding area. The student body is predominantly African American at 76%, reflecting the institution's mission to serve the Black community. However, the 6.7% graduation rate indicates significant academic retention challenges that prospective students should carefully consider.

Academics & Faculty

Shorter College serves as a historically Black institution offering two-year programs with deep roots in the African Methodist Episcopal tradition since 1886. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio creates an intimate learning environment where professors know each student personally. However, the 6.70% six-year graduation rate reflects significant academic challenges that students face. The college focuses on foundational coursework and workforce preparation rather than traditional four-year degrees. With only 290 students enrolled, classes remain small and discussion-based. Faculty provide extensive mentoring and academic support to help students either transfer to four-year institutions or enter the workforce directly after completing their associate degrees.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 14.5%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 6.7%

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$16,169

View all 7 programs →

Campus Life

Shorter College sits in North Little Rock, just across the Arkansas River from Little Rock's downtown. You'll need both a winter coat for January lows in the 30s and plenty of sunscreen for humid summers reaching the 90s. Only 16% of the 290 students live on campus in the limited housing that accommodates 48 residents. Most students commute from the surrounding area, with 96% coming from Arkansas.

The small campus creates an intimate environment where the 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name. As a historically Black college founded in 1886 by the African Methodist Episcopal Church, Shorter maintains strong ties to its religious heritage and serves a student body that is 76% Black. Weekend activities often center around the tight-knit community feel rather than big campus events. With only 21 total athletes competing in two varsity sports through the NCCAA, school spirit focuses more on academic achievement than athletic spectacle. The urban setting provides access to Little Rock's restaurants and entertainment, though many students work part-time jobs given that 83% receive Pell Grants.

Setting: City-Small
Housing Capacity: 48 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1886

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 30°–50°F
July Avg: 71°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 50.4"
Annual Snowfall: 3.8"

Student Demographics

This historically Black college draws students primarily from Arkansas, with 96% coming from in-state. The student body is predominantly African American at 76%, reflecting Shorter's mission as an HBCU serving the local community. Women make up 56% of the enrollment, typical for many two-year institutions. Nearly all students receive financial aid through Pell Grants, showing the college serves working-class families seeking affordable higher education. The AME church affiliation and small enrollment of 290 students create a tight-knit community focused on supporting first-generation college students from North Little Rock and surrounding areas.

Men: 44.5%
Women: 55.5%
White: 19.3%
Black: 75.5%
Hispanic: 2.8%
Asian: 0.3%
In-State Students: 96.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 82.6%

Location

Shorter College sits in North Little Rock, Arkansas, just across the Arkansas River from Little Rock. The campus is only minutes from Arkansas's capital city, which has a metro population of about 730,000 people. This small city setting gives students access to internships, jobs, and cultural activities in the state's largest urban area while maintaining a close-knit campus feel. The region is known for its political history, outdoor recreation along the Arkansas River, and growing healthcare and technology sectors. North Little Rock itself has about 65,000 residents and offers a more affordable cost of living than many college towns. Students considering colleges in Arkansas may also compare Shorter College with similar schools in the region.

Address: N Little Rock, Arkansas 72114

After College

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

Median Earnings (5 years): $26,241
Loan Repayment Rate: 24.7%
Monthly Loan Payment: $313/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $29,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at Shorter College?

Shorter College has open enrollment as a 2-year institution, meaning most students who apply are admitted. The college serves 290 students with a mission rooted in African Methodist Episcopal tradition since 1886. Nearly 96% of students come from Arkansas, creating a tight-knit community atmosphere.

How much does Shorter College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $12,993 after aid, with tuition set at $6,246 for both in-state and out-of-state students. About 82.55% of students receive financial assistance, though graduates typically leave with $29,500 in debt. The college keeps costs manageable as a historically black institution focused on accessibility.

What is the student-faculty ratio at Shorter College?

Classes maintain a 13:1 student-faculty ratio, ensuring personalized attention in this small college environment. The intimate setting allows professors to know students individually across the campus's limited programs. This close mentorship is particularly valuable given the college's focus on supporting first-generation college students.

What are the graduation and employment outcomes at Shorter College?

The 6-year graduation rate stands at 6.70%, reflecting challenges common among 2-year institutions serving high-need populations. About 67.8% of graduates find employment, though median earnings reach only $26,241 five years after graduation. The loan repayment rate of 24.73% indicates financial struggles for many alumni.

Does Shorter College have on-campus housing?

Campus housing accommodates just 48 students out of the 290 total enrollment, creating a very limited residential experience. Most students commute from the North Little Rock area or find off-campus arrangements. The small housing capacity reflects the college's primarily commuter-focused student body.

What athletic programs does Shorter College offer?

The Bulldogs compete in the NCCAA with only 2 varsity sports programs serving 21 total athletes. Athletic scholarships average $13,790, providing significant support for the small number of student-athletes. The limited athletics program reflects the college's academic focus and small size within the HBCU community.