South Arkansas College: $3,204 Tuition

$3,204Tuition

879Students

25%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$34,521Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About South Arkansas College

South Arkansas College serves the oil refinery town of El Dorado with focused workforce training programs. The community college enrolls 879 students in a town-remote setting. Students here typically pursue career-ready programs that connect directly to local industry needs. The college maintains strong ties to the petroleum and manufacturing sectors that drive the regional economy.

Students pay an average net price of $6,235 after financial aid. Those from families earning under $30,000 pay just $5,824 net. Graduates earn a median of $34,521 ten years after enrollment, while carrying typical debt loads of $11,153. The math works reasonably well for a two-year program focused on immediate employment. Monthly loan payments average $118 for those who borrow.

Women make up nearly three-quarters of the student body at 73.49%. The college draws heavily from Arkansas, with 92% of students coming from in-state. Only 24.80% of students complete their programs within six years, though the employment rate reaches 92.8% for those who do graduate. The Stars compete in three NCCAA sports with 66 total athletes. Students benefit from a 13:1 student-faculty ratio that enables personalized attention in technical and academic programs.

Academics & Faculty

South Arkansas College serves as a community college offering career-focused programs and transfer pathways. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio provides personal attention in small classes. The college emphasizes practical training in healthcare, business, and technical fields that align with regional workforce needs. With a 24.80% six-year graduation rate, students often face challenges completing their programs, though this reflects the community college model where many attend part-time while working. The curriculum balances career certificates with associate degrees designed for transfer to four-year universities. Students benefit from affordable education with strong connections to local employers in the oil-rich El Dorado area.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1
Full-Time Faculty: 100.0%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 24.8%
Median Earnings (10 years): $34,521

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Allied Health and Medical Assisting Services.	Associate	$52,107
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing.	Associate	$45,696
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Associate	$31,314

View all 43 programs →

Campus Life

El Dorado sits in Arkansas's timber country, about two hours from Little Rock through rolling pine forests. The town of 18,000 revolves around oil refining and lumber mills, giving the community a working-class character. With 73.49% women, the campus reflects the college's strong nursing and allied health programs that draw students from across south Arkansas. The 13:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know your name and track your progress closely.

Most of the 879 students commute from nearby towns since housing options are limited. Weekends often mean heading home or gathering at local spots like the downtown square. The weather stays mild most of the year, though you'll need a jacket for December and January. Three varsity sports teams compete in the NCCAA, with 66 total athletes representing the Stars. The small size creates a tight-knit feel where everyone recognizes each other. With 92.02% of students from Arkansas, expect a strong southern atmosphere and shared regional connections that often lead to job opportunities after graduation.

Setting: Town-Remote
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 33°–55°F
July Avg: 71°–93°F
Annual Precipitation: 52.1"
Annual Snowfall: 0.8"

Student Demographics

South Arkansas College draws primarily from El Dorado and surrounding communities, with 92% of students staying close to home. The student body is nearly three-quarters women, reflecting the college's strong nursing and health sciences programs that have anchored the institution for decades. About two-thirds of students qualify for need-based federal aid, positioning the college as an affordable stepping stone for working-class families in this oil and timber region. The diverse enrollment mirrors south Arkansas demographics, creating a campus where first-generation college students often outnumber those from college-educated families.

Men: 26.5%
Women: 73.5%
White: 48.7%
Black: 39.0%
Hispanic: 7.2%
Asian: 0.2%
In-State Students: 92.0%
Pell Grant Recipients: 42.1%

Location

El Dorado sits in southern Arkansas, about 100 miles south of Little Rock. This oil boom town of 18,000 residents reflects the region's industrial heritage in petroleum and timber. Nearly 92% of students come from within Arkansas, drawn to this small-town community college atmosphere. The setting combines small-town charm with easy access to outdoor recreation, including nearby lakes and the Ouachita Mountains. El Dorado's economy still revolves around Murphy Oil Corporation's headquarters, providing internship and job opportunities for graduates. The town maintains a close-knit feel where the college serves as a community center. Students considering colleges in Arkansas may also compare South Arkansas College with similar schools in the region.

Address: El Dorado, Arkansas 71731-7010

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $34,521
Median Earnings (5 years): $47,187
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $28,800
Loan Repayment Rate: 44.5%
Monthly Loan Payment: $118/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $11,153

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the acceptance rate at South Arkansas College?

As a community college, South Arkansas College maintains an open admissions policy for students with a high school diploma or equivalent. The school serves 879 students primarily from Arkansas, with 92% coming from in-state. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for local students seeking affordable higher education in the El Dorado area.

How much does South Arkansas College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $6,235 after aid, with in-state tuition starting at just $3,204. Low-income students from families earning under $30,000 pay only $5,824 on average. The college keeps costs manageable with graduates typically carrying just $11,153 in debt and monthly loan payments of $118.

What is the student-faculty ratio at South Arkansas College?

The student-faculty ratio is 13:1, providing relatively small class sizes for personalized attention. The college operates on a semester system and focuses heavily on career preparation and workforce development. Students benefit from close relationships with faculty in this intimate learning environment.

What are the job prospects after graduating from South Arkansas College?

Graduates achieve a strong 92.8% employment rate, reflecting the college's emphasis on practical career training. However, the 6-year graduation rate is 24.8%, which is typical for community colleges where many students attend part-time or transfer. Alumni earn a median of $34,521 ten years after starting college.

Is South Arkansas College a diverse campus?

The student body is 48.7% White and 39% Black, making it one of the more diverse colleges in Arkansas. Women outnumber men at 73.5% of enrollment, which is common for community colleges. The college serves a primarily local population with strong ties to the El Dorado community.

Does South Arkansas College have sports teams?

The Stars compete in the NCCAA with 3 varsity sports programs serving 66 total athletes. The college awards $62,208 in athletic scholarships annually. While athletics play a smaller role than at four-year universities, the sports programs provide opportunities for student engagement and school pride.