Southeast Arkansas College: $4,960 Tuition

$4,960Tuition

748Students

18%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$33,603Earnings

Public2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About Southeast Arkansas College

Southeast Arkansas College serves the Pine Bluff region as a career-focused community college with 748 students. The school specializes in technical and vocational programs designed to prepare students for immediate workforce entry. Nearly all students come from Arkansas, with 97% representing in-state enrollment. The college operates on a semester system in a town-distant setting that provides a close-knit learning environment.

Students typically pay around $11,185 after financial aid, making this an affordable option for most families. Nearly 63% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating the school serves a predominantly working-class population. Graduates earn a median of $33,603 ten years after enrollment, which provides a reasonable return given the low median debt of $8,600. Monthly loan payments average just $91, making the financial burden manageable for most graduates.

The student body is majority female at 62% and reflects the region's diversity, with 57% Black students and 24% White students. Small class sizes define the academic experience, with a 7:1 student-faculty ratio ensuring personalized attention. The Sharks compete in just two sports with 50 total athletes, reflecting the school's primary focus on academics and career preparation rather than athletics. The 18% graduation rate suggests students often transfer or enter the workforce before completing their programs.

Academics & Faculty

Southeast Arkansas College focuses on career and technical training that gets students into the workforce quickly. The college serves southeast Arkansas with practical programs designed for local job markets. With a 7:1 student-faculty ratio, students get significant individual attention from instructors. However, the 18.2% graduation rate reflects challenges many community college students face, including work and family obligations that can interrupt studies. Nearly all students (96.7%) come from Arkansas, creating a tight-knit local community. The college emphasizes hands-on learning in fields like healthcare, manufacturing, and business. Students typically earn $33,900 within a year of completing their programs, showing the practical value of the career-focused curriculum.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 7:1
Full-Time Faculty: 30.9%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 18.2%
Median Earnings (10 years): $33,603

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions.	Certificate	$41,565

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Campus Life

Pine Bluff sits about an hour south of Little Rock, giving students access to Arkansas's capital while maintaining small-town affordability. Only 22% of the 748 students live in the limited on-campus housing that accommodates 165 residents. The majority of students commute from nearby communities across southeast Arkansas, with 97% coming from in-state.

The campus operates on a semester system with a close-knit feel thanks to the 7:1 student-faculty ratio. Winters require a coat but rarely see snow, while humid summers mean plenty of air conditioning breaks between classes. With just 50 student athletes competing in two NCCAA sports, the Sharks don't dominate weekend social life. Instead, students often head to Little Rock for entertainment or stay local for community events. The high employment rate of 91% reflects the practical, career-focused atmosphere where most students juggle work and classes. Weekend activities tend to center around off-campus jobs, family commitments, and regional attractions rather than traditional college parties.

Setting: Town-Distant
Housing Capacity: 165 beds
Calendar System: Semester
Founded: 1991

Campus Safety (2023)

4 total reported incidents. Source: Clery Act / U.S. Department of Education

Campus safety incidents by location
Offense	On Campus	Noncampus
Burglary	2	0
Motor Vehicle Theft	0	1
Stalking	0	1

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 33°–51°F
July Avg: 73°–91°F
Annual Precipitation: 53.6"
Annual Snowfall: 2.5"

Student Demographics

Southeast Arkansas College draws students primarily from within state borders, with nearly 97% coming from Arkansas communities. The student body is majority African American, reflecting the demographics of Pine Bluff and surrounding Delta region. Women outnumber men by a significant margin, typical for community colleges that emphasize healthcare and business programs. Most students qualify for Pell Grants, showing the college serves as an affordable pathway for first-generation and working-class students seeking career training. The small enrollment of 748 creates tight-knit cohorts where students know their classmates and professors personally.

Men: 38.4%
Women: 61.6%
White: 23.9%
Black: 57.5%
Hispanic: 15.4%
Asian: 0.9%
In-State Students: 96.7%
Pell Grant Recipients: 62.9%

Location

Pine Bluff sits in southeast Arkansas, about 45 minutes south of Little Rock. The town of roughly 41,000 people anchors a rural agricultural region along the Arkansas River. Pine Bluff once thrived as a cotton and timber center but has faced economic challenges in recent decades. The area maintains its small-town character with historic downtown districts and outdoor recreation opportunities along the river. Nearly 97% of Southeast Arkansas College's 748 students come from in-state, reflecting the school's role as a local community anchor. The college serves a predominantly rural student population where 63% receive Pell Grants. Students considering colleges in Arkansas may also compare Southeast Arkansas College with similar schools in the region.

Address: Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71603

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $33,603
Median Earnings (5 years): $41,075
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $24,000
Loan Repayment Rate: 40.2%
Monthly Loan Payment: $91/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $8,600

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at Southeast Arkansas College?

Southeast Arkansas College maintains an open admission policy typical of community colleges, welcoming students regardless of high school GPA or test scores. The college serves 748 students, with 97% coming from Arkansas. This accessibility makes it a popular choice for local students seeking affordable higher education or career training.

How much does Southeast Arkansas College cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $11,185 annually after financial aid. Nearly 63% of students receive financial aid, with the same percentage qualifying for Pell Grants due to low family income. The college keeps costs manageable with in-state tuition at $4,960 and modest median debt of $8,600.

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

The student-faculty ratio is 7:1, providing personalized attention in small classes. This intimate learning environment supports the college's focus on career and technical programs. The college specializes in preparing students for immediate workforce entry in southeast Arkansas.

What are the career outcomes for Southeast Arkansas College graduates?

Graduates earn a median salary of $33,603 ten years after enrollment, with a strong employment rate of 91.4%. The college's career-focused programs prepare students for local job markets. However, only 18% of students complete their programs within six years, reflecting the part-time nature of many community college students.

Where do Southeast Arkansas College students live?

The college offers on-campus housing for 165 students, though most of the 748 enrolled commute from the Pine Bluff area. Room and board costs $10,690 for those who choose campus life. The majority of students are local residents who prefer living at home while attending classes.

Does Southeast Arkansas College have athletic programs?

The Sharks compete in the NCCAA with 2 varsity sports programs and 50 total athletes. The college awards $137,400 in athletic scholarships to support student-athletes. While athletics play a smaller role than at four-year universities, the programs provide opportunities for student engagement and school pride.