University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain

$3,528Tuition

475Students

60%Grad Rate (6-yr)

$30,037Earnings

#5 in ArkansasPublic2-yearNCCAAData: 2023-24

About University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain

The University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain serves 475 students in the Ouachita Mountains of western Arkansas. This small community college focuses on workforce development and transfer preparation in a tight-knit mountain setting. Students choose from career-focused programs that prepare them for local industries or academic pathways to four-year universities. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio ensures personal attention in classes.

Students pay an average net price of $4,914 after financial aid, making this one of Arkansas's most affordable college options. Graduates earn a median of $30,037 ten years after starting college, while carrying typical debt of just $6,500. The monthly loan payment of $69 reflects the school's commitment to keeping education costs manageable. With 38% of students receiving Pell Grants, the college serves many first-generation and low-income students seeking economic mobility.

The Deer compete in eight NCCAA sports with 115 total athletes sharing $344,995 in athletic scholarships. Women make up 61% of the student body, and 81% of students come from Arkansas. The 60% six-year graduation rate reflects the challenges many community college students face balancing work and family obligations. On-campus housing accommodates 205 students who want the full college experience in this remote mountain community.

Academics & Faculty

This community college serves the Ouachita Mountains region with practical, career-focused programs designed to get students into the workforce quickly. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means professors know students personally and can provide hands-on guidance in small classes. With a 60.3% graduation rate, the college succeeds at helping students complete their programs despite the challenges many rural students face. The school emphasizes workforce development and transfer preparation, offering programs in nursing, business, and technical fields that match local employment opportunities. Students benefit from close relationships with faculty who understand the unique needs of small-town Arkansas communities.

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

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 19:1
Full-Time Faculty: 54.8%
Graduation Rate (6-year): 60.3%
Median Earnings (10 years): $30,037

Popular Programs by Earnings

Popular programs by earnings
Program	Level	Median Earnings
Multi/Interdisciplinary Studies, Other.	Associate	$38,337
Practical Nursing, Vocational Nursing and Nursing Assistants.	Certificate	$27,497
Precision Metal Working.	Certificate	$26,896
Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities.	Associate	$18,771
Cosmetology and Related Personal Grooming Services.	Certificate	$8,636

View all 25 programs →

Campus Life

Rich Mountain sits in the Ouachita Mountains of western Arkansas, about two hours from Little Rock through winding forest roads. With only 475 students spread across a small campus, you'll recognize most faces by your second semester. The 19:1 student-faculty ratio means professors actually know your name. Arkansas weather demands both winter coats for January lows and plenty of sunscreen for summer heat that regularly hits the 90s.

About 43% of students live in the residence halls that house 205 students total. Campus life revolves around the eight varsity sports teams, where 115 athletes compete as the Deer in NCCAA divisions. Weekends often mean outdoor adventures in the surrounding national forest or trips to nearby Mena for local festivals. The 60.63% female student body creates a close-knit community atmosphere. Most students work part-time jobs in town, contributing to the strong 90.9% employment rate. With 81% of students from Arkansas, expect genuine Southern hospitality and connections that last beyond your two years here.

Setting: Town-Remote
Housing Capacity: 205 beds
Calendar System: Semester

Campus Safety (2023)

No reported Clery Act crimes in 2023.

Climate & Weather

January Avg: 27°–49°F
July Avg: 67°–89°F
Annual Precipitation: 61.4"
Annual Snowfall: 4.0"

Student Demographics

Rich Mountain draws students from across Arkansas and neighboring states who want affordable career training close to home. The student body is 81% in-state, reflecting the college's role as a regional workforce pipeline. Women make up 61% of enrollment, typical for community colleges that emphasize healthcare, education, and business programs. About 38% receive Pell Grants, showing the school serves working-class families seeking practical skills training. The Deer compete in eight NCCAA sports with 115 total athletes, creating a tight-knit campus community in the Ouachita Mountains.

Men: 39.4%
Women: 60.6%
White: 74.1%
Black: 1.5%
Hispanic: 13.5%
Asian: 1.3%
In-State Students: 81.4%
Pell Grant Recipients: 38.0%

Location

The University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain sits in Mena, Arkansas, roughly 100 miles southwest of Little Rock in the Ouachita Mountains. This small town of about 5,600 residents offers a classic rural college experience surrounded by forested hills and outdoor recreation opportunities. The Ouachita National Forest provides hiking, fishing, and camping just minutes from campus. With 81% of students coming from in-state, the college draws heavily from Arkansas's rural communities. The town setting means limited nightlife and dining options, but students enjoy lower living costs and tight-knit community connections. Students considering colleges in Arkansas may also compare University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain with similar schools in the region.

Address: Mena, Arkansas 71953

After College

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

Median Earnings (10 years): $30,037
Median Earnings (5 years): $29,449
Mean Earnings (6 years after entry): $22,100
Monthly Loan Payment: $69/mo
Median Debt at Graduation: $6,500

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the admission requirements at University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain?

The college maintains an open-door admission policy typical of community colleges, making it accessible to students across different academic backgrounds. With 475 students enrolled, the institution focuses on serving the rural Ouachita Mountains region. Most students come from within Arkansas, representing 81.35% of the student body.

How much does University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain cost after financial aid?

Students pay an average net price of $4,914 annually, making it one of the most affordable higher education options in Arkansas. In-state tuition runs just $3,528, while students from lower-income families earning under $30,000 pay only $5,084 after aid. The typical graduate leaves with $6,500 in debt and monthly loan payments of $69.

What is the student-faculty ratio at University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain?

The college maintains a 19:1 student-faculty ratio, providing reasonable access to instructors in this rural setting. Women make up 60.63% of the student body, reflecting the gender composition common at many community colleges. The institution operates on a semester calendar system to align with transfer requirements at four-year universities.

What are the job prospects for University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain graduates?

Graduates achieve a 90.9% employment rate, demonstrating strong connections to regional employers in the Ouachita Mountains area. The median earnings reach $30,037 ten years after enrollment, reflecting the practical, career-focused programs offered. However, the 60.30% six-year graduation rate suggests many students take longer to complete their programs or transfer before finishing.

Does University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain offer on-campus housing?

The college provides housing for up to 205 students, unusual for a community college and reflecting its role serving rural Arkansas. Room and board costs $9,230 annually, bringing total attendance costs to $13,718. The remote mountain location makes on-campus housing particularly valuable for students from distant rural areas.

What sports teams does University of Arkansas Community College Rich Mountain compete with?

The Deer compete in the NCCAA with 8 varsity sports programs and 115 total athletes. The athletics program distributes $344,995 in scholarships, providing significant financial support for student-athletes. This robust athletic presence helps create school spirit and community connections in rural Mena.