NorthWest Arkansas Community College
General Information
Overview
NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) is a public community college located in Bentonville, Arkansas, in the rapidly growing Northwest Arkansas region. Established in 1989, NWACC offers an accessible route into higher education for a wide range of learners, including recent high school graduates, adult learners, and career‑switchers. With over 100 associate degrees and certificates across disciplines including health professions, business, culinary, science, arts, and skilled trades, the institution emphasizes workforce alignment and affordability.
Funding for tuition is intentionally low relative to national averages, and NWACC balances academic transfer pathways with robust career and technical education options. Given the dynamic regional economy anchored by major employers and a growing population, NWACC plays a strategic role in regional workforce development, offering programs in fields like nursing, construction trades, logistics, and digital technologies. The institution emphasizes dual‑credit options, community education, and needs of adult learners. The campus culture is shaped by regional growth, investment in practical programs, and an eye toward helping students progress into employment or further study.
Contact Informations
Address: One College Drive, Bentonville, Arkansas, 72712 USA
Phone Number: 479‑986‑4000
Email Address: Admissions office inquiries can be directed to the email address listed on the institution’s main site (prospective students typically use the general admissions email for initial contact)
School Facts
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Founding Year | 1989 |
| Motto | “Opportunity Lives Here” (institutional tag) |
| Institutional Type | Public community college |
| Location | Bentonville, Arkansas, USA |
| Accreditation | Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission |
| Student‑Faculty Ratio | Approximately 18 :1 |
| Established to serve | Northwest Arkansas region including Benton and Washington counties |
NorthWest Arkansas Community College Rankings
| Ranking Category | Rank / Position |
|---|---|
| U.S. Acceptance Rate | 100% (open admissions community college) |
| National Community College Rank | #135 out of 673 community colleges (by one data source) |
| Global Ranking | Not applicable / not reported |
NorthWest Arkansas Community College Academics
NorthWest Arkansas Community College Faculties / Departments
- Business, Entrepreneurship & Technology Department
- Health Professions & Allied Sciences Department
- Science, Engineering & Mathematics Department
- Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences Department
- Culinary & Hospitality Department
- Skilled Trades & Technical Services Department
NorthWest Arkansas Community College Courses and Programs / Majors
- Associate of Applied Science in Nursing
- Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration
- Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management
- Associate of Science in General Studies (transfer pathway)
- Certificate in Welding Technology
- Certificate in Logistics & Supply Chain Management
Online Learning
NWACC offers online and hybrid course formats to accommodate flexible scheduling for students balancing work, family and other commitments. While many programs include in‑person lab or clinical components, the college’s digital platforms support a meaningful portion of coursework remotely. The availability of online associate and certificate-level options enhances accessibility for students in the broader service region and enables alternative pathways for adult learners.
Average Test Scores
| Test | Range / Data |
|---|---|
| SAT | Not publicly reported for admission |
| ACT | Average composite around 18‑20 (estimate) |
| GRE | Not applicable (associate degree institution) |
Retention and Graduation Rates
According to recent data, NWACC’s retention rate for first‑time, full‑time undergraduates was approximately 62% in 2023. Graduation (associate degrees within 150% of normal time) was approximately 27.3% for the same period. These statistics reflect the college’s broad student base, including part‑time and adult learners, many of whom balance employment and education simultaneously.
NorthWest Arkansas Community College Admissions
GPA Range and SAT / ACT Range
NWACC operates with open admissions, meaning that there is no minimum published GPA requirement or minimum standardized test (SAT/ACT) range for admission. Prospective students typically need a high school diploma or GED equivalent and must complete any placement or developmental requirements the college deems appropriate.
NorthWest Arkansas Community College Acceptance Rate
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Acceptance Rate | Approximately 100% |
NorthWest Arkansas Community College Application Requirements
To apply to NWACC, prospective students must complete an online application form, submit proof of high school graduation or GED, provide any required placement test results or complete placement assessments, and meet with an admissions or advising counselor to map out their program plan. Transfer students may need to submit transcripts from prior institutions. New students may be required to attend orientation and complete any required remedial coursework before advancing into degree‑applicable courses. Financial aid eligibility should also be discussed early in the enrollment process.
Application Process
- Submit the college application form to admissions
- Provide high school diploma, GED or equivalent documentation
- Complete placement testing or assessments if required
- Meet with an academic advisor to select program and schedule classes
- Attend new student orientation and register for classes
NorthWest Arkansas Community College Application Deadlines / Important Dates
| Deadline Type | Detail |
|---|---|
| Enrollment Periods | Multiple start dates each year for credit courses and workforce programs |
| Application Deadlines | Rolling admissions; students encouraged to apply early for best scheduling |
Essay Prompt (if applicable)
An essay prompt is not required for admission at NWACC as the college follows an open admissions model where standardized essay submissions are not part of the initial application process.
NorthWest Arkansas Community College Scholarships
The college offers numerous scholarships and grants each year. Students are encouraged to apply for institutional scholarships, local community awards, state grants, and federal aid. Over 300 scholarships are awarded annually and a significant portion of students receive grant‑based financial aid. NWACC’s Workforce Development and Foundation offices help connect students with scholarship opportunities aligned to their program tracks.
NorthWest Arkansas Community College Tuition Fee (Costs)
| Cost Category | Estimate |
|---|---|
| In‑state (Arkansas resident) tuition | Approximately US $103 per credit hour |
| Average Net Price after Aid | Approximately US $6,287 (2023) |
| Out‑of‑state/Non‑resident tuition | Higher than in‑state; specific rate varies |
NorthWest Arkansas Community College Student Profile and Demographics
Student Demographics (Gender, Age, Race/Ethnicity)
In 2023 NWACC enrolled approximately 7,839 students. Among these, approximately 59.5% identified as White, 24.6% as Hispanic or Latino, 4.6% as Two or More Races, 4.0% as Asian, and 2.8% as Black or African American. Female students represented approximately 65.9% of degree recipients in 2023, with males at 34.1%. Age distribution indicates a significant share of adult learners, and only about 25.3% of students were full‑time.
Low‑Income Students / Students with Disabilities
Roughly 52% of undergraduates at NWACC received financial aid through grants in 2023. The institution also reported a cohort student loan default rate of 0% for 2021 borrowers, indicating strong post‑graduation outcomes for students receiving financial assistance. Data on students with disabilities is less publicly detailed, though the college provides accessibility and support services for learners requiring accommodations.
Student Body (Total Students, International Students, etc.)
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Enrollment (2023) | Approximately 7,839 students |
| Full‑Time Enrollment | Approximately 1,984 students |
| Part‑Time Enrollment | Approximately 5,855 students |
University Diversity
NorthWest Arkansas Community College serves a diverse student population reflective of the region’s growth, economic change, and demographic shifts. The institution draws learners from across Northwest Arkansas, including large proportions of Hispanic or Latino students and adult learners returning to education or upskilling for the workforce. The fact that a significant share of students attend part‑time and bring work or family commitments into their studies underscores NWACC’s role as a community‑centered institution. While racial/ethnic diversity is moderate compared to large metropolitan universities, the campus fosters inclusion through support services, dual‑credit programs for high school students, and workforce training aligned with regional industry needs. The presence of older, non‑traditional learners enriches the academic community with varied life experiences, aspirations, and career goals. As the college continues expanding facilities and programs, its commitment to underserved populations, flexible learning formats, and regional access positions it as an essential institution in supporting equitable educational pathways.
Average Earnings
Graduates of NWACC enter a wide range of industries including healthcare, logistics, construction trades, business administration, and technology. The region’s economic dynamism in Northwest Arkansas means many alumni secure employment in high‑growth sectors, often within days or weeks of program completion. While exact mean earnings figures for all graduates are not publicly detailed, the low student loan default rate and strong licensing‑pass rates in programs like nursing and fire science suggest that many students achieve meaningful earnings shortly after graduation. For students in certificate and associate‑level programs, affordability combined with job‑ready credentials contributes to a faster return on investment. Many students transition either into the workforce or into bachelor’s‑degree‑transfer pathways, leveraging NWACC’s programming to open doors for upward mobility and increased lifetime earnings.
NorthWest Arkansas Community College Faculty and Staff
Teachers and Staff
NWACC employs a mix of full‑time and part‑time instructors across its programs, with a student‑faculty ratio reported at approximately 18 :1. Faculty members deliver both didactic instruction and applied‑lab or hands‑on learning experiences. Support staff including academic advisors, career services professionals, workforce development specialists and student services teams are integral to the institution’s mission of helping students navigate pathways into jobs or further education.
Faculty Profiles (Expertise, Achievements)
Faculty at NWACC bring relevant industry experience and academic credentials to their roles, particularly in high‑demand areas such as nursing, construction trades, culinary arts (through the Brightwater Culinary School), logistics, and digital technologies. Programs like the PT Assistant and Fire Sciences achieved 100% first‑time licensure‑exam pass rates in recent years. The institution is also recognized as a ‘Military Friendly School’ and has strong ties with regional employers and industry partners, which further enhances faculty relevance and student outcomes.
NorthWest Arkansas Community College Campus and Student Life
Campus Life / Housing
NWACC’s main campus in Bentonville and its regional center in Washington County provide a commuter‑oriented student experience tailored to community college students. As of now, traditional student housing is limited; the institution’s master plan announced in 2025 includes future housing development to serve anticipated growth. Student life emphasizes flexible scheduling, workforce training, dual‑credit high school partnerships, student organizations, leadership development and experiential learning rather than residential campus amenities. Clubs, honor societies, workforce student associations and cultural organizations support social engagement and peer networking while students primarily balance work, study and other responsibilities.
Transportation
The Bentonville campus and regional centers are accessible via major regional roadways including Interstate 49, and public transit options link local communities to campus. Many students commute from the wider Northwest Arkansas metropolitan area. Adequate parking is available, and scheduling accommodates students who may travel before or after work. With the commuter‑rich profile of the student body, the college emphasizes flexible class times, accelerated formats, online/hybrid options and campus layouts designed for efficient transitions between classes, labs and services.