NWACC reports slightly higher enrollment

NorthWest Arkansas Community College enrolled 8,164 students for the fall 2014 semester, up 0.77% over fall 2013 figures, according to college officials.

NWACC’s 8,164 students was the unofficial student census on Tuesday (Sept. 9), the 11th day of classes for the fall semester. That figure is up 62 students from the 8,102 unofficial head count on the 11th day in the fall of 2013.

The 2014 enrollment figure of 8,164 is still a preliminary number. Eleventh-day enrollment numbers provided to the state Department of Higher Education in mid-October will not include students who may audit a class or who are enrolled in “late start” classes that begin after the traditional 16-week term kicks off.

While enrollment ticked up slightly the number of fall semester credit hours declined 1.7% to 73,664. College officials previously had budgeted for a 3% decrease in enrollment and student semester credit hours.

“We are so pleased that the number of students attending NWACC increased and that our credit hours exceeded budget expectations,” said Steven Hinds, executive director of public relations and marketing. “I want to acknowledge the tireless efforts of our admissions & advising, high school Relations, and public relations and marketing teams.”

Dr. Todd Kitchen, vice president of learner support services, said the college has streamlined and individualized its admissions and orientation process and also focused services on providing students with even greater opportunities for learning success.

“We have looked at many of our processes to assist students in entering college and achieving success in the classroom and on their chosen pathway to success,” he said.

The number of high school students concurrently enrolled (taking both high school and college classes) increased by almost 25%. The unofficial 11th day number was 1,019, up from 818 last year.

Hinds noted that the 11th day enrollment numbers reflect students taking courses for college credit and do not reflect other students served by the college through an array of programs. During the 2013-14 academic year, the college served almost 5,000 learners through workforce development and adult education initiatives.

“Altogether, these numbers show what a significant impact the college has made in the lives of students and their families throughout our service area of Benton and Washington counties,” Hinds said.