NWACC enrollment up 0.4% in spring semester

by Talk Business & Politics staff ([email protected]) 586 views 

NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) in Bentonville announced Tuesday (Jan. 28) enrollment on the 11th day of classes for the spring semester rose 0.4%, or by 34 students, to 7,604, compared to the same day in 2019. The college attributed enrollment growth to its new Washington County campus and its online program.

Attendance in Washington County rose by 347 students to 849 students, while the college’s online program added 217 students. NWACC recently opened a new campus adjacent to Arvest Ballpark in Springdale after the NWACC Foundation launched a capital campaign to raise $12 million to build the 38,000-square-foot NWACC-Washington County. Previously, the Washington County campus comprised rented spaces at the Jones Center in Springdale, Farmington High School and another Springdale location.

“We are delighted to see more students enrolled at our new NWACC-Washington County (Springdale) location,” said Todd Kitchen, vice president of student services for NWACC. “To grow enrollment at this location by 347 students is a testament to the hard work of our college community that was spearheaded by Brenda Green, associate vice president for Washington County programs. Managing nearly a 69% increase in enrollment at the new location is a welcomed task. NWACC continues to benefit from the growth and support of the Northwest Arkansas community and strong partnerships with our K-12, higher education and business partners.”

The 11th day enrollment number is unofficial and preliminary, and the numbers provided to the Arkansas Department of Higher Education might not include students who may be auditing a class or who are enrolled in late start classes that begin after the traditional 16-week term starts. Colleges and universities in Arkansas submit reports in February to the Department of Higher Education.

NWACC is an accredited, public two-year college that offers academic instruction and workforce training.