NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC)

One College Drive, Bentonville, AR

Northwest Arkansas Community College, located in Bentonville, Arkansas, was established in 1989, replacing the need for the branch campus established by North Arkansas Community College through property tax increases that allowed for the building of the new school. During its first few years of operation the school lacked the funding for a permanent location and many classes were held throughout the city in a variety of buildings, causing the school to be known as the “College without walls.” Today the school serves a large service area and provides a modern quality education to its students through updated facilities and perpetually reviewed programs and services.

Academics

Northwest Arkansas Community College offers a large number of programs and allows students to benefit from the one that best suits their academic or career goals. Upon completing a program, usually taking between one and two years, students will be awarded a certificate or associate degree. Academic programs provide the opportunity to complete the freshman and sophomore years of a four year education, followed by transfer to a four year institution to continue their education and earn a bachelor's degree. Individuals may apply for transfer to any school they wish, though the requirements for transfer will vary from one school to another. Students seeking transfer should seek assistance from an academic advisor to develop a curriculum that will best assist in admission to one's school or schools of choice.

Career programs provide the necessary training and skills for an individual to enter the workforce as a qualified professional. Students will take program specific courses that are usually divided between practical application and classroom courses based on the program of study. The resulting degree or certificate demonstrates competency in one's field of study and allows for the pursuit and procurement of employment at the entry level in their chosen field. Such programs generally reflect the needs of the community, and as such individuals pursuing such a course of study will find job opportunities more easily due to community demands.

Programs offered include:

Admissions and Financial Aid

As a public two year open enrollment institution, Northwest Arkansas Community College will admit any student who meets the minimum requirements for admission. Interested students must submit an application for admission to enroll and supply transcripts from previous schools, test scores, and take a placement exam prior to registration. It is recommended that students participate in orientation and to meet with a counselor to outline goals, program enrollment, and curriculum.

Financial aid is available in the form of loans, grants, and scholarships. Students in need of financial assistance must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the information from which will be used to determine need, aid program eligibility, and monetary awards. Students may be asked provide additional financial information in order to verify the FAFSA's accuracy. Aid must be applied for prior to the start of each academic year.

Estimated Costs & Financial Aid

The average "out of pocket" cost of attendance, after any grants and scholarships are considered, is around $6,600. In order to calculate a more accurate and detailed cost of attendance check out their cost calculator here. There is also a $20 application fee for those applying to a program. The figures listed below are for informational purposes only and do not represent current or future tuition, fees, and expenses.

Tuition & Fees Information

Tuition estimates per year:
- State Residents: $2,300-$2,700
- Out-of-State: $3,800-$4,500
Charges for part-time students are:
- In-State: $75-$90 per unit
- Out-of-State: $130-$150 per unit

Financial Aid Details

The table below breaks down the types of financial aid, the percent of students receiving aid, and average amount of aid per student per year.

	Percent of Students	Average Amount
Any Financial Aid	86%	-
Receiving Grants & Scholarships	84%	$4,357
Receiving Student Loans	27%	$4,172

Admissions, Academics, & Student Services

Student Services

To help support students, NorthWest Arkansas Community College may offer services including:

Online classes
Night and weekend classes available
Remedial instructional courses
Academic counseling for students
Student employment
Helping students find work after graduation

Graduation & Transfer Rates

Community colleges offer a variety of career and transfer options for students. The following table shows the graduation and transfer-out rates for NorthWest Arkansas Community College, versus those community colleges in Arkansas, which can be valuable information for determining which school to attend.

	NWACC	Benton County	Arkansas
Graduation Rate	14.1%	-	22.2%
Transfer-out Rate	21.2%	-	14.1%

Specialized Programs & Accreditations

Programs Offered

The program list below is organized by areas of study. The programs that have a link will direct you to the program's profile page where you can learn more about education requirements and career pathways.