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NWACC Announces Record Enrollment
NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) announced an unofficial preliminary count of 9,017 credit students on Tuesday, September 10, the 11th day of classes for the 2024 fall semester. The student count reflects the largest enrollment in the college’s history. The record comes after strong growth in 2022 (10%) and 2023 (7%).
“We are seeing robust enrollment across our programs,” said NWACC President Dr. Dennis C. Rittle. “It is a testament to the hard work of our faculty and staff, who overcame some real challenges to achieve this milestone. We appreciate the community for their continued support and our students who voted with their feet to choose NWACC. It is especially exciting to see our investment in Workforce and Accelerated Skills Training programs paying off, and NWACC is now known not only for high-quality college education but also for high-quality upskilling and job training.”
In addition to traditional college degrees that can transfer, NWACC also offers for-credit workforce programs and terminal degrees, such as construction technology and registered nursing. It also provides Accelerated Skills Training, non-college credit courses designed for workforce development, upskilling, and job training. Examples include CDL truck driving, HVAC, plumbing, and electrical apprenticeships. The difference between credit courses and Accelerated Skills Training is explained in detail here.
“At NWACC, our commitment to workforce development is stronger than ever,” added Starlinda Sanders, Associate Vice President for Workforce. “By launching innovative training programs and expanding our offerings, we are not just preparing individuals for today's job market—we are shaping the future of our region’s economy. From advanced manufacturing and robotics to health care, we aim to equip our community with the skills and opportunities needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving world. We are excited about the possibilities these initiatives will unlock and look forward to partnering with industry leaders to drive our region’s success."
The 11th-day enrollment count of 9,017 for college credit students represents a 7% increase from 8,409 in the fall of 2023. The total enrollment count of credit students, Accelerated Skills Training students, and Adult Education students on the 11th day brings the combined number of students served to 10,272.