NorthWest Arkansas Community College

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I get started at NWACC?

2. What degrees are offered at NWACC?

View our degrees.

NWACC offers a variety of degree and certificate plans to fit your needs.

The Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree is a vocational oriented degree whose outcome is to prepare students to enter and advance in their field of study. While a few institutions have recently started accepting some courses in the AAS programs, the general rule is that courses in the AAS degrees are not accepted in transfer toward bachelor’s degrees.

The primary learning outcome of the Associate of Arts (AA) and the Associate of Science (AS) is to prepare students to be successful in a four-year degree program. These are our transferable degrees. If you plan to transfer to a four-year college, it is important you follow a transfer guide in conjunction with the AA or AS degree. Transfer guides show you the specific courses you need to select from the AA and AS degrees depending on what you plan to major in and where you want to transfer.

The Associate Degree in General Studies (AGS) program is designed to allow an individual course of study for student to meet personal employment or enrichment goals. If you declare any of our competitive programs as a major, such as nursing, you will begin as an AGS degree seeker. You will remain under this degree program until you have been accepted into the program. Please see an advisor for questions and assistance.

3. How much does it cost to attend NWACC?

See a listing of our tuition and fees here.

4. How do I choose a major if I'm undecided?

Our ANB Career Center can assist you with career exploration. Career assessments, workshops, and individual career sessions are available to assist. you. Visit our website, call us at 479-619-4345, or come see us on the 2nd floor of the Student Center.

5. What is a credit hour?

Credit hours are defined as the number of hours per week that you attend class during a traditional 16 week term. Most classes are 3 credit hours, which means that the class will generally meet for 3 hours per week. You must be enrolled in 12 credit hours per semester to be a full time student.

6. When is the last day to add/drop a class?

A student can add a class before the class has met more than one time. There are certain deadlines to consider when wanting to drop a class. Always refer to your Academic Calendar prior to the beginning of each semester to familiarize yourself with drop dates.

7. Should I withdraw from a class or all my classes if I'm not doing well?

If your life changes and you realize that you cannot complete the semester or you are in danger of failing your course, you will want to give serious consideration to withdrawing. A "W" on your transcript does not necessarily count against you when transferring to another school, although too many Ws may impact your financial aid. If you just stop attending a class, you will receive an "F" and that will pull your GPA down. Always refer to the Academic Calendar for withdraw deadlines and seek the guidance of an academic advisor before making a decision.

8. Where do I go for help?

Anytime you have a question, stop by the Advising Center on the 2nd floor of the Student Center. Listed below are additional resources available to help you succeed at NWACC:

Library

Tutoring: Learning Lab & Math Cafe

Writing Center

Financial Aid

Campus Activities

Career Services

Transfer Services

Testing Services

DisAbility Services

9. My parents/spouse have a lot of questions. Where can they get their questions answered?

Have they completed the Parent Orientation? Direct them to this website and encourage them to complete the short guide for parents/spouses. If you are a new student, you can both go through orientation.

10. Why should I graduate with an Associate's degree?

An Associate degree is worth over $7,000 more annually than a high school diploma in the entry-level annual salary one can earn.

You will have a degree that indicates to employers you have successfully completed the core curriculum of skills that most employers seek.

Be completing an Associate degree, you will gain a sense of accomplishment for yourself and your family.

Those who complete an Associate degree have a 25% greater chance of completing the Bachelor degree after transfer than those who transfer without a degree.

Depending on your situation, it may not be in your best interest to complete an Associate degree with us. Please consult with an academic advisor.

 

11. How do I apply for graduation?

See the graduation website .


 

 

For questions/comments on this content, please contact dportill@nwacc.edu.