Public Relations

NWACC enrollment breaks through 7,000 on 11th class day

            BENTONVILLE (Wednesday, September 10, 2008)  – NorthWest Arkansas Community College is reporting today a record headcount of 7,298 students, or a 12.8 percent increase over the 6,470 students NWACC enrolled a year ago.

            The headcount is taken on the 11th class day, which was Tuesday, Sept. 9, and is reported to the Arkansas Department of Higher Education.

College President Dr. Becky Paneitz announced the enrollment at a 2 p.m. celebration today at Bogle Plaza on the NWACC campus. She said, “Every semester brings another increase in our enrollment. Our students tell us they are attracted by our affordable, accessible high-quality instruction and services.” 

            The headcount represents the 18th consecutive record fall semester enrollment at the College that offered its first classes in August 1990 to just more than 1,200 students.

            NWACC attributed the enrollment growth to a 7.45 percent increase in the number of sections offered this fall, up from 953 in 2007 to 1,024 this fall.

            Students are enrolled in 63,331 total semester credit hours, a 15.2 percent increase over the 54,972 total from one year ago.

            NWACC was able to increase the number of sections by expanding space to its mathematics department in the new Student Center and by adding new classrooms as part of a $4 million renovation of Burns Hall.

            Students cite as reasons for enrolling convenience of course days and times, affordability of tuition and fees, access to campus and centers, increased delivery methods and an expanding curriculum.

            NWACC holds classes mornings, afternoons and at night six days a week.

            In addition to the main campus in Bentonville, NWACC provides classes in Fayetteville, Springdale, Rogers and Bella Vista.

            The Washington County Center is operating for a third year in a row at capacity, serving 739 students this fall.

            The number of online, web-based courses increased, too, up from 108 sections last fall to 137 this fall.

            A total of 771 high school students are taking concurrent credit courses at NWACC this fall.

            NWACC’s recent fall enrollment numbers are presented below.

• Year       Headcount   Increase
• 2003      4,997                         ---
• 2004      5,355                  7.16%
• 2005      5,565                  3.92%
• 2006      5831                   4.78%
• 2007      6,470                12.73%
• 2008      7,298                12.80%

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