National Park College (NPC) announced a three percent increase in college students this week, and an increase in new students for the second consecutive year.
As of the 11th day census, the College reported 2,081 degree seeking students, compared to 2,022 last year, a three percent increase. Preliminary numbers show that the total full-time equivalent (FTE) is down slightly, from 1792 last year to 1777 currently. The decrease is attributed to lower enrollment in concurrent credit programs this semester.
Concurrent credit enrollment is down from 662 last year to 495 this year. National Park Technology Center enrollment is flat with 674 students this year compared to 677 last year. Adult Education is up more than three percent from 477 last year at this time to 493 since July 1. Community and Corporate Training programs have served 410 students and logged 24,639 contact hours since July 1 compared to 584 students and 15,322 contact hours at this time last year, an increase of more than 60 percent in contact hours.
The College awarded 32 percent more President’s and Academic Achievement scholarships this year. Vice President for Student Affairs and Enrollment Management, Dr. Jerry Thomas said, “We are encouraged by this year’s enrollment increase and the continual climb in new students on campus. We believe scholarships, along with all of the growth on campus contributes to more students choosing NPC.”
NPC welcomed 681 new students to campus last month compared to 670 last year. This year’s class is 63 percent female and 37 percent male and includes students from 32 counties across the state with 497 from Garland County, 35 from Hot Spring County, 19 from Montgomery County, 13 from Pike County, and 14 new students from out of state.
NPC President, Dr. John Hogan said, “I'm pleased that NPC's enrollment has continued to grow. We have a lot of excitement this year with a new Student Commons, new food services, new athletics teams, and next year at this time we will welcome our first group of students to our new residence hall, Dogwood Hall. We have worked to invest in our campus facilities, new faculty and four-year degree options through our partnership with Southern Arkansas University. It is a great time to be a Nighthawk.”
