National Park College (NPC) continues to see strong momentum in its concurrent enrollment program, reporting significant growth in student participation and credit hours as more Arkansas high school students take advantage of opportunities to earn college credit while still in high school.
For Spring 2026, NPC served 663 concurrent enrollment students, generating 3,898 student semester credit hours (SSCH). This represents a 17 percent increase in students and a 31 percent increase in credit hours compared to Spring 2025, when 569 students earned 2,970 SSCH. The growth also includes the addition of three new high school partners, expanding access to college coursework across the region.
NPC President Dr. Wade Derden noted that recent changes to state policy are already influencing enrollment patterns.
“The changes to concurrent enrollment introduced by the Arkansas ACCESS legislation in 2025 are beginning to influence our enrollment patterns,” said Derden. “Putting concurrent credit on an equivalent 5.0 GPA scale with Advanced Placement coursework is logical and beneficial. Concurrent students earn actual college credit, and the GPA alignment better reflects that rigor.”
“The growth we are seeing reflects intentional collaboration with school districts, improved onboarding and support for high school instructors and counselors, and increased awareness among students and families about the academic and financial benefits of earning college credit early,” said Connie Poteet, director of concurrent enrollment at NPC. “Our continued alignment with state priorities and national best practices positions the program for long-term success.”
Over the past five years, the program has grown by 175.5 percent, reflecting sustained demand and long-term momentum.
Through the Access to Acceleration (A2A) Scholarship, eligible Arkansas high school students in grades 9–12 may take up to 15 credit hours per semester, with the scholarship covering up to $2,000 per semester on the student’s behalf.
NPC also emphasizes academic quality and transferability. The College maintains national accreditation through the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) and follows its standards to ensure concurrent credits transfer not only within Arkansas, but nationwide.
“I expect this growth to continue,” Derden said. “NPC prides itself on providing concurrent students with a high-quality and equivalent college experience. Our continued alignment with national standards ensures students are earning meaningful credit that supports their future academic goals.”
Looking ahead, Arkansas’ new Merit and Distinction diploma pathways are expected to further increase demand for concurrent enrollment. To earn these diplomas, students must complete a minimum of 12 concurrent credit hours, a Technical Certificate, or an Associate Degree, positioning concurrent enrollment as a key component of college readiness and workforce preparation.
With continued alignment to state policy, national quality standards, and strong partnerships with school districts, NPC is well positioned to meet growing demand for concurrent enrollment while strengthening student pathways to college completion and workforce success.