Two-year colleges serve four main purposes:

1. Preparation for transfer to a four-year university
2. Technical skills education
3. Developmental or remedial education
4. Workforce training for business/industry 

Enrollment

• Total Students = 59,582 (including 7,280 high school students)
• 1-Year Growth = 9.8%; 5-Year Growth = 26.5%
• In 2009, five Arkansas two-year colleges were named among the “Fastest-Growing Public Two-Year Colleges” in the country by Community College Week.   
• Public two-year colleges serve 40% of Arkansas undergraduate students and high school students enrolled in college level coursework.
• An additional 50,000 Arkansans are upgrading skills at public two-year colleges via noncredit courses directly related to business/industry needs.

Students

Race

• White = 66.5%
• Black = 21.6%
• Hispanic = 3.7%
• Other Minority = 2.1%
• Unknown = 5.9%

Gender

• Male = 35.9%
• Female = 64%

Age

• Less than 18 = 3.1%
• 18-24 = 48.3%
• 25-44 = 38.8%
• 45 and over = 9.5%

Attendance Status

• Full-time = 57%
• Part-time = 42.9%

Cost

• Average Annual Tuition and Mandatory Fees = $2,504

 Degrees/Certificates Awarded (2008-2009)

• Certificates of Proficiency = 3,653
• Technical Certificates = 3,276
• Associate Degrees = 4,709
• Total Degrees/Certificates = 11,638
• Arkansas public two-year colleges increased awards by 53.9% from 2005 to 2009, and they lead the state’s higher education institutions in growth of credentials awarded.

Top 5 Certificates and Degrees Awarded

Certificate of Proficiency

1. Health Professions. & Rel. Science
2. Transportation & Material Moving
3. Precision Production Trades
4. Mechanics & Repairers
5. Engineering-Related Technology

Technical Certificate

1. Health Professions & Rel. Science
2. Liberal Arts, General Studies
3. Mechanics & Repairers
4. Business Mgt. & Admin. Services
5. Protective Services

Associate Degree

1. Liberal Arts, General Studies
2. Health Professions & Rel. Science
3. Business Mgt. & Admin. Services
4. Education
5. Engineering-Related Technology