National Park College (NPC, ) Introduction and Academics

Introduction

National Park Community College is located in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The main goal of National Park Community College is creating a better future for the students, community, and staff and to enrich the lives of everyone they encounter. National Park Community College is focused on becoming the premier comprehensive community college in Arkansas.

National Park Community College’s programs are created for students who plan on earning a two-year associate degree or a one-year Technical Certificate leading to employment opportunities, as well as for those students who will transfer to four-year colleges and universities. Incoming students are encouraged to talk with an assigned academic advisor or a counselor each semester in order to insure a successful course of study.

Before selecting a major field of study, all students may wish to consider the future employment possibilities in each area of concentration. A suggested source of information is The Occupational Outlook Handbook, published by the U.S. Department of Labor. Most recent copies are available in National Park’s Counseling Center.

Information Summary

Ranks 24th in Arkansas and 2039th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	62.8
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$5,250
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	11 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	54% / 25%
Enrollment Total (all students)	2,017

Academics

National Park Community College in Hot Springs Arkansas strives to meet the academic needs of students in three ways. First, National Park Community College provides programs of study for learners planning to continue his or her college education at a four-year college or university. Second, National Park Community College offers two-year associate programs that lead to a rewarding career or enhance career mobility. Finally, National Park Community College offers a variety of short term programs designed to upgrade technical skills and knowledge; leading to a certificate from college.

To ensure academic excellence for their students, National Park Community College strives to create an environment conductive to teaching and learning. Students must meet clearly defined academic standards and adhere to general academic policies. Learners are expected to be familiar with all academic policies of National Park Community College. If any questions arise regarding the college’s academic policies, they should be directed to a National Park Community College advisor, counselor, vice president of student services, or the vice president of instruction.

The associate program includes the arts, teaching, liberal studies, science, and applied sciences. The associate degree helps students who plan to transfer to a four year college or university with the first two years of a baccalaureate degree. Many of National Park Community College’s courses transfer to most colleges and universities, but students should consult a National Park Community College counselor to be sure the courses apply to the specific degree the student is seeking in the transfer institution. Each candidate for the Associates of Arts degree must complete the general education requirements which are in compliance with ACT 98 of 1989.

The certificate program is a one-year award designed to provide recognition of the completion of a body of knowledge in general education. The certificate program is comprised of 31 credit hours. The program is modeled after the majority of courses listed in the State Minimum Core and the curriculum includes area of study in English, Communication, Science, Math, Technology, Social Sciences, Fine Arts, and the Humanities.

Most Popular Fields of Study

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Admissions

Students coming from anywhere and everywhere are highly encouraged to submit their application at National Park Community College. The student body at National Park Community College includes international, US and Arkansas students of all ages and backgrounds, which contributes to the diversity on campus. Students can easily transfer credits obtained at previously attended educational institutions, whether in the United States or abroad. National Park Community College tries its best to recognize all previously earned credits, provided that they fall within the requirements of the student’s specific degree or program of studies.

Students interested in applying at National Park Community College may do so for the Fall or Spring semester. The application for admission period usually starts 10 months prior to the start of the semester. It is encouraged that all students apply early in order to secure their place at National Park Community College for the semester they are hoping to enter the college. Undeclared major students are accepted as well and will be starting by completing the general education requirements until a major is declared.

Financial Aid

As with most institutions of higher learning, National Park Community College understands that not all students and all families can afford the tuition and fees associated with college. Federal financial aid is available at National Park of Community College through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), work study programs, institutional loans, and scholarships. Students are encourage to complete the FAFSA shortly after applying for admissions so that a determination can be made regarding eligibility for funds. The federal government provides various forms of aid including subsidized, non-subsidized loans and the Pell Grant. The Pell is the only financial aid received from the federal program that does not have to be paid back.

For students interested in applying for scholarships, there are certain academic criteria that must be met. Each individual scholarship has particular guidelines that must be adhered to. For more information, interested students should consult with the Office of Financial Affairs and review information about the scholarships and deadlines for application outlined on the college’s website.

Student Financial Aid Details

Ranks 6057th for the average student loan amount.
Secrets to getting the best scholarships and financial aid in Arkansas.

Students

With a population including international and local students, National Park Community College has a rich cultural diversity on campus and promotes the acceptance of students from all backgrounds and paths of life.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Additional School Information

The Technical Certificate is a planned and coherent program of classroom and laboratory (shop) work at the collegiate level. National Park Community College recognizes the completion of a specified level of competency in an occupational field. The program of study may be a part of an Associate of Applied Science curriculum or a stand-alone program. The curriculum requires a demonstration of competency in communications (oral and written), mathematics, and other general education disciplines necessary to be successful in the field. The state range of credit hours is 14 to 36 semester hours. Exceptions to this range will be allowed only when accrediting or approval agencies require additional semester hours. The College Curriculum Committee established a minimum of 30 credit hours for each technical certificate awarded. College-level technical certificate programs are designed to allow students to gain general education requirements while upgrading or acquiring new skills in occupational and vocational curricula.

Bibliography

National Park Community College. National Park Community College Academics. Web. 25 July 2011.
National Park Community College. National Park Community College Admissions. Web. 25 July 2011.
National Park Community College. National Park Community College Students. Web. 25 July 2011.

National Park College