Northland Pioneer College (NPC) Academics and Unique Programs

Academics

Set in the heart of the American Southwest of northeastern Arizona, the Northland Pioneer College enjoys picturesque lake and mountain landscapes enveloping its four campuses and six learning centers across Navajo and Apache counties. Tribal homelands of the Navajo, Hopi, and Apache peoples are included in the HPC service area. This publically supported comprehensive community college first opened its doors in 1974 to 2,000 students. Today NPC serves more than 13,000 students each year, and offers more than 8,000 courses during the academic year and 2,000 during the summer term. Students may also elect to participate in online courses. Campus locations include Holbrook, Show Low, Snowflake/Taylor, and Winslow. Centers are located in Heber, Hopi, Kayenta, Springerville/Eagar, St. Johns, and Whiteriver. Students and community members will find the district office in Holbrook.

Supported by taxes, the Navajo County Community College District, otherwise known as NPC, was created by voters in 1972. Current college operations are divided into administrative services, learning services, student services, and information services. One of the proud points of the NPC system is the Performing Arts Center at the Silver Creek Campus in Snowflake. Students may participate in music, theatre, dance, performances, concerts and other arts and entertainment programs at the Performing Arts Center, which seats around 300 guests. Participating organizations include the Northland Master Chorale, and the White Mountain Symphony Orchestra.

Students at NPC may enter academic programs awarding associate degrees, NPC transfer degrees, and certificates, as well as training and short courses. Also offered are adult education and GED programs. NPC prides itself on maintaining small class sizes, thereby giving students ample opportunity for individualized academic attention. Associate degrees are offered in arts, arts in elementary education, business, science, applied science, general studies, and AGS early childhood. Certificates can be earned in applied science and proficiency, and training programs are offered in business and industry, small business development, and personal/skill enrichment classes. Business and industry training programs are often customized, and the small business center provides support, advice, and services not only to NPC students but to local communities. The Learning Cornerstone program at NPC encompasses the adult education and GED programs, including instruction in basic reading, writing and mathematics skills, as well as GED Prep and testing.

Traditionally Northland Pioneer College was regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools. NPC began undergoing the re-accreditation process by the HLC in October of 2009.

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Information Summary

Ranks 27th in Arizona and 2405th overall. See the entire top 2,000 colleges and universities list
Overall Score (about)	58.0
Total Cost On-Campus Attendance	$3,266
Admission Success rate	N/A
Student Ratio Students-to-Faculty	8 : 1
Retention (full-time / part-time)	44% / 31%
Enrollment Total (all students)	3,182

Unique Programs

High school students may enroll at NPC, and may earn credit through either the Dual Enrollment program, or the Career Training program. Since credits apply to both high school and college purposes, students may get ahead on both their secondary and post secondary educations simultaneously. Career training courses partner with vocational high school districts, to provide students courses earning both high school and community college credits as well. In addition, students receive industry certification in their chosen program. Students in either the Dual Enrollment program or the Career Training program enjoy free tuition, transportation to and from campus, and personal academic attention and advisement.

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Admissions

Northland Pioneer College has an open admissions policy. Any student over the age of 14 may qualify for admission. Students must fill out an enrollment form, fill out the FAFSA financial aid form, speak with an academic advisor, verify residency, register for classes, and pay for tuition. Prospective students may seek advice and/or request information through the NPC Recruitment Office. Before registering students must seek guidance from an academic advisor and some may be required to take an academic placement test.

Special registration forms must be filled out for online courses, transfer students, and international students. Applicants should contact the Records & Registration Office for specifics.

Financial Aid

At NPC financial aid assistance is offered in the form of federal grants and work-study job opportunities. A wide range of merit and need-based scholarship are also available through local businesses, individuals, and other community groups. Financial aid may cover expenses like tuition and fees, books, supplies, room and board, transportation and personal expenses. All students wishing to qualify for financial aid should complete the FAFSA form, available online. The Financial Aid Office is based out of the Holbrook campus.

It is important to note that NPC does NOT participate in any Federal Student Loan Programs, including Stafford, FFEL, Plus, Perkins and Direct Loans.

Most NPC scholarships require students to submit a Letter of Interest. Some examples of scholarships include, but are not limited to the NPC First-Time Attending Scholarship, the NPC Carl Perkins Occupational Scholarship, the NPC Nursing Childcare Scholarship; NPC Foundation scholarships like the Lawrence Honegger Scholarship, the NO AZ Association for Education of Young Children Scholarship, the Oscar W. Neale Scholarship, and the Military Spouse and Dependent Scholarship; and NPC Donor scholarships and special grants, like the Arizona Association of Realtors Scholarship, the I.B.M. Grant, the Latinos for Success Scholarship, and the White Mountain Woman’s Club Eleanor Vaughn Scholarship, as well as a variety of Arizona State and Regional scholarship opportunities.

Students aged 60 years and older may qualify for a reduced tuition rate, not applicable to non-credit seminars, classes or programs. NPC is able to enroll veterans and survivors or dependents of veterans, as handled by the Veterans Assistant.

Student Financial Aid Details

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Students

Students at NPC are provided assistance with services like housing, financial aid, disability resources, student records, and academics. For conveniences, academic advisors are available online through email and a Live Chat feature. Career services are in place to support not only graduating students, but alumni and community members. Services are available like career assessment, career planning information resume writing and interview assistance, and job search help. Support services for students with disabilities are coordinated through the Disability Resource and Access Office at NPC, while academic help is available to all NPC students. Student health insurance is available through a group health plan, specifically designed for students in Arizona, as is accident insurance.

While attending NPC students are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities, clubs, organizations, and various campus and community events. Students may attend field trips, partake in recreational gatherings, intercollegiate activities, the performing arts, publications, and college governance. Some such organizations include the Student Government Organization, NPC Student Ambassadors, the music/theatre/speech club, the outdoor club, the rodeo club, and the Northern Flight literary arts magazine. Academic organizations on campus are Phi Theta Kappa and the President’s Scholars Program. Regular concerts, exhibits, lectures, career fairs, and the like are scheduled on NPCs various campuses, and an activity calendar is available on the NPC website.

Student Enrollment Demographics

Athletics

While Northland Pioneer College supports no intercollegiate sports teams, the golden eagle has been the mascot for NPC since 1976. The NPC colors today are royal blue and gold, and the use of red has been discontinued from the original scheme. Students may participate in intramural sports activities, and should inquire with student services for more information.