What Is It Known For?
NorthWest Arkansas Community College provides affordable higher education that empowers lives and strengthens communities across Northwest Arkansas and beyond. Since opening in 1990 with just 1,200 students in rented facilities, the college has grown into the largest community college in Arkansas.
Today, NWACC operates campuses in Bentonville and Springdale, serving over 8,000 enrolled college-credit students. The college maintains an 18:1 student-to-teacher ratio, which allows for more personalized attention in the classroom.
Degrees & Certifications
NorthWest Arkansas Community College offers more than 100 degrees and certificates across a wide range of programs. Some of the programs you will find here include:
- Nursing
- Business Administration
- Computer Programming
- Culinary Arts
- Criminal Justice
- Engineering
- And Much More!
Class Schedules
The college offers classes throughout the day, including morning, afternoon, and evening sessions. Evening classes typically start at times like 4:30 p.m., 5 p.m., or 6 p.m., giving you flexibility if you work during the day. NWACC provides online, hybrid, and on-campus options, so you can choose the format that fits your schedule. The college also offers 8-week and 12-week term options, allowing you to complete coursework faster than traditional semester schedules.
Some programs include clinical externships as part of the training. For example, Nursing programs such as Practical Nursing, LPN/Paramedic to RN Bridge, and Track I and II require students to complete clinical rotations at affiliated local hospitals and healthcare facilities.
Is It a Good School?
Yes. NorthWest Arkansas Community College holds accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, which evaluates and accredits degree-granting colleges and universities in the United States.
Acceptance Rate
NorthWest Arkansas Community College has a 100% acceptance rate.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition is charged per credit hour and varies based on residency status. In-district students pay $103 per credit hour. Out-of-district students pay $169 per credit hour. Out-of-state students pay $182 per credit hour. International students pay $233 per credit hour.
Additional fees like course fees and general student fees will increase the total cost of attendance. For a personalized estimate based on your situation, use the school’s net price calculator.
Programs & Courses
Business
- Accounting
- Banking and Finance
- Business Administration
- Entrepreneurship
- Logistics Management
Criminal Justice & Law
- Criminal Justice
- Paralegal
Healthcare
- CNA/PCA+
- CPR
- Dental Assisting
- Emergency Med Technician
- Health Information Management
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Nursing
- Paramedic
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Radiologic Imaging Sciences
- Respiratory Therapy
Professional Services
- Art
- Baking & Pastry
- Culinary Arts
- Graphic Design
- Music
- Theatre
Skilled Trades
- Construction Technology
- Fire Science
Technology
- Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
- Computer Programming
- Networking
Campus Locations
Bentonville One College Drive Bentonville, AR 72712
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews, NorthWest Arkansas Community College (NWACC) is viewed as a high-quality institution for foundational college credits and two-year degrees, praised for its value and friendly campus. However, its reputation is significantly marred by a severe, long-standing, and consistent pattern of administrative dysfunction in its financial and communication departments.
Overall Score: 4.1/5 Stars
Common Praises
Excellent Value and Degree Pathway: NWACC is widely considered the “best community college around” and a great way to earn credit hours for a “good price” and knock out a two-year degree at a much cheaper cost than a four-year institution.
Supportive and Welcoming Environment: The college is described as a “school of choice, a school of excellence,” with friendly, helpful, and welcoming people. Many students feel the college “truly cares about every single student,” offering an extensive support network.
Quality Faculty and Instruction: Many professors are described as “amazing,” “professional instructors,” and “really good” at what they do.
Great Facilities and Resources: The campus is noted as “beautiful & spacious,” with an organized website and app, good student resources, and useful features like study halls where peers help with questions.
Common Criticisms
Severe Financial Aid and Billing Failures: This is the most damaging and consistent complaint, spanning over a decade. Students report financial aid being “messed with,” wrongfully taken away after approval, and receiving “meaningless reasons” for disbursement problems. Most recently, a review claims the school fraudulently charged out-of-state fees to a resident, forcing the family to appeal.
Catastrophic Communication Breakdown: Students report it is nearly impossible to reach administrative and advising departments. Complaints include: never answering the phone, long hold times if they do answer, and staff who are not helpful and unwilling to follow up via email or phone.
Frustrating Enrollment and Cashier Office Experience: The enrollment and financial aid process is called the “biggest problem.” The Cashier’s office is specifically mentioned as providing the “worst experience,” with unhelpful staff who refuse to wait for payments from external sources (like the military).
Inconsistent Instructor Quality: While many professors are praised, some reviewers note that certain instructors “have ZERO business teaching college level material,” forcing students to “teach the material to yourself.”
Momentum
The momentum is defined by a strong disconnect between academics and administration. Positive reviews continue to surface, praising the college’s environment and value, reinforcing that the core educational mission is sound. However, the most recent, detailed complaints (from within the last two months) focus on the most severe issue—administrative errors in billing, residency, and financial aid—demonstrating that this systemic problem has not been resolved and continues to create significant financial and logistical hardship for students. The owner is active in responding, but the substance of the newest complaints is critical.