Fall Enrollment Hits New Record High

Fall enrollment at the UA-EACC has reached a record high for the third consecutive year. Preliminary fall enrollment headcount was reported as 1,583, a 4.1% increase over last year's official fall headcount of 1,521.

UA-EACC's enrollment growth exceeds the 3.5% statewide Fall 2026 preliminary headcount average increase for Arkansas' 33 public colleges and universities. This is the sixth consecutive year of fall growth.

"This semester's enrollment is another record high for UA-EACC," said UA-EACC Chancellor Adam O'Neal. "This exciting achievement was the result of a campus-wide commitment to serving students and expanding opportunities for the communities we serve."

High school enrollment saw the largest increase for fall 2026, which increased 7.3%, from a headcount of 838 in fall 2025 to 898 for fall 2026. The largest gains in high school enrollment include an increase in concurrent and secondary career center students from Harrisburg, Palestine-Wheatley, and Wynne high schools.

"Concurrent and secondary high school enrollment has increased statewide due to colleges expanding partnerships with the state's high schools to fulfill goals outlined in the Arkansas ACCESS Act," said O'Neal. "UA-EACC's Early College staff have worked diligently to ensure high school students across our area have the opportunity to get a head start on their degree, save money on tuition, and achieve their educational and career goals quicker by starting in high school."

The college experienced enrollment growth across career and technical programs including Diesel Technology and Commercial Driver Training. The EMT-Paramedic healthcare program and the Associate of Science in Business program also recorded notable enrollment increases.

"The growth we are seeing in these programs reflects the continued demand for a highly skilled workforce across our region," said Chancellor O'Neal. "UA-EACC continues to remain committed to preparing students for in-demand careers in transportation, healthcare, business, and other key industries that drive our state's economy," he added. 

"We are also encouraged by the increase in enrollment for the Associate of Science in Business program as it demonstrates interest in UA-EACC's new bachelor's degree partnership with the University of Arkansas at Monticello," said O'Neal. "The program allows students to continue toward a four-year business degree for a lower cost. Partnerships like this allow UA-EACC to recruit, train, and retain qualified workers in essential fields that are important to economic growth and advancement in our region," he added.

UA-EACC had the fifth highest 5-year percentage headcount growth among Arkansas colleges and universities, increasing 49.9% from Fall 2021 to Fall 2026. On average, two-year colleges increased 24.3% over 5 years, while universities averaged 9.6% in headcount growth.

UA-EACC's headcount increased 527 students since fall 2021. An analysis of preliminary fall enrollment comparing UA-EACC's relative headcount size among the state's 22 two-year colleges shows that UA-EACC ranks 11th among the 22 institutions, up from 17th in fall 2021.

Student semester credit hours increased almost 11% over last year. This growth is an important indication of student success, as students who enroll in more credits are able to stay on track and complete their educational goals more efficiently.

"Our campus has focused on communication and retention efforts this year. It is important to support students through various forms of outreach, as well as log-in and technology assistance," said Errin James, Vice Chancellor for Student Services. "The extra focus on student support is vital to their success of completing quicker and continuing on to their career or continuing their educational journey," said James.

Fall 2026 Preliminary Headcount numbers were released by the Arkansas Division of Higher Education this week.