Students are attending North Arkansas College at a near record level.

The full release from North Ark is below:

Enrollment at North Arkansas College has climbed to its highest level in a decade, highlighting the growing demand for college courses and early college opportunities among high school students.

For the Spring 2026 semester, Northark reports a total headcount of 2,095 students, marking the largest enrollment the college has seen in 10 years and just nine students short of ranking seventh in college history. The college also recorded 19,041 student semester credit hours (SSCH), the strongest figure in the last quarter century.

“Reaching our highest enrollment in a decade is a powerful reminder that students see this college as a place where opportunity begins,” said President Rick Massengale. “Whether they are high school students earning their first college credits or adults preparing for new careers, Northark is helping more people than ever take the next step toward their future.”

Fueling the growth is Northark’s concurrent enrollment program, which allows high school students to earn college credit while still completing their high school education. This year, 951 concurrent students are enrolled, representing 45.4% of the college’s total population. The remaining 1,144 students, or 54.6% are traditional college students pursuing certificates, technical training, or associate degrees.

The concurrent enrollment total is especially notable, as it surpasses last year’s previous record. Northark delivers concurrent classes to 28 high schools in Arkansas.

With both traditional and concurrent enrollments rising, Northark leaders say the numbers underscore the college’s expanding role in preparing students of all ages for college success and workforce opportunities in northern Arkansas and southern Missouri.