UAHT enrollment second highest ever

By submitted, 09/25/17 1:43 PM

HOPE – The University of Arkansas Hope-Texarkana welcomed 1,541 students this fall, the second highest enrollment in the 50-year history of the college, just 16 students shy of the record. The enrollment increase is the result of growth in many areas of both the Hope and Texarkana campuses. Most notably, the U of A Texarkana campus has an enrollment increase of 15.4 percent over the previous year. Making this enrollment number even more significant is that it follows on the heels of the college’s highest graduation rate.

“Everyone at UAHT is excited about our consistent growth in enrollment and graduation,” said Chancellor Chris Thomason. “Our campuses in Hope and Texarkana are more committed than ever to ensuring that all our residents have access to a world-class University of Arkansas higher education at the most affordable cost, period. What is most satisfying and promising is that our residents are enrolling and graduating in record numbers. That will guarantee a brighter future for our graduates and all the communities across the Ark-La-Tex.”

Adding to the boost in enrollment was a significant number of new students from the 2017 high school graduating classes from Arkansas High School and Genoa Central High School. The percentage of Arkansas High School student enrollment at the college increased by 28.9 percent and Genoa Central High School student enrollment grew by 21 percent.

The college also recorded increases in students from Hempstead, Howard, Little River, Ouachita, and Miller Counties in Arkansas; Cass County in Texas; and Webster Parish in Louisiana. Miller County students increased by 5.29 percent. Hempstead County students increased by 1.54 percent. Students from Little River County jumped by 18.18 percent. Cass County students represented one of the largest increases at 25 percent.

Another area UAHT has seen an increase is in Student Semester Credit Hours (SSCH), with an increase of 3 percent over the previous year. SSCH represents the total number of hours a student is enrolled in per term. An increase in SSCH means students graduate faster. “UAHT faculty and staff have been very deliberate in emphasizing to our students the importance of degree completion. The time it takes a student to graduate can create a barrier to actual completion. It is encouraging to see that our students are taking more hours and, therefore, setting a much quicker path to graduation. We seek to support our students graduating in every aspect of our campus culture,” said Thomason.

U of A Hope-Texarkana offers students more than 50 degree and certificate options in fields such as surgical scrub technician, information technology, power plant technology, facilities maintenance, welding, funeral services and more. Classes are offered nights, weekends, and online to accommodate working adults. Along with the most affordable tuition in the State of Arkansas and in-state tuition rates for Bowie and Cass County residents, the college also offers 75 privately funded scholarships. Whether you plan to transfer to a four-year university or earn a certificate that prepares you for today’s high-demand jobs, UAHT is your bridge to a brighter future.

For more information call 870-777-5722 or visit www.uacch.edu.

Composition I class meeting outside at the University of Arkansas Hope Campus.

New students learn about using the technology available at U of A Texarkana at New Student Orientation.