UACCB exceeds enrollment goal and remains on top for graduation and retention

The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville not only exceeded its student enrollment goal for the fall 2025 semester but also continues to lead Arkansas community colleges in graduation and retention rates.

According to a release from UACCB, the college enrolled 1,239 students this semester.

“We have steadily been increasing enrollment since the pandemic,” said Dr. Zach Perrine, the provost. “We’re still finding ways to increase our non-traditional student attendance with our evening, hybrid, and online class offerings.”

Perrine highlighted the college’s “EveningU” program as a continued success. Courses offered after work hours include general education for transfer degrees, as well as programs in office supervision and management, education, welding, HVAC, and emergency medical services. UACCB also offers its popular commercial driver’s license classes in both day and evening formats.

UACCB continues to graduate students at the highest percentage of any two-year college in Arkansas, the release said. Based on recent numbers for 150% graduation rates, UACCB held a 65.9% graduation rate for the incoming fall 2023 students. This was nine percentage points higher than the next institution in the state and 37 percentage points higher than the national average of 29%. Retention was also strong, 69.3%, with the national average being 63%.

Chancellor Dr. Brian Shonk credited the college’s mission for the strong results. “Our commitment to students and their quality of learning is evident in these strong graduation and retention numbers,” Shonk said. “UACCB improves the lives of our students and community members. UACCB has consistently focused on direct pathways to employment and transfer, ensuring students have one of the most affordable college degrees in Arkansas.”

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