Fall enrollment at East Arkansas Community College has increased for the 3rd year in a row.  Fall 2023 enrollment increased 6.2% over last fall from an unduplicated headcount of 1,182 to 1,255.

EACC's one-year growth is 2.2% higher than the state average of 4.0% for Arkansas two-year colleges, and EACC has the 3rd highest 5-year growth among other two-year colleges in the state. 

"We have grown despite not having the presence of a major industry or community-backed technical center serving as a feeder, and despite declining population," said Adam O'Neal, Associate Vice President of Student Services/Chief Student Affairs Officer.

"I am proud that we are enjoying three years of increases. As a reflection of our local economy, this is great news for everyone," said Dr. Cathie Cline, President of EACC.

"As we continue to add and improve programs, we hope to continue to recruit students from the community and the state to our campus. Just think what our community could become if we continue to improve and increase a well-trained and well-educated workforce," said Dr. Cline.

EACC is one of only five 2-year institutions that has experienced a positive growth in headcount over the last five years. On average, 2-year institutions have declined -7.8% in headcount while EACC has increased 9.0% over five years, a difference of 16.8%. 

Neighboring institutions have fallen in fall headcount over the past five years, including Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas in Helena, down -8.4%; Arkansas State University-Mid-South in West Memphis down -28.3%; and Arkansas State University Newport, down -24.5%.

EACC serves a 6-county service area including Cross, Lee, Monroe, Poinsett, St. Francis, and Woodruff counties.

"We have recently seen an increase in requests from communities outside of St. Francis and Cross to add EACC educational and training centers in their areas. I think this shows our reputation as a top quality education and training provider is spreading statewide," said Dr. Cline.

"EACC's LPN and RN programs have current pass rates of 100% on the NCLEX exam. Our diesel program ranks 8th in the nation in the Chrysler-Daimler Get Ahead program. Our LPN program was named one of the top 10 in the nation by Nursing Journal. We are one of only 2 colleges in Arkansas with a high-school LPN program and the only college with high-school CDL and EMT programs. Our welding program has doubled in the last five years and currently needs an additional 10 booths. The quality of our programs and instruction is outstanding, and we plan to continue that trend," said Jack Hill, Vice President for Academic Affairs/Chief Academic Officer.