UACCB Exceeds Enrollment Goal and Remains on Top for Graduation and Retention

The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville (UACCB) exceeded student enrollment goals for Fall 2025, enrolling 1,239 students, but more importantly, remains the top community college in Arkansas for both graduation and retention rates.

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

Perrine noted the collection of “EveningU” classes at UACCB were a success, one that will continue in Spring 2026. Students can take classes after work in general education (transfer to a bachelor’s degree); office supervision and management; education; welding; heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC); and emergency medical services (EMS). The continually popular commercial driver’s license (CDL) Class-A and Class-B classes are also offered in the evenings in addition to daytime classes.

UACCB continues to graduate students at the highest percentage of any two-year college in Arkansas. 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 said, “Our commitment to students and their quality of learning is evident in these strong graduation and retention numbers. 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.”