UNITED STATES · HOT SPRINGS
National Park College
public · Founded 2003 · Languages: en
In short
National Park College (NPC) in Hot Springs, Arkansas, is an affordable public two-year institution offering associate degrees and technical certificates. It provides a direct pathway to bachelor's degrees and a close-knit community in a scenic location.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 2003
- Students
- 7,000
- International students
- 50
- Tuition (intl)
- €4–4k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Hot Springs, United States
National Park College (NPC) is a public two-year institution in Hot Springs, Arkansas, formed by the 2003 merger of Garland County Community College and Quapaw Technical Institute. Serving ~7,000 students per year, it is the fourth-largest community college in Arkansas and offers associate degrees, technical certificates, and workforce training at roughly half the cost of other Arkansas universities. A partnership with the University of Arkansas Monticello provides a direct pathway to bachelor's degrees. Students belong to the 'Nighthawk Nation' community, with access to athletics, student government, and arts programmes in the scenic Ouachita Mountains.
Why study here
- Highly affordable tuition — approximately half the average cost of Arkansas universities.
- Broad programme menu from liberal arts and health sciences to technical trades and emergency services.
- Direct transfer pathway to bachelor's degrees via partnership with University of Arkansas Monticello.
- A welcoming, close-knit campus community ('Nighthawk Nation') with athletics, PTK, and arts programmes.
- Located in Hot Springs, a scenic mountain resort city with outdoor recreation, arts, and cultural attractions.
Student life
NPC's 'Nighthawk Nation' ethos fosters a supportive and determined community guided by the Nighthawk Code: honour, action, willingness, kindness, and scholarship. Students engage in Nighthawk Athletics, Student Government Association, Phi Theta Kappa, NPC Singers, and Student Ambassadors. The Hot Springs area offers lakes, hiking, a national park, and a lively downtown arts district.
Fees
InternationalInternational students: ~$227/credit hour tuition + $85/credit hour fees. Estimated annual cost ~$21,000–$22,000 including housing.
HomeGarland County residents: ~$115/credit hour tuition + $70/credit hour fees. Out-of-state: ~$162/credit hour tuition + $80/credit hour fees.
LivingEstimated annual off-campus living: ~$18,500 (housing, food, transport, personal expenses).
Rates set annually in May. Lab and technical programme fees may add $10–$30/credit hour. Over $8 million in grants and scholarships awarded annually.
Admissions
Open admissionsNPC practises open admissions — no minimum GPA or test score required for most programmes.
International studentsSpecific admissions requirements and visa support are available through the International Student office.
Scholarship applicationsAcademic scholarships require NPC admissions application and unofficial transcripts submitted by the priority deadline (typically February).
TOEFL iBTMinimum 61 (recommended for international applicants)
IELTSMinimum 5.5
University scholarships
Presidents Scholarship$2,000/semester for 4 semesters (3.5 GPA + 24 ACT)
Academic Achievement Scholarship$1,500/semester for 4 semesters (3.0 GPA + 19 ACT)
NPC Foundation ScholarshipsVaries – apply via Scholarship Universe portal
Accreditation
Accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC). Specialist programme accreditations include ACEN (Nursing), JRCERT (Radiologic Technology), CAAHEP/CoAEMSP (EMS Paramedic), CAHIIM (Health Information Technology), NAACLS (Medical Lab Technology), and NACEP (Concurrent Credit).
For international students
United StatesStudent visa & funds
International students primarily enter on the F-1 visa, which requires enrolment at a SEVP-certified institution. Before the visa interview the school issues a Form I-20 — a certificate of eligibility — for which a Designated School Official must verify documented funds covering tuition, living expenses and travel for the first year, plus a reliable source for subsequent years. The financial evidence must be specific and from an identified source.
Working while you study
F-1 students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session and full-time during official breaks, with no separate authorization needed. Off-campus work is generally not permitted in the first academic year. After one academic year in good standing, students may use Curricular Practical Training (CPT) for paid work that is an integral part of the curriculum, authorized by the school; other off-campus work requires an approved Employment Authorization Document from USCIS.
After you graduate
After completing a degree, F-1 students may apply for Optional Practical Training (OPT) — up to 12 months of work authorization in a related field — by filing Form I-765 and receiving an EAD before starting work. Graduates of a degree on the DHS STEM Designated Degree Program List may apply for a 24-month STEM OPT extension, for up to 36 months total. The extension requires an E-Verify employer and a qualifying STEM degree earned within the previous ten years.
English tests
- IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; top-tier programs 7.0–7.5
- TOEFL iBTUG 80–100; PG 90–110; selective research universities 100+
- PTE AcademicUG 50–60; PG 55–70; highly selective programs 65+
Main intakes
AugustJanuary
Typical living cost
€1,420/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesStudy in the States — Students and the Form I-20 · Study in the States — Financial ability · USCIS — Students and employment · USCIS — Optional Practical Training (OPT) for F-1 students · USCIS — STEM OPT extension · LeapScholar — Minimum IELTS scores for USA universities · Mastersportal — Student living costs in the USA (2025–2026)
Programs
a selectionNational Park College · United States
Associate of Arts - general transfer degree
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
National Park College · United States
Associate of Science in Business
The Associate of Science in Business (ASB) program at National Park College offers a blend of innovative technology and practical business training. This program focuses on developing efficiency, essential soft skills, professional expectations, and strong communication and leadership abilities. The ASB is designed to prepare you for seamless transfer to a four-year institution to complete a bachelor's degree in business, with its credits widely accepted at most public universities in Arkansas.
Diploma
Level
—
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
National Park College · United States
Associate of Science in Business (Basic Business Law concentration)
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
National Park College · United States
Associate of Science in Business (Basic Business Principles concentration)
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
National Park College · United States
Associate of Science in Business (Business concentration)
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
National Park College · United States
Associate of Science in Business (Business Entrepreneurship concentration)
Master's
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Scholarships
for United States
full fundingDuke University
Karsh International Scholarship Program
Open to international (non-U.S. citizen, non-permanent-resident) high school students applying for first-year undergraduate admission to Duke University. Candidates must demonstrate financial need through Duke's need-based aid process, show interdisciplinary academic curiosity, and have a record of community engagement. There is no separate scholarship form; international applicants who indicate they are applying for financial aid are automatically considered for the Karsh award.
full
Funding
€320k
Max
Jan 2, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Miami (with the Stamps Family Charitable Foundation)
University of Miami Stamps Scholarship
Open to high school seniors, both domestic (U.S.) and international, applying for first-year undergraduate admission to the University of Miami through Early Decision I or Early Action. Applicants are automatically considered with no separate scholarship form; they must submit all first-year admission requirements and demonstrate strong academic achievement, leadership, and community involvement. Semi-finalists complete a Zoom interview.
full
Funding
€260k
Max
Nov 1, 2026
Deadline
full fundingQuestBridge
QuestBridge National College Match Scholarship
Open to high-achieving US high school seniors from low-income backgrounds who are US citizens, permanent residents, or students studying in the US regardless of citizenship. Competitive applicants typically earn mostly A's in challenging courses, rank in the top 5-10% of their class, and have strong standardised test results (SAT/PSAT above 1310 or ACT above 28), though each application is read in context. Applicants must demonstrate strong writing, intellectual curiosity and determination through essays and recommendations. Matched students must attend a partner college as a binding-early-decision commitment.
full
Funding
€185k
Max
Sep 26, 2026
Deadline
full fundingArgonne National Laboratory
Maria Goeppert Mayer Fellowship at Argonne National Laboratory
Open to early-career scientists and engineers of all nationalities who hold a PhD awarded within the last three years at the time of application, or who will complete the PhD before the fellowship start date. Research interests must align with Argonne's mission areas. U.S. citizenship is required for national-security-related projects (Detection of Imaging Signatures).
full
Funding
€130k
Max
Oct 1, 2026
Deadline
partial fundingBoustany Foundation / Harvard Business School
Boustany MBA Harvard Scholarship
Open to candidates of any nationality (priority to those of Lebanese descent) who have received an offer of admission to the Harvard MBA programme and have a strong academic background.
partial
Funding
€100k
Max
May 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingStanford University
Knight-Hennessy Scholars
Open to citizens of any country who earned their first/bachelor's degree within the last ~7 years (or will by the Stanford start) and who apply for and gain admission to a full-time Stanford graduate program. Selection seeks independence of thought, purposeful leadership, and a civic mindset.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
Oct 8, 2026
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the estimated annual costs for international students at National Park College?
+
The estimated annual cost for international students is approximately $21,000–$22,000, which includes tuition, fees, and housing.
Does National Park College offer pathways to bachelor's degrees?
+
Yes, National Park College has a partnership with the University of Arkansas Monticello that provides a direct pathway for students to pursue bachelor's degrees.
What are the English language proficiency requirements for international students?
+
International applicants are recommended to have a minimum TOEFL iBT score of 61 or an IELTS score of 5.5.
What is the admissions policy at National Park College?
+
National Park College practices open admissions, meaning there is no minimum GPA or test score required for most programs. Specific requirements for international students and visa support are available through the International Student office.
What scholarships are available for students?
+
NPC awards over $8 million in grants and scholarships annually. Specific scholarships include the President's Scholarship and Academic Achievement Scholarship, with varying amounts and requirements based on GPA and ACT scores. The NPC Foundation Scholarships are also available through the Scholarship Universe portal.
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