- Shorter College is a private, historically black, liberal arts junior college in North Little Rock, Arkansas. It is the only private historically black junior college in the United States.
School Highlights
Shorter College serves 287 students (94% of students are full-time).
The college's student-teacher ratio of 11:1 is lower than the state community college average of 22:1.
Minority enrollment is 74% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the state average of 38%.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Enrollment: 287 students
- Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
- Minority enrollment: 74%
- Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS)
Top Rankings
Shorter College ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Arkansas for:
Category
Attribute
School Resources
School Overview
The teacher population of 27 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five years.
Shorter College
(AR) Community College Avg.
Carnegie Classification
Associate's Colleges: High Transfer-High Traditional
Associate's Colleges
Institution Level
At least 2 but less than 4 years
At least 2 but less than 4 years
Institution Control
Private not-for-profit
Public
Total Faculty
27 staff
61 staff
School Calendar
Student Body
The student population of Shorter College has declined by 29% over five years.
The student-teacher ratio of 11:1 has stayed the same over five years.
The Shorter College diversity score of 0.46 is more than the state average of 0.00. The school's diversity has grown by 18% over five years.
Total Enrollment
287 students
1,285 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
22:1
# Full-Time Students
270 students
440 students
# Part-Time Students
17 students
845 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
190 students
544 students
# Full-Time Undergraduate Students
270 students
440 students
# Part-Time Undergraduate Students
17 students
845 students
% American Indian/Alaskan
2%
1%
% Hispanic
2%
12%
% Black
69%
17%
% White
26%
62%
% Two or more races
1%
4%
Diversity Score
0.46
0.00
College Completion Rate (Students who graduate in less than 4 years)
11%
38%
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
% Students Receiving Some Financial Aid
100%
92%
Median Debt for Graduates
$24,493
$9,673
Median Debt for Dropouts
$9,500
$5,300
Source: 2025 (or latest year available) Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) , School Administrators
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shorter College's ranking?
Shorter College ranks among the top 20% of community college in Arkansas for: Average community college minority breakdown and Percent of students receiving financial aid.
Recent Articles
As Four-Year Colleges Enter Short-Term Training, Should You Still Choose a Community College?
As universities expand short-term workforce certificates, learn how community colleges compare on cost, flexibility, employer partnerships, and career outcomes.
What New Federal Aid Rules Mean for Short-Term Training Choices
Learn how new federal financial aid rules affect short-term workforce training programs and what prospective community college students should consider before enrolling.
Childcare, Transportation, and Food Support: Services That Drive Community College Completion
Learn how childcare, transportation, food assistance, and other basic needs services help community college students stay enrolled and graduate.
