- 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 (2026-27)
- 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
School Motto
I Think, Therefore I Am
Student Body
The student population of Shorter College has grown by 28% 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 93% over five years.
Total Enrollment
287 students
1,308 students
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
22:1
# Full-Time Students
270 students
440 students
# Part-Time Students
17 students
845 students
# Enrollment Undergraduate
287 students
1,308 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 & Financial Aid
% 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
How to Judge Community College AI Skills Training
Learn how to evaluate whether community college AI training delivers skills employers recognize by checking curriculum, projects, credentials, faculty, partnerships, job postings, assessments, and graduate outcomes before enrolling.
International or Undocumented Student? Check 5 Policies
International and undocumented community college applicants face different rules. Before applying, verify admission eligibility, tuition classification, financial aid, employment restrictions, and transfer requirements to avoid costly surprises later on campus.
Should You Accept Your Math Placement or Challenge It?
Learn when to accept your community college math placement, when to challenge it, and how transcripts, test scores, major requirements, and academic readiness can guide your decision confidently.
