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UA - Pulaski Tech enrollment update shows 22.6% increase since Fall 2023

University of Arkansas Pulaski Technical College (UA-PTC) added 298 new students to its second 8-week term of the fall 2025 Semester. These students began their college classes on October 13.

The college began the fall 2025 semester with 4,825 students, a 7.7% enrollment increase over last fall. However, the additional new students increased UA-PTC’s fall headcount to 5,122, a 9.7% enrollment increase.

Overall, UA-PTC has seen a 22.6% growth in enrollment since Fall 2023.

UA-PTC received 6,117 admissions applications for Fall 2025. Of these, 4,525 (71%) completed the process and were accepted to register for classes.

“The addition of 8-week courses allows for a degree of flexibility in scheduling that is a game-changer for some UA – Pulaski Tech students,” said Chancellor Summer DeProw. “Many of our students hold down full-time jobs, so the more concentrated approach to earning college credit fits into their busy lives. We look forward to offering this option in the future.”

Of the 298 new students, the most frequently sought-after program was the Liberal Arts and Sciences Associate of Science. Students pursue this time-and-money-saving degree to gain versatile skills, explore career options, and prepare for transfer to a four-year university.

The second most sought-after program for second-8-week students was the Pre-healthcare Studies Technical Certificate. This is a short two-semester program that students pursue to build a strong academic foundation for entering nursing or allied health programs, gain essential healthcare knowledge, and improve their chances of admission into competitive medical fields.

“This fall’s enrollment surge is more than just numbers—it’s a reflection of how UA – Pulaski Tech is meeting students where they are,” said Vice Chancellor for Enrollment Management John Lewis. “The second-8-week term gives working adults and nontraditional students a powerful opportunity to start college mid-semester without missing a beat. We’re proud to offer flexible pathways and services that help Arkansans advance their careers and education.”

Approximately one-third of UA-PTC’s students enroll to earn technical certificates and degrees designed to facilitate direct entry into the workplace in fields such as nursing and advanced manufacturing. Two-thirds enroll in Associate of Arts or Associate of Science curricula designed to satisfy requirements of the first half of a four-year degree. These students may transfer to UA Little Rock, UA Fayetteville, or many other four-year institutions in Arkansas. Specifically, UA-PTC graduates who transfer to UA Fayetteville or UA Little Rock pay the same tuition as UA-PTC, which yields substantial savings for students.

UA - Pulaski Tech’s enrollment includes students attending the college’s Main Campus in North Little Rock, Little Rock-South on Interstate 30, Aerospace Technology Center near the North Little Rock Airport, Business and Industry Center near the Little Rock Airport, online classes, and high school students taking concurrent college classes.