Public
Accredited · Higher Learning Commission
Helena, Arkansas
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas — Admission Snapshot 2026
A complete at-a-glance picture of every metric that matters for your 2026 application
$11,778Annual Cost
$29,552Grad Salary
35.9%Pell Grant
Selectivity
Open Enrollment
Institution Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission
SAT Middle 50%
-40–30
Avg Net Price
$5,420
Need-Based Aid
35.9% receive Pell
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas is a comprehensive public institution that provides vital academic and technical training to residents of the Arkansas Delta. It offers a variety of associate degrees and workforce certifications designed to meet the diverse needs of the regional economy, with a strong emphasis on student support and success. By providing affordable, high-quality instruction and bridging the gap to four-year degree programs, the college serves as an essential engine for economic mobility and community growth in the region.
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas Acceptance Rate
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas (PCCUA) maintains an inclusive admission policy. With an acceptance rate of 100%, the institution prioritizes accessibility and opportunity for all qualified students.
Admissions Guidelines
- Inclusive Enrollment: Emphasis is placed on meeting basic eligibility and high school completion.
- Launchpad Policy: Ideal for students looking to build a GPA for future transfer or career certification.
Selectivity at a Glance
Open Enrollment
Selectivity scale: Open Enrollment — rate not reported
Most Selective (0%)Open Enrollment (100%)
If your GPA is slightly below the institutional average, you can remain competitive by scoring well on standardized tests and showcasing leadership in co-curricular activities.
Data verified via IPEDS, College Scorecard (Nov 2025) and the Common Data Set (CDS). Expert Review led by Sohaib Khan and Dr. Waseem.
Check Your Admission Chances at PCCUA
Admission Chance Predictor
Real-Time Sensitive Analysis — based on Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas's verified institutional data
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Calculating Profile...
Adjust the sliders to see how every decimal point affects your outcome.
Your SAT Score 1200
Your Unweighted GPA 3.00
⚠️ Note: Predicting based on regional averages as this institution does not publicly report full score datasets.
Calculated via College Portal's Human-Intelligence (HI) Methodology & Editorial Standards. Verified by Sohaib Ahmad Khan.
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas (PCCUA) Test Requirements
In this competitive environment, standardized scores are no longer elective; they serve as a critical standardized benchmark to validate high school GPA and course rigor. Applicants should aim for scores within or above the middle 50% range of the 2026 admitted class to remain viable in the Holistic Review process. At institutions that remain test-optional, submitting a high-percentile score is still the primary strategy for securing merit-based scholarships and distinguishing one's profile in a high-volume applicant pool.
Can I Get Into PCCUA Without SAT or ACT?
The admission test score (SAT/ACT) policy for Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas is unknown. But it is better to submit the test score if you have performed well in the test. It gives an extra opportunity to showcase your skills and competencies and hence will improve your chances of admission. Normally, students may appear in the test 4 to 5 times to improve their scores. But if your score is not up to the mark and is less than the national or state average, then it is better not to submit the score as it will impact negatively.
Your 2026 Admissions Roadmap for PCCUA
Inclusive Strategy: Success & Transfer
PCCUA provides an open gateway to higher education. Success here is about utilizing resources and planning your long-term academic or career trajectory.
Use PCCUA's unique UA-system tuition guarantee if Fayetteville is the eventual goal
PCCUA is the first community college in Arkansas and the first to join the University of Arkansas System - and a specific UA scholarship program lets students who earn an associate degree at PCCUA and then transfer to UA Fayetteville continue paying PCCUA's basic credit-hour tuition rate while working toward their bachelor's degree. A student aiming for a UA Fayetteville bachelor's degree should deliberately start at PCCUA and complete the full associate degree (not just transferable gen-eds) specifically to lock in this tuition-rate continuation, then confirm current enrollment steps with a transfer advisor before their final PCCUA semester.
Use ACCUPLACER results for placement strategy, not as an admission gate
PCCUA is open-admission, and ACT/Accuplacer scores are used only for course placement, not for the admission decision itself - meaning a weak placement score doesn't block enrollment, but it does determine whether a student starts in credit-bearing or developmental coursework. Students should prepare for the Accuplacer with basic review specifically to avoid unnecessary developmental placement (which adds time and cost to a degree) rather than treating the test casually since "admission is guaranteed anyway."
Pick your campus deliberately - Helena-West Helena, DeWitt, and Stuttgart aren't interchangeable
PCCUA operates three physical campuses across eastern Arkansas (Helena-West Helena, DeWitt, Stuttgart) plus online options, and program availability can differ by location. A student interested in a specific technical or Allied Health program should confirm which campus actually offers that program in-person before assuming any PCCUA location works, and should request the program-specific application directly from that department (Allied Health programs require their own separate application, distinct from general college admission).
Confirm the MMR immunization requirement early - it's an Arkansas state law, not a college policy
Arkansas state law requires all students born on or after January 1, 1957 to provide documented proof of two MMR vaccinations before enrolling - this is a legal requirement PCCUA cannot waive, not an optional college health form. Students should request their immunization records from their prior school or physician as soon as they decide to apply, since this document often takes longer to obtain than any other admission requirement and can delay registration if requested at the last minute.
Expert Insight:
Because PCCUA has 100% open admission and no application fee, students sometimes treat the whole process as effectively paperwork-free - but Allied Health programs (including Nursing, one of PCCUA's most-enrolled fields) require a separate departmental application on top of general admission, and the state-mandated MMR immunization proof is a hard legal gate that has nothing to do with academic readiness. Assuming "open admission" means "no real requirements" is the most common way a student's enrollment gets delayed here.
PCCUA Profile
Full Name
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas (PCCUA)
City
Helena
State
Arkansas
ZIP Code
72342-0785
Type
Public
Campus
Main Campus
Official Website
Accredited By
Higher Learning Commission (NCACHE)
Is a PCCUA Degree Worth It?
Getting into PCCUA can be a great opportunity for many students. It is a prestigious institution known for its strong programs. However, whether it is worth it depends on your personal and academic goals, as well as your financial situation. PCCUA offers a rigorous academic environment and access to cutting-edge research, but it may not be the best fit for everyone. It's important to consider factors such as cost, location, and specific academic programs when making this decision.
Please note that the average household income of the admitted students at PCCUA is $34,900 and the graduate unemployment rate is 4.91%.
How much does a degree from PCCUA Cost?
The average annual cost of the degree at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas is $11,778. As most of the students receive Pell Grants and Federal Grants the average annual net price a student has to pay at Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas is $5,420.
35.9% of the students are receiving Pell Grant and percent are receiving Federal Grants. So it is a better choice to go to PCCUA and apply for PELL or federal loan grants.
At Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas, you will have no problem receiving any scholarship from the federal government. Fill in the FAFSA application form at the earliest and enlist PCCUA as your choice in the form.
How much does a PCCUA Graduate earn?
The average annual salary of the graduate after 4–6 years of graduation is $29,552. An average PCCUA graduate makes this much after 10 years of enrollment (4–6 years after graduation).
The average annual income of a graduate in the United States is $40,595.
Degree Programs at PCCUA
Associate Degree Programs
UG Certificate or Diploma Programs
Frequently Asked Questions About PCCUA Admissions
Graduates of this university typically earn a lower salary, $29,552 annually, especially in non-technical fields.
The tuition fee at this university is relatively low, around $11,778 per year, making it more affordable for many students.
35.9% of students receive a Pell Grant at this institution. Your chances of need-based aid are moderate and depend primarily on your household income. Filing FAFSA early significantly improves your chances of receiving the maximum available grant amount.
Yes, many students successfully transfer each year. Be prepared with your academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and a solid personal statement to make your application competitive.
To improve your chances, focus on excelling academically, building a strong extracurricular profile, and submitting standout essays. High SAT/ACT scores are also crucial for competitive admissions.