NorthWest Arkansas Community College

As a new credit student, NWACC's enrollment steps are designed to align with your academic experience and goals. View the student descriptions below to see which best describes you and your goals at NWACC and then follow the enrollment steps provided.

Questions? Email (479) 986-4000 | Text (479) 309-5532

Student Descriptions & Enrollment Steps

First Time Student

First Time Student: You have already earned your high school diploma or GED and have not attended college since graduating high school.

Enrollment Steps

1. Complete the Online Application . NWACC has an admission policy that allows you to apply year-round however, it is best to apply early to get the best choices for classes (nwacc.edu/apply).
2. Activate Your My NWACC Student Account. Once you have been accepted to NWACC, you will receive an email with your NWACC username and required next steps.
3. Complete Orientation . NWACC's online orientation sets you up for success! It's your first step to register for classes, and it's mandatory for all first-time college students. You will sign up for orientation by completing your onboarding task that is located in your Workday account.
4. Explore and Finalize Your Plan for Payment (As Applicable)
   • Apply for Financial Aid. Complete your FAFSA and include NWACC’s code 030633 to begin the process (nwacc.edu/enrollment/financialaid/receivingfinaid).
     • If needed, check with Enrollment Services for the status of your Financial Aid.
   • Payment Plan Options. Once you have registered for classes, you may log in to your Workday account via My NWACC to set up a payment plan.
   • Apply for Scholarships. Apply for NWACC’s internal scholarships (nwacc.edu/scholarships) and outside scholarships
5. Complete Your Onboarding Tasks in Workday. Onboarding tasks will include submitting admissions documents, providing your emergency contact, verifying your personal information, and completing other required tasks.
   • Use the Help Guides for Students to assist with completing your onboarding tasks.
6. Submit Required Documentation via Workday
   • Placement Test Scores. The complete set of ACT, SAT, Accuplacer Classic, Accuplacer Next Generation and/or GED College Ready scores of 165+.
     • All students who have not yet completed a college level math course and whose ACT Math score of 17 or below, are encouraged to take the math portion of the Accuplacer.
     • Students testing below 19 on the Reading and/or Writing portions of the ACT are encouraged to retake the Accuplacer test to see if their score has changed or can be improved.
     • If you need to take the Accuplacer exam, visit the NWACC Testing Center (nwacc.edu/testingcenter).
       • There may be a testing fee prior to taking the exam
     • High School Completion Documentation . As a first-time college student at NWACC, you are required to provide acceptable proof of high school completion.
       • For Arkansas graduates, NWACC will attempt to retrieve your final high school transcript from a state-wide database.
     • Proof of 2 Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Immunizations. All students are required to submit acceptable proof of two doses of MMR vaccine, an approved Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) immunization exemption, or birth prior to 1957.
       • For Arkansas residents, NWACC will attempt to retrieve immunization records from a state-wide database.
     • Additional action items may be present in your Workday inbox that need to be completed.
     • You can view more details and provide your documents by reviewing and completing the action items located in your Workday inbox.

1. Complete Prior to the Start of the Semester:
   • Obtain your student ID and parking hangtag at two convenient locations.
     • NWACC Benton County: Becky Paneitz Student Center, Student Information Center, 1st Floor
     • NWACC Washington County: Lobby, 1st Floor
   • Purchase your textbooks and supplies. The NWACC Bookstore is located at NWACC Benton County on the 1st floor of the Becky Paneitz Student Center. Books may also be ordered online as well.
   • Check your official NWACC email regularly. Your official NWACC email account can be accessed via your My NWACC student portal (nwacc.edu).

High School Concurrent Student

High School Concurrent Student: You are currently in high school (9th-12th grade) and will not have graduated prior to starting college classes. Your goal is to take college classes concurrently with your high school courses.

Enrollment Steps

1. Meet with High School Counselor/Home School Counselor. Discuss and review your high school transcript and discuss the courses you would like to take at NWACC.
2. Complete the Online Application . NWACC has an admission policy that allows you to apply year-round however, it is best to apply early to get the best choices for classes (nwacc.edu/apply).
3. Activate Your My NWACC Student Account. Once you have been accepted to NWACC, you will receive an email with your NWACC username and required next steps.
4. Complete Your Onboarding Tasks in Workday. Onboarding tasks will include submitting admissions documents, providing your emergency contact, authorizing other persons access to your student information (parent/legal guardian), and completing other required tasks.
   • Use the Help Guides for Students to assist with completing your onboarding tasks.
5. Submit Required Documentation via Workday
   • College Level Placement Test Scores. The complete set of ACT, SAT or Accuplacer Classic, Accuplacer Next Generation and/or 9 th or 10 th ACT Aspire.
     • College level placement test scores must be achieved in the subject area(s) in which you would like to take a class.
   • Proof of 2 Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Immunizations. All students are required to submit acceptable proof of two doses of MMR vaccine, an approved Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) immunization exemption, or birth prior to 1957.
     • For Arkansas residents, NWACC will attempt to retrieve immunization records from a state-wide database.
   • Additional action items may be present in your Workday inbox that need to be completed.
   • You can view more details and provide your documents by reviewing and completing the action items located in your Workday inbox.
6. Complete Additional Tasks. Depending on where and how you plan to complete courses, there may be additional that need to be completed. Review the High School Concurrent webpage (nwacc.edu/highschool) for possible next steps.

International Student

International Student: You have been, or will be, admitted into the United States with a visa or special permit to take college classes and are not a United States permanent resident or citizen.

Enrollment Steps

1. Complete the Online Application . NWACC has an admission policy that allows you to apply year-round however, it is best to apply early to get the best choices for classes (nwacc.edu/apply).
2. Activate Your My NWACC Student Account. Once you have been accepted to NWACC, you will receive an email with your NWACC username and required next steps.
3. Complete Your Onboarding Tasks in Workday. Onboarding tasks will include submitting admissions documents, providing your emergency contact, verifying your personal information, and completing other required tasks.
   • Use the Help Guides for Students to assist with completing your onboarding tasks.
4. Submit Required Documentation via Workday
   • Proof of 2 Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Immunizations. All students are required to submit acceptable proof of two doses of MMR vaccine, an approved Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) immunization exemption, or birth prior to 1957.
     • For Arkansas residents, NWACC will attempt to retrieve immunization records from a state-wide database.
   • Additional action items may be present in your Workday inbox that need to be completed.
   • You can view more details and provide your documents by reviewing and completing the action items located in your Workday inbox.
5. Complete Additional Tasks. Depending on the visa or permit that you will have, additional tasks that need to be completed may vary. Review the International Student webpage (nwacc.edu/internationalstudents) for required next steps and documentation.

Returning Student

Returning Student: You have attended NWACC before but have skipped one academic period/semester. Welcome back!

Enrollment Steps

1. Complete the Online Application . NWACC has an admission policy that allows you to apply year-round however, it is best to apply early to get the best choices for classes (nwacc.edu/apply).
2. Activate Your My NWACC Student Account. Once you have been accepted to NWACC, you will receive an email with your NWACC username and required next steps.
3. Explore and Finalize Your Plan for Payment (As Applicable)
   • Apply for Financial Aid. Complete your FAFSA and include NWACC’s code 030633 to begin the process (nwacc.edu/enrollment/financialaid/receivingfinaid).
     • If needed, check with Enrollment Services for the status of your Financial Aid.
   • Payment Plan Options. Once you have registered for classes, you may log in to your Workday account via My NWACC to set up a payment plan.
   • Apply for Scholarships. Apply for NWACC’s internal scholarships (nwacc.edu/scholarships) and outside scholarships
4. Complete Your Onboarding Tasks in Workday. Onboarding tasks will include submitting admissions documents, providing your emergency contact, verifying your personal information, and completing other required tasks.
   • Use the Help Guides for Students to assist with completing your onboarding tasks.
5. Submit Required Documentation via Workday
   • Proof of 2 Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Immunizations (As Applicable). All students are required to submit acceptable proof of two doses of MMR vaccine, an approved Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) immunization exemption, or birth prior to 1957.
     • For Arkansas residents, NWACC will attempt to retrieve immunization records from a state-wide database.
   • Additional action items may be present in your Workday inbox that need to be completed.
   • You can view more details and provide your documents by reviewing and completing the action items located in your Workday inbox.
6. Schedule an Advising Appointment . We strongly recommend meeting with an advisor and register for classes (nwacc.edu/Advising).
7. Register for Classes . Register online in Workday via My NWACC or on campus to complete your certificate or degree.
8. Complete Prior to the Start of the Semester:
   • Obtain your student ID and parking hangtag at two convenient locations.
     • NWACC Benton County: Becky Paneitz Student Center, Student Information Center, 1st Floor
     • NWACC Washington County: Lobby, 1st Floor
   • Purchase your textbooks and supplies. The NWACC Bookstore is located at NWACC Benton County on the 1st floor of the Becky Paneitz Student Center. Books may also be ordered online as well.
   • Check your official NWACC email regularly. Your official NWACC email account can be accessed via your My NWACC student portal (nwacc.edu).

Specially Admitted Student

Specially Admitted Student: You are beyond high school compulsory age (18 years old of age or older) and have not earned your high school diploma or GED but are looking to earn college credit.

Enrollment Steps

1. Complete the Online Application . NWACC has an admission policy that allows you to apply year-round however, it is best to apply early to get the best choices for classes (nwacc.edu/apply).
2. Activate Your My NWACC Student Account. Once you have been accepted to NWACC, you will receive an email with your NWACC username and required next steps.
3. Explore and Finalize Your Plan for Payment (As Applicable)
   • Payment Plan Options. Once you have registered for classes, you may log in to your Workday account via My NWACC to set up a payment plan.
   • Apply for Scholarships. Apply for NWACC’s internal scholarships (nwacc.edu/scholarships) and outside scholarships
4. Complete Your Onboarding Tasks in Workday. Onboarding tasks will include submitting admissions documents, providing your emergency contact, verifying your personal information, and completing other required tasks.
   • Use the Help Guides for Students to assist with completing your onboarding tasks.
5. Submit Required Documentation via Workday
   • Proof of 2 Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Immunizations. All students are required to submit acceptable proof of two doses of MMR vaccine, an approved Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) immunization exemption, or birth prior to 1957.
     • For Arkansas residents, NWACC will attempt to retrieve immunization records from a state-wide database.
   • Additional action items may be present in your Workday inbox that need to be completed.
   • You can view more details and provide your documents by reviewing and completing the action items located in your Workday inbox.
6. Schedule an Advising Appointment . You are required to meet with an advisor each academic period in order to register for classes (nwacc.edu/Advising).
7. Register for Classes . Register online in Workday via My NWACC or on campus to complete your certificate or degree.
8. Complete Prior to the Start of the Semester:
   • Obtain your student ID and parking hangtag at two convenient locations.
     • NWACC Benton County: Becky Paneitz Student Center, Student Information Center, 1st Floor
     • NWACC Washington County: Lobby, 1st Floor
   • Purchase your textbooks and supplies. The NWACC Bookstore is located at NWACC Benton County on the 1st floor of the Becky Paneitz Student Center. Books may also be ordered online as well.
   • Check your official NWACC email regularly. Your official NWACC email account can be accessed via your My NWACC student portal (nwacc.edu).

NOTE: Specially Admitted students have the following restrictions applied:

• You may enroll for classes until you have completed 12 credit hours.
• After the 12 credit hours have been completed, you must submit proof that you have received a high school diploma or GED in order to continue enrollment at NWACC. Re-enrollment will not be permitted until documentation is submitted.
• By being admitted under "special" admissions, you must maintain a 2.0 GPA to continue enrollment at NWACC.
• You will not be eligible to participate in federally funded financial aid programs.
• You can be enrolled in a GED program and be a special admission student at the same time, as long as it isn't the same course. (For example, you cannot study mathematics at Adult Education and be enrolled in mathematics as a special admission student.)

Transfer Student

Transfer Student: You have previous college credit and are interested in transferring to NWACC. Courses taken concurrently with high school courses do not count as previously attending college.

Enrollment Steps

1. Complete the Online Application . NWACC has an admission policy that allows you to apply year-round however, it is best to apply early to get the best choices for classes. (nwacc.edu/apply)
2. Activate Your My NWACC Student Account. Once you have been accepted to NWACC, you will receive an email with your NWACC username and required next steps.
3. Explore and Finalize Your Plan for Payment (As Applicable)
   • Apply for Financial Aid. Complete your FAFSA and include NWACC’s code 030633 to begin the process (nwacc.edu/enrollment/financialaid/receivingfinaid).
     • If needed, check with Enrollment Services for the status of your Financial Aid.
   • Payment Plan Options. Once you have registered for classes, you may log in to your Workday account via My NWACC to set up a payment plan.
   • Apply for Scholarships. Apply for NWACC’s internal scholarships (nwacc.edu/scholarships) and outside scholarships
4. Complete Your Onboarding Tasks in Workday. Onboarding tasks will include submitting admissions documents, providing your emergency contact, verifying your personal information, and completing other required tasks.
   • Use the Help Guides for Students to assist with completing your onboarding tasks.
5. Submit Required Documentation via Workday
   • Proof of 2 Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Immunizations. All students are required to submit acceptable proof of two doses of MMR vaccine, an approved Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) immunization exemption, or birth prior to 1957.
     • For Arkansas residents, NWACC will attempt to retrieve immunization records from a state-wide database.
   • Official College Transcript . From previous institutions to determine which courses will transfer to NWACC.
     • Unofficial college transcripts may be used for prerequisite purposes and advising
   • Additional action items may be present in your Workday inbox that need to be completed.
   • You can view more details and provide your documents by reviewing and completing the action items located in your Workday inbox.
6. Schedule an Advising Appointment . We strongly recommend meeting with an advisor and register for classes. (nwacc.edu/Advising)
7. Register for Classes . Register online in Workday via My NWACC or on campus to complete your certificate or degree.
8. Complete Prior to the Start of the Semester:
   • Obtain your student ID and parking hangtag at two convenient locations.
     • NWACC Benton County: Becky Paneitz Student Center, Student Information Center, 1st Floor
     • NWACC Washington County: Lobby, 1st Floor
   • Purchase your textbooks and supplies. The NWACC Bookstore is located at NWACC Benton County on the 1st floor of the Becky Paneitz Student Center. Books may also be ordered online as well.
   • Check your official NWACC email regularly. Your official NWACC email account can be accessed via your My NWACC student portal (nwacc.edu).

NOTE: Guidelines for transfer credit:

• NWACC only accepts credits from institutions of higher education that have been accredited by one of the following regional intuitional accrediting organizations: MSA, NWCCU, NCA-HLC, NEASC-CIHE, NEASC-CTCI, SACS, WASC-ACCJC, WASC-ACSCU and WASC-JR.
  • Check with your transfer institution regarding accreditation.

  Visiting Student

  Visiting Student: You are enrolled at another college, but looking to enroll in a class that can be transferred back to your home college and not receive financial aid.

  Enrollment Steps

  1. Complete the Online Application . NWACC has an admission policy that allows you to apply year-round however, it is best to apply early to get the best choices for classes (nwacc.edu/apply).
  2. Activate Your My NWACC Student Account. Once you have been accepted to NWACC, you will receive an email with your NWACC username and required next steps.
  3. Explore and Finalize Your Plan for Payment (As Applicable)
     • Payment Plan Options. Once you have registered for classes, you may log in to your Workday account via My NWACC to set up a payment plan.
     • Apply for Scholarships. Apply for NWACC’s internal scholarships (nwacc.edu/scholarships) and outside scholarships
  4. Complete Your Onboarding Tasks in Workday. Onboarding tasks will include submitting admissions documents, providing your emergency contact, verifying your personal information, and completing other required tasks.
     • Use the Help Guides for Students to assist with completing your onboarding tasks.
  5. Submit Required Documentation via Workday
     • Proof of 2 Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) Immunizations. All students are required to submit acceptable proof of two doses of MMR vaccine, an approved Arkansas Department of Health (ADH) immunization exemption, or birth prior to 1957.
       • For Arkansas residents, NWACC will attempt to retrieve immunization records from a state-wide database.
     • Additional action items may be present in your Workday inbox that need to be completed.
     • You can view more details and provide your documents by reviewing and completing the action items located in your Workday inbox.
  6. Schedule an Advising Appointment . We strongly recommend meeting with an advisor and register for classes (nwacc.edu/Advising).
  7. Register for Classes . Register online in Workday via My NWACC or on campus to complete your certificate or degree.
  8. Complete Prior to the Start of the Semester:
     • Obtain your student ID and parking hangtag at two convenient locations.
       • NWACC Benton County: Becky Paneitz Student Center, Student Information Center, 1st Floor
       • NWACC Washington County: Lobby, 1st Floor
     • Purchase your textbooks and supplies. The NWACC Bookstore is located at NWACC Benton County on the 1st floor of the Becky Paneitz Student Center. Books may also be ordered online as well.
     • Check your official NWACC email regularly. Your official NWACC email account can be accessed via your My NWACC student portal (nwacc.edu).

  NOTE: Visiting Students have the following restrictions applied:

  • You will be classified as 'non-degree seeking'.
  • You will not be eligible to participate in federally funded financial aid programs.
  • If you are admitted under the visiting student classification and decide to seek a full degree at NWACC, you will need to reapply and complete the requirements for a transfer student before applying for graduation.