Shorter College

Shorter College is a private, nonprofit, faith-based two-year college in North Little Rock and one of the nation’s historically Black colleges and universities. Its official degree directory lists associate-level options in child development, criminal justice, Christian leadership, entrepreneurship and business analytics, computer science, and general studies. This can be a practical starting point for students who want an associate degree, a transfer foundation, or a local college experience. Before choosing a program, ask whether the courses you need will run in the term you plan to attend and how your completed credits will transfer to a bachelor’s institution. The college’s degree and program directory links to the individual pathways and catalog.

Admission is open enrollment, with documents still required

Shorter describes its associate-degree admission as open enrollment for people with a high-school diploma or GED from an accredited agency. There is no application fee on the current admissions page. Applicants still need to complete the correct online application and submit the required records; the checklist includes official school transcripts and immunization documentation. Transfer students should request a review of each prior course rather than assume every credit will count toward the degree. Start at the college’s admissions page and use the linked application for your student type.

Map out tuition, federal aid and local scholarships

For 2026–27, Shorter lists full-time tuition of $3,600 per semester for 12–18 credits plus $2,000 in institutional fees, or $5,600 in tuition and fees before housing, food, and personal expenses. Part-time tuition is $300 per credit, and required books and course materials are included in the institutional fees. Students must be admitted as degree-seeking before qualifying for federal aid. File the FAFSA early and ask Financial Aid to calculate the budget that fits where you will live; Pell Grants, limited FSEOG funds, and work-study are among the options described by the college.

Arkansas residents can also check the state Academic Challenge Scholarship and Arkansas Higher Education Opportunities Grant; those applications use the state’s YOUniversal system and have their own eligibility rules. Shorter’s Bennie Smith Scholarship is listed as four awards of $750 per year, awarded in the second semester. It prioritizes Pulaski County residents and requires at least a 2.0 GPA, good citizenship, and demonstrated initiative. These awards are limited and not guaranteed. Confirm that the award is currently funded, when to apply, and what costs remain with the college’s 2026–27 financial-aid and cost page.

North Little Rock campus and what students report

The main campus is at 604 N. Locust Street, North Little Rock, AR 72114. The main phone is (501) 374-6305 and the college lists info@shortercollege.edu for general questions. The public campus listing shows an 8 a.m. Monday opening but not a full week of visitor hours, so call before traveling to meet Admissions, Financial Aid, or a program director. Shorter describes this as its North Little Rock campus; confirm the place and schedule of any off-campus or employer-sponsored activity with the relevant program.

Public comments are limited but include a graduate who says staff answered questions and explained the steps needed to complete an associate degree. One commenter describes a mixed experience in a CNA course, so a prospective student should verify whether that particular training is currently offered and ask directly about clinical supervision, course scheduling, and exam preparation. More generally, ask for the transfer pathway in writing, the total bill for your living arrangement, tutoring availability, and the staff contact responsible for keeping your enrollment file complete. Read the available public student comments about Shorter.