What Verdica's 767 score means for Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas earned a composite score of 767 out of 850, placing it squarely in the "strong" band (740–799). This score reflects consistent, above-average institutional health across the three regulatory dimensions Verdica measures: accreditation status, student outcomes, and Title IV compliance.
A score in this range signals that the institution is operating in substantial compliance with federal and regional requirements and is meeting reasonable benchmarks for student completion and program quality. It does not indicate perfection—there is still room for improvement, particularly in student outcomes—but it does mean that prospective students, employers, and business partners can reasonably expect the institution to honor its commitments and operate within regulatory guardrails.
Readers should interpret this as a credible, low-risk education provider. The score is high enough that routine regulatory action is unlikely, but not so exceptional that every metric is exemplary. For someone evaluating whether to enroll, hire graduates, or establish a partnership, this score warrants cautious confidence: proceed with due diligence, but not with heightened concern.
How the sub-scores break down
Accreditation: 845 / 850. This near-maximum score indicates that Phillips Community College holds valid accreditation status with its regional or national accrediting body and is in compliance with accreditation standards. In the education sector, accreditation is the primary seal of institutional legitimacy; colleges without it cannot disburse federal financial aid and have severely limited operating authority. A score this high means the institution has met rigorous peer review and is not under sanction or probation.
Student Outcomes: 630 / 850. This is the institution's weakest dimension, falling into the "elevated" risk band (580–669). Student outcomes typically measure completion rates, transfer success, employment placement, and credential attainment. A score here suggests that while the college is graduating and placing students, performance in these areas is below the composite average and lags peer institutions. This is a flag to ask specific questions: What are the graduation rates by program? How many students complete within expected timeframes? Where do graduates end up?
Compliance: 835 / 850. This strong sub-score reflects adherence to Title IV federal student aid regulations and IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System) reporting accuracy. The college is meeting its obligations to track and report student loan default rates, enrollment data, and financial information correctly. A score this high means there are no material discrepancies or unresolved Title IV issues that would threaten aid availability or trigger federal enforcement action.
What regulators in AR track for education providers
Arkansas education providers are overseen by multiple regulators. The Higher Learning Commission (HLC) or other regional accrediting bodies conduct peer review every seven to ten years and can place institutions on probation, issue warnings, or revoke accreditation if serious deficiencies emerge—such as financial instability, governance failures, or systematic failure to deliver promised educational quality.
Title IV compliance monitoring focuses on student loan default rates, cash management, and accurate reporting. Institutions with cohort default rates above 30% face sanctions; those exceeding 40% lose Title IV eligibility entirely. IPEDS data submissions verify enrollment, completion, costs, and outcomes; errors or omissions can trigger audits and fines.
Student outcome metrics—tracked through IPEDS and accreditation reviews—flag institutions where fewer than 50% of students complete within 150% of program length or where employment placement rates fall below sector averages. These measures do not determine federal eligibility but do inform accreditation decisions and public perception.
Bottom line
Phillips Community College of the University of Arkansas is a strong, low-risk provider with solid compliance and accreditation standing, but with room for improvement in student completion and outcomes. Anyone considering enrollment or partnership should request detailed data on graduation rates, program-specific placement data, and cost-to-completion metrics to assess whether outcomes align with their specific needs.