Cowley is a community college and a vocational/technical school. It prepares students to transfer to a four-year program or to enter the workforce with a two-year job-ready degree. In 1922 the Arkansas City Junior College was established. But in 1965 its name was changed to Cowley County College and Vocational-Technical School to reflect its position of the community college for Cowley County. Today the College has expanded to seven educational centers spanning three counties.

The college provides accessible curricula in an environment that promotes individual growth and personal enrichment. It facilitates academic growth and the development of life skills.

The goal of the College is to foster development of the community through public service programs and partnerships with business and industry. It also secures financial support from various resources and maintains a financially stable institution.

Cowley College emphasizes a sense of fairness, citizenship, and tolerance for the views of others.
It is dedicated to the continual pursuit of excellence by embracing its Core Values, the fundamental principles that guide its actions.

The College allows students to receive a quality education and it also provides students the opportunity to take an active role in their success.

Cowley College is excited about being a partner in student's success, and will give him the foundation to grow. It has a quality group of advisers and talented instructors who are dedicated to helping students achieve their academic objectives.

The College has a variety of technical programs to choose from, and the instructors bring years of experience in the industry to the classroom and lab. At Cowley College, the real world enters the classroom, and students are taught skills necessary to be competitive in today’s workforce.