Minnesota State Community and Technical College (M State) has secured its position among the top 200 community colleges in the United States for the ninth consecutive time. This recognition qualifies the institution to compete for the prestigious $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, which is considered the highest honor for two-year colleges in the nation. The award, administered by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, evaluates colleges based on various student outcome metrics such as retention, completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates.
Commitment to Student Success Recognized
This is the ninth cycle of the Aspen Prize, which began in 2010. M State stands out as one of only two colleges in Minnesota to have been recognized in all nine award cycles. M State President Carrie Brimhall expressed pride in this achievement, stating, “This recognition is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our leadership, faculty and staff to student success. Being named among the top community colleges in the nation – every cycle since this prize began – is a reflection of our mission to empower students and strengthen communities through high-quality, affordable education.”
This year marks a notable change, as the number of eligible colleges increased from 150 to 200. The institutions represent diverse backgrounds, serving urban, rural, and suburban populations across the country. They range in size from a few hundred to tens of thousands of enrolled students. Some colleges focus primarily on workforce development, while others emphasize degree attainment and university transfers. M State combines all three areas to enhance student outcomes.
Aspen Prize Highlights Impactful Education
The Aspen Prize aims to highlight colleges that deliver significant outcomes that matter to students, such as completing degree programs that lead to lifelong success. According to Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, “Aspen Prize winners offer a powerful message: Community colleges can deliver the kind of life-changing education that makes the American dream real.”
As a recognized institution, M State will undergo a meticulous review process leading to the announcement of the Aspen Prize winner in spring 2027. The top 10 finalists will be revealed in June 2026, allowing for a comprehensive evaluation of student success across the eligible colleges. A full list of the institutions competing for the Aspen Prize can be found at highered.aspeninstitute.org/aspen-prize.
The Aspen Institute, a global nonprofit organization founded in 1949, is dedicated to igniting human potential and addressing society’s greatest challenges. Based in Washington, D.C., with a campus in Aspen, Colorado, the institute collaborates with an international network of partners to promote dialogue, leadership, and actionable solutions.
Through the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, the organization seeks to strengthen higher education leadership and practices that ultimately improve student outcomes. The goal is to enhance economic mobility and develop talent for the benefit of individuals and society as a whole.
