WEST BURLINGTON, Iowa - Southeastern Community College (SCC) has been named an Aspen Prize Top 200 U.S. Community College by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, becoming eligible to compete for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence and $1 million in shared Prize funds. With more than 1,000 community colleges nationwide, this recognition places SCC among a select group of institutions demonstrating strong and improving student outcomes.
The Aspen Prize is the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among community colleges. Eligibility is based on outcomes in student learning, degree completion, workforce success, and equitable access for all students, including those from underrepresented backgrounds. Selection to the Top 200 indicates that SCC is outperforming national trends in key areas of student success, a core requirement of the Aspen Institute’s data-informed evaluation model.
“This recognition affirms the hard work of our faculty, staff, and community partners,” said SCC President Dr. Michael Ash. “Being named an Aspen Prize Top 200 U.S. Community College reinforces that our focus on improving student outcomes is making a real difference. We’ve made it our mission to meet students where they are and help them build a future they’re proud of.”
Over the past five years, SCC has advanced a set of comprehensive student success initiatives, including investments in facilities and instructional equipment, expanded student support services, and stronger partnerships with area K–12 schools, community organizations, and regional employers. Together, these efforts have created clearer program pathways and more consistent support so students can stay on track, perform well in the classroom, and complete on time with the skills they need for what comes next.
One concrete example of SCC’s progress is completion. Between 2018 and 2023, SCC increased its three-year graduation rate for predominantly full-time students by 10 percentage points, rising from 40% to 50%. Nationally, graduation rates at public two-year institutions are substantially lower. The National Center for Education Statistics reports that among first-time, full-time students who began at two-year institutions, about 34% completed a credential within 150% time. In that context, SCC graduates students at a rate nearly 50% higher than the national average, underscoring the level of improvement that contributed to SCC’s recognition.
“Being named to the Aspen Prize Top 200 reflects years of intentional improvement,” Ash added. “I’ve always said that we may never be the biggest community college in Iowa, but there’s nothing stopping us from being the best.”
The 200 eligible colleges have been invited to apply for the 2027 Aspen Prize, which will be awarded in spring 2027.
About the Aspen Prize
The Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence recognizes community colleges with
strong and improving student outcomes, including completion, transfer, and success
after graduation. The Top 200 are selected using student outcomes data, and a multi-stage
review culminates in the announcement of the Prize winner in spring 2027. The Prize
is administered by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program.