Clark named one of 200 best community colleges

Clark College has been named as one of the top 200 community colleges in the United States by the Aspen Institute and is eligible for the nonprofit’s $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

Clark College was selected out of about 1,000 community colleges in the country for its success in student outcomes data, including retention, completion, transfer and bachelor’s attainment rates, according to the news release from the Aspen Institute.

Community colleges educate nearly 6 million students but often fall short in graduation and post-grad success, a news release states.

The Aspen Prize, started in 2010, identifies community colleges that are achieving stronger outcomes.

“This recognition affirms our ongoing commitment to equitable student success and the transformative power of education. At Clark, student success means more than earning a degree — it’s about creating pathways to opportunity for every learner,” Clark College President Karin Edwards said in the news release.

In spring 2027, the nonprofit will announce the winner of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

The $1 million prize is funded by Ascendium Education Philanthropy and the Joyce Foundation.