AACC Ranked Among America's Top Community Colleges, Will Seek Title Of Nation’s Best

ARNOLD, MD — Earlier this month, Anne Arundel Community College was named one of the top two-year schools in the United States.

AACC announced this achievement on Nov. 9, noting that it was one of the 150 institutions eligible for the 2023 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. These honorees will now apply for the $1 million award, which recognizes schools driven by scholarship and equity.

The Aspen Institute, a global nonprofit, will name the 10 finalists next year. Economic, political and journalistic leaders will select a winner and runner-ups in 2023. The jury will judge the applicants on their:

• Teaching and learning
• Certificate and degree completion
• Transfer and bachelor’s attainment
• Workforce success
• Equity for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds

Officials have bestowed the award every other year since 2011. The Aspen Institute also invited AACC to apply in 2019.

That year's prize went to Indian River State College and Miami Dade College, both of which are in Florida. San Antonio College in Texas won the most recent recognition in 2021.

AACC was one of two Maryland schools on this year's list. Frederick Community college was the other.

"We are honored to be recognized as one of the country's top community colleges invited to apply for this prestigious award once again," AACC President Dawn Lindsay said in a press release. "It is a testament to the student-centered approach and innovative spirit of the AACC community. Guided by our college's strategic plan, we have clear direction to create a culture of equity and engagement and a commitment to high quality student and employee experiences."

The full list of nominees is available at this link. More information on the Aspen Prize is posted here.

AACC is no stranger to national recognition. Academic Influence in March named the school the best community college in America.

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