PBSC among top 200 colleges eligible for 2027 Aspen Prize

The Aspen Institute has named Palm Beach State College as one of the 200 institutions eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s signature recognition of high achievement and performance among America’s two-year colleges. The 200 institutions were selected based on their student outcomes data, including retention, completion, transfer and bachelor’s attainment rates.

This marks the eighth time that PBSC has made the list since the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program created the biennial award in 2010. This is the first year the Aspen Prize has expanded its pool of eligible colleges from 150 to 200.

“Our faculty and staff have united around a shared mission to use data as a catalyst for meaningful change,” said Roger Yohe, Ph.D., interim vice president of academic affairs and innovation. “Over the past several years, we have deepened our understanding of what drives student engagement, persistence and completion—then acted on that insight to transform learning experiences and outcomes. This recognition from the Aspen Institute affirms the dedication of our entire campus community to helping every student achieve success.”

The 200 eligible colleges reflect the diversity and depth of the community college sector. The colleges are located in urban, rural and suburban areas across 39 states and serve anywhere from a few hundred students to tens of thousands. Some of the institutions focus primarily on workforce programs, while others focus on transfer and bachelor’s attainment or a combination of the two.

“The Aspen Prize rewards colleges that achieve the kind of outcomes that actually matter to students—completing college degree programs that, in turn, lead to lifelong success,” said 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.”

Community colleges educate nearly six million students nationwide, yet many still face challenges in graduation and post-graduation success rates. The Aspen Prize highlights institutions that demonstrate stronger outcomes are possible, offering a roadmap of proven strategies for other colleges to follow.

The 200 eligible colleges have been invited to apply and will participate in a rigorous review process culminating in the announcement of the Aspen Prize winner in spring 2027. Over the next 20 months, applicants will be evaluated based on data such as transfer and completion rates, post-graduation employment and wage outcomes and the extent to which they have implemented effective, scalable student success practices.

The next steps in the process include:

• April 2026: Announcement of 25 semifinalists, based on extensive data review and applications evaluated by a panel of 11 experts in community colleges, higher education and workforce development.
• June 2026: Announcement of 10 finalists, selected by the same group of experts.
• Fall 2026: Collection of additional data from the 10 finalists, including employment and earnings data for graduates from 2020 and 2025, as well as qualitative assessments of practices by field experts during multi-day site visits.
• February 2027: The Aspen Prize winner selected by a distinguished, independent jury.
• Spring 2027: Announcement of the Aspen Prize winner and celebration of the 10 finalists at an event in Washington, D.C.

View the full list of the top 200 eligible institutions, including 14 Florida colleges, and read more on the selection process.