$1 Million Prize Honors Colleges Achieving Strong Student Results, Both in College and After Graduation
WASHINGTON D.C., October 28, 2025 – Today, the Aspen Institute named Trinidad State College as one of the 200 institutions eligible to compete for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s premier recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges. The 200 colleges were selected based on their student outcomes data, including retention, completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates. Started in 2010, this is the ninth cycle of the Aspen Prize.
“Trinidad State is honored to be recognized once again as one of the top community
colleges in the nation by the Aspen Institute,” said Dr. Rhonda M. Epper, president. “Our strong outcomes prove we are driving prosperity for students and employers
in our communities.”
In 2025, Trinidad State was named a Semi-Finalist for the Aspen Prize, following a rigorous application and interview process that started with its selection into the Top 150 colleges eligible to compete for the prize. Only 20 colleges were selected as Semi-Finalists, marking the highest level ever reached by a Colorado Community College.
Coming off a year of 100th anniversary celebrations, Trinidad State is poised to enter its next century stronger than ever. Renovations and facility upgrades across both the Trinidad and Alamosa campuses have coincided with over $10 million in program funding to bring state-of-the-art training and workforce development to the region.
“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. Yet community college student outcomes fall short in both the rate at which students graduate and the percentage of students who achieve success after graduation. The Aspen Prize process identifies and celebrates community colleges which demonstrate that achieving stronger outcomes is possible, providing a roadmap of effective practices and strategies for other colleges to follow.
The 200 eligible colleges have been invited to submit an application and participate in a rigorous review process that will culminate in the naming of the Aspen Prize winner in spring 2027. Over the coming 20 months, the colleges that apply for the Aspen Prize will be assessed based on (1) student outcomes data, ranging from student transfer and completion rates to employment and wages after graduation and (2) whether they have engaged in scaled practices that led to high and improving student outcomes.
This is the first time since the inception of the Aspen Prize that 200 colleges are eligible to apply, growing from 150. This year, in addition to publicly available federal data, over 600 colleges authorized the use of National Student Clearinghouse data on their institution’s degree completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates for full- and part-time students.
The full list can be accessed on the Aspen Prize homepage.
To read more about the selection process, visit as.pn/prize.
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The Aspen Prize is generously funded by Ascendium Education Philanthropy and the Joyce Foundation.
About Trinidad State College
Founded in 1925 as Colorado’s first community college, Trinidad State College offers high-quality academic, technical, and workforce education through its campuses
in Trinidad and Alamosa. With programs in STEM, healthcare, skilled trades, and the
arts, TSC provides pathways to success for students throughout southern Colorado.
The college remains deeply committed to access, innovation, and lifelong learning.
Learn more at: www.trinidadstate.edu
The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program aims to strengthen higher education leadership and practice to improve student outcomes—with
the ultimate goal of advancing economic mobility and developing talent for the good
of each individual and society as a whole.
For more information, visit our website and follow us on LinkedIn, Bluesky, and X.
The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to
build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949,
the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve
society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, D.C. and has a campus
in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners.
For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org.