Minnesota State Community and Technical College, known as M State, has been recognized as one of the top 200 community colleges in the United States for the ninth consecutive time. This accolade qualifies the institution to compete for the prestigious $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, which is awarded by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program. The Aspen Prize is regarded as the premier recognition for high achievement and performance among two-year colleges across the nation.
The Aspen Institute evaluates colleges based on student outcome data, including retention, completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates. This recognition underscores M State’s commitment to fostering student success and educational excellence. Notably, M State is one of only two colleges in Minnesota to have been recognized in all nine cycles of the Aspen Prize since its inception in 2010.
Carrie Brimhall, President of M State, expressed pride in the institution’s achievement. “This recognition is a testament to the unwavering commitment of our leadership, faculty, and staff to student success,” she stated. Brimhall emphasized that the consistent ranking among the nation’s top community colleges reflects M State’s mission to empower students and strengthen communities through accessible and high-quality education.
Expanding Opportunities for Community Colleges
For the first time since the prize’s establishment, 200 colleges are eligible to apply for the Aspen Prize, an increase from the previous limit of 150. These selected colleges span urban, rural, and suburban areas, serving a diverse range of student populations. Some institutions focus primarily on workforce programs, while others prioritize degree attainment and university transfer. M State exemplifies a balanced approach, combining all three elements.
Josh Wyner, Executive Director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, commented on the significance of the prize. “The Aspen Prize rewards colleges that achieve the kind of outcomes that actually matter to students,” he noted. Wyner added that community colleges play a vital role in offering life-changing education that can help fulfill the American dream.
As an eligible college, M State will participate in a thorough review process leading to the announcement of the Aspen Prize winner in spring 2027. The top 10 finalists will be revealed in June 2026, providing further recognition of excellence among community colleges.
The Role of the Aspen Institute
The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization founded in 1949, dedicated to igniting human potential and fostering understanding to address society’s most pressing challenges. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with a campus in Aspen, Colorado, the Institute collaborates with an international network of partners to drive meaningful change through dialogue, leadership, and action.
The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program specifically aims to strengthen leadership and practices in higher education to improve student outcomes. This initiative ultimately seeks to advance economic mobility and cultivate talent for the benefit of individuals and society at large.
For more information about the Aspen Prize and the full list of eligible colleges, visit the Aspen Institute’s website at highered.aspeninstitute.org/aspen-prize. M State’s ongoing recognition highlights its dedication to providing quality education and fostering student success in the competitive landscape of community colleges.
