Aspen Institute Names SPC Among Top 200 U.S. Community Colleges

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program named St. Petersburg College (SPC) one of the Aspen Prize Top 200 U.S. Community Colleges 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 selection recognizes SPC’s strong outcomes in student retention, completion, transfer and bachelor’s degree attainment. Established in 2010, the Aspen Prize highlights colleges that deliver exceptional student success and equitable outcomes — both during and after college.

“We are honored to be recognized among the top community colleges in the nation,” said Dr. Tonjua Williams, President of St. Petersburg College. “This acknowledgment reflects SPC’s commitment to transforming lives through equitable access, student success and workforce innovation. We are proud of our faculty, staff and students whose dedication to excellence makes this possible.”

SPC’s ongoing focus on completion and success is showing measurable results. In 2025, the College saw a 7% increase in graduation rates, a 3.4% rise in overall class success and a 1.6% increase in persistence, with notable gains among first-time college students. Withdrawal rates also fell sharply, dropping 25–29% year-over-year, signaling stronger student engagement and academic progress.

“At St. Petersburg College, we are all working to improve course success and degree completion rates. It’s rewarding to see that effort reflected in the progress our students are making,” said Dr. Matthew Liao-Troth, Vice President of Academic Affairs. “Being named among the Aspen Prize Top 200 affirms that our student-centered approach and innovative programs are helping more students complete their goals and move into meaningful careers.”

The Aspen Prize process identifies colleges that demonstrate the potential for even greater impact and provides a roadmap for best practices across the community college sector. Over the next 20 months, eligible colleges will undergo a rigorous review based on student outcomes, learning, employment and equitable improvement practices.

“The Aspen Prize rewards colleges that achieve outcomes that truly matter — helping students complete degrees that lead to meaningful, well-paying careers,” said Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program.

The 2027 Aspen Prize winner will be announced in Spring 2027 following multiple review phases, including semifinalist and finalist designations and site visits.

See the full list of eligible colleges and details about the process here as.pn/prize.

About the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program strengthens higher education leadership and practice to improve student outcomes and advance economic mobility. For more information, visit highered.aspeninstitute.org and follow on LinkedIn, Bluesky and X. The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization that drives change through dialogue, leadership and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. Founded in 1949, the Institute is headquartered in Washington, D.C., with a campus in Aspen, Colorado and partners worldwide. Learn more at www.aspeninstitute.org.