Carroll Community College Named Among Top 200 Colleges Eligible for 2027 Aspen Prize

Westminster, MD — Carroll Community College has been named one of 200 community colleges nationwide eligible to compete for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s most prestigious recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges. 

Awarded by the Aspen Institute, the Aspen Prize honors institutions that demonstrate outstanding outcomes in student success, including retention, completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates. The selection reflects Carroll’s commitment to academic excellence, workforce development, and equitable student achievement. 

“We are honored to be recognized by the Aspen Institute and proud to stand among the top community colleges in the country,” said Dr. Rose Mince, President of Carroll Community College. “This distinction is a testament to the dedication of our faculty, staff, and community and to the success of our students.” 

The Aspen Prize process identifies and celebrates community colleges that demonstrate that achieving stronger outcomes is possible, providing a roadmap of effective practices and strategies for other colleges to follow. 

The Aspen Prize process includes a rigorous review of student outcomes data and institutional practices. Over the next 20 months, eligible colleges will submit applications and undergo multiple rounds of evaluation, culminating in the announcement of the Aspen Prize winner in spring 2027. 

This year marks the ninth cycle of the Aspen Prize and the first time 200 colleges have been invited to apply, expanding from 150 in previous years.

Carroll Community College remains committed to delivering high-quality education and creating pathways to lifelong success for students across Carroll County and beyond.

“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.”

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Carroll Community College’s mission is Empowering learners. Changing lives. Building community. Carroll Community College (Carroll) provides accessible, high-quality educational opportunities to advance careers, enrich lives, and strengthen the community we serve. Carroll offers academic and career preparation leading to transfer to four-year colleges and universities, and for direct entry into professional opportunities. Carroll Community College is located at 1601 Washington Road, Westminster, Md., 21157. Visit us on our website at www.carrollcc.edu.