Yuba College students, faculty, and staff gather to celebrate the college’s selection as one of the top 200 community colleges eligible for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. Photo courtesy of Yuba College

MARYSVILLE, CA (MPG) - The Aspen Institute has named Yuba College among the top 200 community colleges eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation’s premier recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year institutions.

“This recognition is offered based on a rigorous review of our students’ success data and demonstrates that we are high-performing and driving increased success for our students,” said Dr. Tawny Dotson, Yuba College president. “It’s a recognition not of any person or department but an entire institution committed to seeing our students succeed and have opportunities for good jobs and transfer. We are very proud to be on this list of exceptional nominees.”

The 200 colleges were selected based on student outcomes data including retention, completion, transfer and bachelor’s attainment rates. Together, these institutions represent the diversity of the community college sector, serving from a few hundred to tens of thousands of students across the nation.

“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.”

Over the next 20 months, eligible colleges will undergo a comprehensive review process assessing student outcomes and institutional practices. 25 semifinalists will be announced in April 2026, followed by ten finalists in June 2026, with the grand prize winner announced in spring 2027 in Washington, D.C.

For a full list of eligible colleges and details on the selection process, visit as.pn/prize.