ACC Named Among Best Colleges in Country

Alvin Community College has once again been listed in the top 150 community colleges in America as ranked by the Aspen Institute for 2025.

ACC received the distinction among more than 1,000 community colleges in the United States. The Aspen Institute also ranked ACC in the top community colleges in 2011, 2013, 2015, 2019, 2021, 2023 and 2025. Colleges are nominated every other year.

“To remain among the best colleges in the country requires a dedicated staff and equally dedicated students,” said ACC President Dr. Robert J. Exley. “We have received this distinction for the seventh time which is a testament to the quality of education we provide.”

The Aspen Institute is a non-profit organization that works to identify and replicate campus-wide practices that significantly improve college student outcomes. ACC is now eligible to compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the nation's signature recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges.

“In all the years I’ve been associated with ACC, I am extremely proud of that we are consistently named one of the best in the country,” said ‘Bel Sanchez, ACC Board of Regents chair. “When one looks at ACC compared to other institutions in our area, I think we have performed extremely well and our dedicated staff has made this honor possible.”

The Aspen Prize spotlights exemplary community colleges in order to drive attention to colleges achieving post-graduate success for all students. The institute selected ACC based on outstanding achievement in six critical areas: teaching and learning, certificate and degree completion, transfer and bachelor’s attainment, workforce success, equitable access to the college, and equitable outcomes for students of color and students from low-income backgrounds.

Some of the data used in determining the top 150 status are equitable student outcomes in first-to-second year retention, credentials awarded, and completion and transfer rates.

For more information about ACC call 281-756-3500 or visit https://www.alvincollege.edu/aspen.html. To learn more about the Aspen Institute, visit aspeninstitute.org.