Tallahassee State College Earns Spot Among Nation's Top 200 Community Colleges

Tallahassee State College (TSC) has been named among the top 200 community colleges in the United States by the prestigious Aspen Institute. With this distinction, it is now eligible to compete for the highly regarded $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence. The Aspen Prize is the premier recognition of excellence in the nation's community college sector.

The Significance of the Top 200 Selection

The Aspen Institute evaluates nearly 1,000 public colleges across the U.S. for this award, with the selection criteria focused on institutions demonstrating outstanding student outcomes. Key outcome areas evaluated include retention, completion, transfer, and attainment of bachelor's degrees. This award cycle marks the first time 200 colleges have been named eligible, reflecting a competitive and rigorous selection process.

The eligible colleges selected represent the breadth and diversity of the nation's community colleges, serving students in urban, suburban, and rural communities. The Aspen Prize is awarded every two years, showcasing consistent commitment to identifying long-term institutional excellence nationwide.

TSC's Commitment to Workforce and Transfer Excellence

Dr. Jim Murdaugh, president of TSC, said the recognition "affirms the work happening every day to support our students, strengthen our workforce, and elevate opportunity throughout our region".

The college maintains strong university transfer pipelines, including partnerships with the Aspire and Ignite programs with Florida State University (FSU) and Florida A&M University (FAMU).

The recognition of TSC places it alongside peer institution Wiregrass Georgia Technical College, which was also named in the top 200.

The Road to the Aspen Prize Winner

Colleges invited to apply for the final prize undergo a rigorous review process, which will take place over the next 20 months. The process involves an examination of student outcomes, institutional practices, employment, and earnings outcomes. Finalists will also undergo multi-day site visits. The $1 million Aspen Prize winner will be announced in Spring 2027 in Washington, D.C.