Today, the Aspen Institute named DMACC as an Aspen Prize Top 200 U.S. Community College, the nation’s premier recognition of high achievement and performance among two-year colleges. 

The national honor means that the college is eligible to apply and compete for the $1 million Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, which will be announced in Spring 2027. 

"This recognition shows that Iowa students don't have to go far to find one of the best community colleges in the country," DMACC President Rob Denson said. "DMACC's people, programs, and partnerships continue to make a real difference for our students and for the State of Iowa." 

The 200 colleges were selected based on an analysis of public education data from sources such as the National Center for Education Statistics and National Student Clearinghouse showing student outcomes, such as retentation, completion, transfer, and bachelor's attainment rates.

Started in 2010, this is the ninth cycle of the Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence.

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

"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.” 

The recognition means that DMACC is now eligible to submit an application and participate in the rigorous review process that will culminate in the naming of an Aspen Prize winner in spring 2027. Over the coming months, DMACC will collect and report extensive data on student outcomes. The college will also be assessed on whether it has effectively expanded and increased efforts to improve overall student outcomes like retention, degree completion, and post-graduation employment. 

"As we work through the Aspen Institute application process, we see it as an opportunity to reflect on DMACC's strengths, including our commitment to student success," said Deborah Kepple-Mamros, DMACC's Executive Director of Institutional Effectiveness. "It is a rigorous process, much like a competitive grant, but more than that, it recognized DMACC as among the best community colleges in the country." 

The full list of Aspen Prize Top 200 Colleges can be viewed in the Aspen Prize homepage. The Aspen Prize is generously funded by Ascendium Education Philanthropy and the Joyce Foundation. 

Media Contact: 

Dan Ryan

Executive Director of Strategic Communications & Marketing 

djryan8@dmacc.edu