The honor places Snow College in the running for a share of the $1 million prize, which recognizes institutions achieving outstanding outcomes in student retention, completion, transfer, and bachelor’s degree attainment.

“This recognition reflects the dedication and excellence of our faculty and staff, who come to work each day committed to helping our students succeed,” said Snow College President Stacee Yardley McIff. “Earning a place among the few institutions selected for this distinction is an honor, and our efforts being validated by the Aspen Institute–one of the nation’s most respected organizations dedicated to advancing excellence in higher education–is especially rewarding.”

This marks the fifth consecutive time since 2017 that Snow College has been named to the Aspen Institute’s list, underscoring the college’s consistent performance and student-centered mission.

The Aspen Prize, first awarded in 2010, is considered the premier national recognition for community colleges that demonstrate exceptional outcomes for students. The award process identifies schools that show measurable progress in helping students complete degrees, transfer to four-year institutions, and find career success after graduation.

“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’s 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.”

Snow College joins 199 other institutions representing the diversity of the nation’s community college system — from small rural schools to large urban campuses. Collectively, these schools serve nearly six million students across the country.

Each of the eligible colleges has been invited to apply for the 2027 prize and participate in a rigorous, 20-month review process that will culminate with the announcement of the winner in spring 2027. Evaluators will examine both student outcomes data and the effectiveness of practices that lead to improved results, such as strong advising programs, workforce partnerships, and transfer pathways.

“Among these 200 colleges are some really special places that deliver strong and improving outcomes for students across the board,” Wyner said. “Our job over the coming months is to gather more data and identify which institutions stand out so we can not only honor them, but help others learn from their success.”

This is the first year that 200 colleges have been invited to apply, up from 150 in previous cycles. In addition to federal data, more than 600 institutions provided detailed information through the National Student Clearinghouse to help the Aspen Institute measure performance in completion, transfer, and bachelor’s degree attainment among both full- and part-time students.

For Snow College, the recognition reaffirms its long-standing role as a leading higher education institution in Utah and the Intermountain West. With campuses in Ephraim and Richfield, Snow continues to offer accessible, high-quality education while maintaining a strong record of helping students reach their academic and career goals.

“We are proud of the work happening every day on our campuses,” McIff said. “This acknowledgment from the Aspen Institute motivates us to keep building programs and opportunities that prepare our students for success — wherever their paths may lead.”