Saddleback College has been named among the Top 200 community colleges in the nation by the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program and invited to apply for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, a $1 million award that recognizes high and improving levels of student success.
The Aspen Prize is the nation’s top recognition for two-year colleges and is awarded every two years. Eligibility reflects performance among nearly 1,000 community colleges and highlights strong results in teaching and learning, certificate and degree completion, transfer and bachelor’s attainment, workforce outcomes after graduation, and broad access with equitable outcomes for students from all backgrounds.
“This honor reflects Saddleback’s focus on helping every student reach their goals,” said Dr. Elliot Stern, President of Saddleback College. “Faculty and staff are using data to address success gaps, expanding access to course materials through Zero Textbook Cost classes, and providing proactive support that keeps students on track. I am proud of our team’s commitment to student achievement and equity.”
In recent years, Saddleback has advanced student success through initiatives that include:
- Expanding Zero Textbook Cost offerings that reduce costs for students and support higher course completion.
- Providing faculty with disaggregated course completion data to identify and address gaps.
- Increasing proactive case management and basic needs support that connects students with timely resources.
As part of the 2027 Aspen Prize cycle, Saddleback will submit student progress data and a narrative application this fall. The Aspen Institute will announce semifinalists and finalists in 2026, with the Prize awarded in 2027 in Washington, D.C. To learn more about the Aspen Prize and view the full list of Top 200 colleges, visit the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program at https://highered.aspeninstitute.org/aspen-prize/.
Saddleback College is one of two colleges in the South Orange County Community College District and is highly regarded for its quality higher education, extensive online education program, and superior career training for the South Orange County community. Saddleback College was recently recognized as being 1st in wage gains in Orange, Los Angeles, and San Diego counties; named a Top Ten community college in America; and voted Best Community College in Orange County. Each year, Saddleback College adds thousands of degree and certificate holders to the workforce, and transfers approximately 3,500 students to four-year colleges and universities throughout the nation. For more information, visit www.saddleback.edu.