A-B Tech Named Among Nation’s Top 200 Community Colleges

A-B Tech Community College has been named one of the nation’s top 200 community colleges recognized for the 2027 Aspen Prize for Community College Excellence, the country’s premier recognition of high achievement among two-year colleges.

The $1 million prize honors institutions that demonstrate strong student outcomes—both in college and after graduation—based on data including retention, completion, transfer, and bachelor’s attainment rates.

The Aspen Institute noted that the selected colleges represent a diverse mix of urban, rural, and suburban institutions serving anywhere from a few hundred to tens of thousands of students. These colleges vary in focus, from workforce training to transfer preparation or a combination of both.

“It is an honor to be included on the list of colleges eligible for the Aspen Prize,” said A-B Tech President John Gossett. “The award recognizes our efforts on behalf of A-B Tech students, alumni, and our community. I’m especially proud of our faculty and staff whose work makes these achievements possible.”

According to Josh Wyner, executive director of the Aspen Institute College Excellence Program, “Aspen Prize winners show that community colleges can deliver life-changing education that makes the American Dream real.”

The 200 eligible colleges are invited to apply and undergo a rigorous review process over the next 20 months. Institutions will be assessed on student success measures—including completion, transfer, and post-graduation employment—and on how well they implement practices that lead to improved outcomes. The 2027 Aspen Prize winner will be announced in spring 2027.

This year marks the first time 200 colleges are eligible to apply, expanding from 150.

A-B Tech was also recently named the Gold Winner in the 2025 Best of Asheville Awards for Best College/University and Best Vocational School—for the third consecutive year.

Learn more at abtech.edu.