Recognition
With among the highest graduation and retention rates in the state of Minnesota (and among the lowest tuition), ATCC provides high quality education at a fraction of the cost of a university. The national and state rankings below are evidence of our ongoing commitment to excellence.
2021 Recognition
Best Associate Degree in Nursing
#1 in Minnesota
Rankings based on first-time NCLEX-RN pass rates, program accreditation, program cost, and graduation/retention rates.
Best Medical Coding Degrees
#4 in the U.S.
Rankings based on curriculum quality, graduation rate, reputation, and post-graduate employment. Also ranked within top 50 nationally for Business Administration Associate Degrees and Human Services Degrees.
Best Business Administration & Management Degrees
#8 in the Plains States Region
Rankings based on student success metrics, post graduation wages, and availability of online/flexible learning options.
Best Two-Year Colleges
#4 in Minnesota
Rankings based on student reviews and data from the U.S. Department of Education.
Best Paralegal Associate Degree
#3 in the U.S.
Rankings based on accreditation, tuition rates, and program credit hours.
2020 Recognition
Best Community Colleges
#8 in the U.S.
#1 in Minnesota
Rankings based on tuition cost, financial aid, student achievement outcomes, and career placement/wages after graduation.
Best Online Community Colleges Overall
#20 in the U.S.
Rankings based on retention rate and student achievement outcomes.
Best Online Community Colleges in Minnesota
#2 in Minnesota
Rankings based on retention rate and student achievement outcomes.
Best Associate Degrees in Automotive Technology
#4 in the U.S.
The Diesel Mechanics program was ranked among the best in the nation for median starting salary among graduates.
Best Associate Degrees in Graphic Design
#5 in the U.S.
The Communication Art & Design program was ranked among the best in the nation for median starting salary among graduates.
Best Community Colleges in the United States
#27 in the U.S.
Rankings based on student achievement outcomes, cost-to-value, and additional criteria.
2019 Recognition
2021 Aspen Prize Eligible
Top 150 in the U.S.
Eligibility awarded to the Top 150 Community Colleges in the United States. ATCC has been consistently eligible for the award since its inception in 2011.
Best Community Colleges
#7 in the U.S.
#2 in Minnesota
Based on quality and affordability
Highest Graduation Rates
#17 in the U.S.
#1 in Minnesota
Among 2-year colleges, based on 3-year graduation rates